1. What is a Home Heating Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the cost of home heating based on fuel consumption, price per unit, and system efficiency.

Purpose: It helps homeowners compare heating costs between different fuel types and heating systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Cost — Total heating cost in dollars
• Fuel Use — Amount of fuel consumed (units)
• Price per Unit — Cost of fuel per unit ($/unit)
• Efficiency — System efficiency percentage (%)

Explanation: The raw fuel cost is adjusted by the system's efficiency to show actual heating value received.

3. Importance of Fuel Cost Comparison

Details: Comparing heating costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about fuel choices and system upgrades for maximum cost efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fuel consumption, price per unit, and system efficiency (default 80%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Where can I find my system's efficiency rating?
A: Check your furnace/boiler specifications or look for the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating.

Q3: How does efficiency affect heating costs?
A: Higher efficiency systems convert more fuel to usable heat, reducing waste and lowering effective costs.

Q4: Can I compare different fuel types?
A: Yes, but you'll need to run separate calculations for each fuel type using appropriate units and efficiencies.

Q5: Does this include installation or maintenance costs?
A: No, this only calculates operational fuel costs. Consider other factors when evaluating total cost of ownership.