1. What is a Heating Price Comparison Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cost of heating based on energy use, price per unit of energy, and system efficiency.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and businesses compare heating costs between different energy sources and systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Price ($)
• \( E \) — Energy Use (units)
• \( C \) — Price per Unit ($/unit)
• \( Eff \) — Efficiency (%)

Explanation: The energy use is multiplied by price per unit, then divided by the efficiency percentage (as a decimal) to account for system losses.

3. Importance of Heating Price Comparison

Details: Comparing heating costs helps identify the most cost-effective heating solution and can lead to significant long-term savings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the energy use in units (kWh, therms, gallons, etc.), price per unit in dollars, and system efficiency as a percentage (default 100% for electric resistance heating).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for energy?
A: Use consistent units (kWh for electricity, therms for gas, gallons for oil) that match your price per unit.

Q2: What's a typical efficiency for heating systems?
A: Electric resistance: 100%, Heat pumps: 200-300%, Gas furnaces: 80-98%, Oil furnaces: 80-90%.

Q3: How do I find my energy use?
A: Check utility bills or use our Energy Use Calculator for specific heating needs.

Q4: Should I include delivery charges in price per unit?
A: Yes, include all costs associated with the energy source for accurate comparison.

Q5: Can I compare different fuel types?
A: Yes, but convert all to common units (like dollars per million BTU) for fair comparison.