Is Electrification Worth It in Washington?

Cheapest electricity in the continental U.S. Thank you, hydropower.

Seattle averages $0.10/kWh. Spokane is even cheaper. Natural gas costs $1.40-1.80/therm, which isn't outrageous, but your climate is so mild (Portland-ish) that heat pumps barely have to work. And Washington has solid rebates through utility programs and state tax incentives.

Heat pumps are a great fit here. Low electricity costs + mild winters + decent incentives = 5-8 year payback. The one catch: Seattle's marine climate means moisture management matters. Make sure your HVAC contractor knows how to handle condensation and drainage properly—botched installs are the main complaint I see from Washington homeowners.

Updated December 2024Data from EIA, DSIRE, NREL
Heat Pump Payback
Not Recommended
With incentives
Annual Savings
$2,407
Full electrification
Available Incentives
$12,900
Federal + state + utility
CO₂ Reduction
12.8 tons
Per year

Washington Energy Costs

Electricity Rate
$0.105/kWh
Natural Gas Rate
$1.35/therm
Average Electric Bill
$115/month
Average Gas Bill
$68/month
Climate Zone
mixed
Heating Degree Days
5,200
Cooling Degree Days
350

Visual ROI Analysis

Payback Period Comparison

Lower is better • Shortest payback = fastest return on investment

Annual Savings Comparison

Higher is better • More annual savings = greater long-term benefit

Cumulative Net Savings Over Time

Point where line crosses $0 = payback achieved • Steeper line = faster savings growth

Return on Investment by Upgrade

🌡️

Heat Pump HVAC

Upfront Cost$12,000 - $22,000
Total Incentives-$3,800
Net Cost$8,200 - $18,200
Annual Savings$162/yr
Payback PeriodNot Recommended
Lifetime ROI21%
CO₂ Reduction2.9 tons/yr
☀️

Solar Panels

Upfront Cost$15,000 - $30,000
Total Incentives-$4,500
Net Cost$10,500 - $21,000
Annual Savings$737/yr
Payback Period22.4 years
Lifetime ROI96%
CO₂ Reduction3.3 tons/yr
💧

Heat Pump Water Heater

Upfront Cost$2,500 - $4,500
Total Incentives-$3,000
Net Cost$-500 - $1,500
Annual Savings$248/yr
Payback Period3.0 years
Lifetime ROI81%
CO₂ Reduction1.8 tons/yr

EV Charger + Electric Vehicle

Upfront Cost$800 - $2,500
Total Incentives-$1,600
Net Cost$-800 - $900
Annual Savings$1,260/yr
Payback Period0.1 years
Lifetime ROI1623%
CO₂ Reduction4.8 tons/yr

Full Electrification Package

Total Upfront Cost
$30,300 - $59,000
Total Incentives
-$12,900
Net Cost After Incentives
$17,400 - $46,100
Annual Energy Savings
$2,407/year
Lifetime Savings (18 years)
$43,323
Simple Payback
14.7 years
💡

Best ROI for Washington

Based on your state's energy costs and climate, EV Charger offers the best return on investment with an average payback of 0.1 years and an ROI of 1623%.

0.0 years slower than average compared to the national average.

Ready to electrify your Washington home?

Get free quotes from local contractors who specialize in heat pumps, solar, and electrification.

Get Free Quotes →