Heat Pump Electrical Requirements: What Your Panel Needs
A heat pump typically draws 12–48 amps depending on size, requiring a dedicated 20A to 60A circuit — a 3-ton central unit needs roughly 22–28A on a 35–40A breaker. Backup electric resistance heat strips, if included, can add another 40+ amps and should always be factored into your panel's capacity check.
Heat pumps heat and cool your home using 2–4x less energy than a gas furnace. But they run entirely on electricity — and that changes your home's electrical math in ways most contractors do not explain upfront.
How Many Amps Does a Heat Pump Use?
| Heat Pump Size | Running Amps | Breaker Required | Wire Gauge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-ton mini-split | 12–15A | 20A dedicated | 12 AWG |
| 2-ton central unit | 18–22A | 30A dedicated | 10 AWG |
| 3-ton central unit | 22–28A | 35–40A dedicated | 8 AWG |
| 4-ton central unit | 28–38A | 45–50A dedicated | 8 AWG |
| 5-ton central unit | 34–48A | 50–60A dedicated | 6 AWG |
💡 Mini-split advantage: Ductless mini-split systems draw far less electricity per unit than whole-home central systems. If your panel is tight, adding one or two mini-splits for key rooms is a lower-impact starting point without an immediate panel upgrade.
Replacing Gas vs. Adding New Capacity
Replacing a gas furnace: Your existing central A/C outdoor unit likely already has a dedicated 240V circuit. A heat pump often reuses this circuit — your net new load may be modest.
Adding a heat pump where there was none: A brand-new load on your panel. A 3-ton heat pump adds roughly 28A of continuous draw that must fit within your NEC 80% capacity.
Critical — backup heat strips: Many systems include electric resistance backup strips for very cold days. A 10kW backup strip heater draws approximately 42A alone. Always ask for the kW rating and factor it into your load calculation.
Will Your Panel Need an Upgrade?
- 100A panel replacing existing gas furnace + A/C: Likely fine if the A/C was already on a proper dedicated circuit.
- 100A panel with no existing A/C, adding a 3-ton unit: Adding 28–35A new continuous load — get a professional load calculation.
- 100A panel with all-electric appliances + new heat pump: Very likely to need a panel upgrade.
- 200A panel replacing any gas heating: Almost certainly fine. A 200A panel's 160A usable capacity handles a heat pump in the vast majority of American homes.
⚠️ Watch out for heat strips: Always ask specifically for the kW rating of backup resistance heat strips. A 10kW strip adds ~42A — enough to push a borderline 100A panel over its limit.
Federal and State Incentives
The IRA 25C credit covers 30% of heat pump installation costs, up to $2,000 per year. The same credit covers up to $600 for a panel upgrade necessary to support the heat pump. Check dsireusa.org for your state's specific programmes.
Check Your Panel Right Now
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⚡ Run Free CalculatorQuestions to Ask Your Installer
- "What is the minimum circuit amperage for this specific model?"
- "Does this system include backup resistance heat strips, and what is their kW rating?"
- "Are you doing a panel load calculation as part of this installation?"
- "Is a permit being pulled for both the HVAC and electrical work?"
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does a heat pump need its own dedicated circuit?
A: Yes. Heat pumps require a dedicated 240V circuit sized specifically to the unit's amperage draw, separate from other household circuits, per standard NEC practice for major fixed appliances.
Q: Can my 100A panel handle a heat pump and an EV charger together?
A: It depends entirely on your home's total calculated load. Many 100A panels can handle one major 240V addition but struggle with two simultaneously — see our 100A vs 200A comparison guide for the full picture.
Q: Do backup electric heat strips change the panel calculation?
A: Yes, significantly. Backup resistance heat strips can add 20-60+ amps on top of the heat pump's normal compressor draw, and must be included in any panel capacity calculation.