Home Heating Cost Calculator

Heating Cost Formula:

\[ \text{Cost} = \frac{\text{Annual Load}}{\text{Efficiency}} \times \text{Price} \]

Annual Heating Cost ($):

Definition: This calculator estimates the annual cost of home heating based on heating load, system efficiency, and energy price.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and energy professionals estimate heating expenses for budgeting and efficiency comparisons.

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ \text{Cost} = \frac{\text{Annual Load}}{\text{Efficiency}} \times \text{Price} \]

Where:

Explanation: The annual heating load is adjusted for system efficiency, then multiplied by energy price to determine total cost.

Details: Accurate cost estimation helps with energy budgeting, efficiency upgrades evaluation, and comparing different heating systems.

Tips: Enter the annual heating load in kWh, system efficiency (default 0.85), and energy price (default $0.12/kWh). All values must be > 0.

Q1: How do I find my annual heating load?
A: Check your energy bills, use historical data, or consult a professional energy audit.

Q2: What's a typical heating system efficiency?
A: Modern furnaces: 0.85-0.98, older systems: 0.6-0.8, heat pumps: 2.0-3.0 (COP).

Q3: Should I use current or projected energy prices?
A: For budgeting, use current prices. For long-term planning, consider projected increases.

Q4: Does this include maintenance costs?
A: No, this calculates only energy costs. Maintenance should be budgeted separately.

Q5: How can I reduce my heating costs?
A: Improve insulation, upgrade to more efficient systems, or use programmable thermostats.