The short answer
Electric baseboards turn each kWh into 3,412 BTU of heat. A heat pump moves heat from outside instead, delivering roughly 2 to 3 times as much heat per kWh over a season: an HSPF2 of 8.5 averages about 8,500 BTU per kWh. The advantage shrinks in very cold weather, which is where cold-climate models matter.
The math
Seasonal heat-pump kWh = heating BTU × hours ÷ (HSPF2 × 1,000). Baseboard kWh = BTU × hours ÷ 3,412. Our running-cost calculator does both for any system we cover.
Systems with stated HSPF2
The DELLA Optima 12,000 BTU 230V lists 10 HSPF2. Many listings give only SEER2; ask the maker for HSPF2 before comparing heating costs.
Products mentioned
Cold-climate (hyper heat) · DELLA
DELLA Optima 12,000 BTU 230V
12,000 BTU · 24 SEER2 · heats to -13°F
115V single-zone · Senville
Senville LETO 12,000 BTU 115V
12,000 BTU · 20.8 SEER · heats to 5°F
Cold-climate (hyper heat) · Senville
Senville AURA 9,000 BTU 230V
9,000 BTU · 28 SEER · heats to -22°F
Questions readers ask
Is a mini-split cheaper than baseboard heat?
Usually much cheaper to run: two to three times more heat per kWh over a season.
Should I keep my baseboards?
Many owners keep them as backup for the coldest nights, especially with standard (non-hyper-heat) systems.