Propane vs Heat Pump Calculator

Cost Comparison Formula:

\[ \text{Cost}_p = \text{Propane BTU Cost} \] \[ \text{Cost}_{hp} = \frac{\text{Electricity Cost}}{\text{COP}} \]

Propane Cost per 100k BTU:

Heat Pump Cost per 100k BTU:

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1. What is a Propane vs Heat Pump Calculator?

Definition: This calculator compares the operating costs of propane heating systems versus heat pump systems.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and professionals determine which heating method is more cost-effective based on local energy prices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_p = \frac{\text{Propane Cost}}{\text{BTU per gallon}} \times 100000 \] \[ \text{Cost}_{hp} = \frac{\text{Electricity Cost}}{\text{BTU per kWh}} \times \frac{100000}{\text{COP}} \]

Where:

\( \text{Cost}_p \) — Propane cost per 100,000 BTU
\( \text{Cost}_{hp} \) — Heat pump cost per 100,000 BTU
\( \text{COP} \) — Coefficient of Performance (typically 2.5-4.0 for heat pumps)

Explanation: The calculator normalizes costs to 100,000 BTU for fair comparison between different energy sources.

3. Importance of Energy Cost Comparison

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current propane price per gallon, electricity cost per kWh, and your heat pump's COP (default is 3.0). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is COP in heat pumps?
A: COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures heating efficiency. Higher COP means more efficient heat transfer.

Q2: What's a typical COP value?
A: Most modern heat pumps have COPs between 2.5-4.0, varying with outdoor temperature.

Q3: How do I find my local energy prices?
A: Check your utility bills or provider websites for current propane and electricity rates.

Q4: Does this include installation costs?
A: No, this only compares operating costs. Installation costs vary significantly between systems.

Q5: Why compare per 100,000 BTU?
A: This standard unit allows fair comparison between different energy sources measured in different units.