Gas vs Electric Heat Cost Calculator

Heat Cost Formulas:

\[ \text{Cost\_gas} = \frac{\text{BTU}}{\text{Efficiency\_g}} \times \frac{\text{Price\_g}}{100,000} \] \[ \text{Cost\_e} = \frac{\text{BTU}}{\text{Efficiency\_e}} \times \frac{\text{Price\_e}}{3,412} \]

Heat Required (BTU):

BTU

Gas System Efficiency:

Gas Price:

$/therm

Electric System Efficiency:

Electricity Price:

$/kWh

Gas Heating Cost:

Electric Heating Cost:

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

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1. What is a Gas vs Electric Heat Cost Calculator?

Definition: This calculator compares the cost of producing heat using gas versus electric systems for a given amount of heat (BTUs).

Purpose: It helps homeowners and businesses determine which heating method is more cost-effective for their needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Gas Cost} = \frac{\text{BTU}}{\text{Gas Efficiency}} \times \frac{\text{Gas Price}}{100,000} \] \[ \text{Electric Cost} = \frac{\text{BTU}}{\text{Electric Efficiency}} \times \frac{\text{Electric Price}}{3,412} \]

Where:

BTU — British Thermal Units of heat required
Gas Efficiency — Percentage efficiency of gas system (typically 80-95%)
Gas Price — Price per therm of natural gas
Electric Efficiency — Percentage efficiency of electric system (typically 100%)
Electric Price — Price per kilowatt-hour of electricity

3. Importance of Heat Cost Comparison

Details: Understanding the cost difference helps in making informed decisions about heating systems, especially when considering new installations or replacements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat requirement in BTUs, system efficiencies (as percentages), and energy prices. Default values are provided for common scenarios.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine my required BTUs?
A: Use a heat loss calculator or consult an HVAC professional to estimate your heating needs.

Q2: Why is electric efficiency often 100%?
A: Electric resistance heating converts all electricity to heat, while heat pumps can exceed 100% efficiency.

Q3: What's a typical gas efficiency percentage?
A: Standard gas furnaces are about 80% efficient, while high-efficiency models can reach 95-98%.

Q4: Where can I find my local energy prices?
A: Check your utility bills or contact your energy provider for current rates.

Q5: Does this include installation or equipment costs?
A: No, this only compares operational costs. Consider upfront costs separately.