The list below provides comparative costs for various alternative space heating systems in dollars per unit of heat delivered (million Btu's).

Because any given situation may vary from the assumptions used below, the calculations for each system type are shown so that you can adjust the cost, efficiency, or other factors to more accurately reflect your specific situation. Because the fuel cost and efficiency of heating alternatives varies so much we make no warranty, express or implied, regarding the estimated costs on this page.

Also, keep in mind this is only a simple comparison of operating costs. It's important to recognize that this is only part of the picture. Some may wish to compare the overall economics of alternatives, accounting for first cost, maintenance cost, operating costs, and other factors. In addition to the economics, some may also want to compare the environmental impacts of alternative heating systems. Also, while wood heat systems are the least costly per Btu delivered, don't forget they take more time to operate ("care and feeding!"), create more air pollution, and don't generally heat the home as evenly and consistently as other heating alternatives. Lastly, the benefits of hydronic (hot water) heating system, in addition to comfort and low distribution energy costs, include the ability to use solar energy systems.

For help on specific projects, contact The Energy Guy about consulting services. Through the use of such services, all of the energy, economic and environmental consequences of your energy choices can be brought to light, allowing you to see the "big picture" before making your final decisions.

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ELECTRICITY

$ Cost Per
Million BTU
Delivered

$69.88 Electric Resistance Forced Air System:

$67.63 - Heat: (0.15) $ / kWhr / (3.412) kBtu/kWhr x (1,000) kBtu / MBtu / 0.65 DistribEff
$2.25 - Fan: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.015) kW/kBtu x (1,000) kBtu / Mbtu

$33.82 Heat Pump Forced Air System **

(0.15) $/kWhr / (3.412) kBtu/kWhr x (1,000) kBtu/MBtu / 2 C.O.P. / 0.65 DistribEff

PROPANE

$ Cost Per
Million BTU
Delivered

$46.08 Low Efficiency (70% AFUE) Propane Gas Forced Air System & Ducts (65%)

$43.83 - Gas: (2.00) $/gal / (90,000) Btu/gal x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.78 AFUE x 0.65 DistribEff)
$2.25 - Fan: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.015) kW/kBtu x (1,000) kBtu / Mbtu

$40.30 Medium Efficiency (80%) Propane Gas Forced Air System & Ducts (73%)

$38.05 - Gas: (2.00) $/gal / (90,000) Btu/gal x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.80 AFUE x 0.73 DistribEff)
$2.25 - Fan: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.015) kW/kBtu x (1,000) kBtu / Mbtu

$33.11 High Efficiency (90%) Propane Gas Forced Air System & Ducts (80%)

$30.86 - Gas: (2.00) $/gal / (90,000) Btu/gal x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.90 AFUE x 0.8 DistribEff)
$2.25 - Fan: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.015) kW/kBtu x (1,000) kBtu / Mbtu

$29.90 Medium Efficiency (85%) Propane Gas Radiant Heating System (Water Heater)*

$29.05 Gas: (2.00) $/gal / (90,000) Btu/gal x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.85 Eff x 0.90% DistribEff)
$0.85 Pump: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.170) kWhr / (30) kBtuh x (1,000) kBtu/Mbtu

$29.19 High Efficiency (90%) Propane Gas Radiant Heating System (Boiler)*

$27.43 - Gas: (2.00) $/gal / (90,000) Btu/gal x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.90 Eff x 0.90% DistribEff)
$0.88 - Pump: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.350) kWhr / (60) kBtuh x (1,000) kBtu/Mbtu
$0.88 - Combustion Air Blower: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.350) kWhr / (60) kBtuh x (1,000) kBtu/Mbtu

WOOD/PELLETS

$ Cost Per
Million BTU
Delivered

$12.17 Pellet Stove Heating (does not include electrical)

(180) $/ton / (17) MBtu/Ton / (0.87 Efficiency)

$9.79 Air-Tight Woodstove Heating

(200) $/cord / (4,950) Lb/Cord / (5,500) Btu/Lb / (0.75) x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu
Based on dry oak firewood

NATURAL GAS

$ Cost Per
Million BTU
Delivered

$34.37 Medium Efficiency (80%) Natural Gas Forced Air System & Ducts (65%)

$32.12 - Gas: (1.67) $/therm / (100,000) Btu/therm x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.80 AFUE x 0.65 DistribEff)
$2.25 Fan: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.015) kW/kBtu x (1,000) kBtu / Mbtu

$25.44 High Efficiency (90%) Natural Gas Forced Air System & Ducts (80%)

$23.19 - Gas: (1.67) $/therm / (100,000) Btu/therm x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.90 AFUE x 0.8% DistribEff)
$2.25 - Fan: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.015) kW/kBtu x (1,000) kBtu / Mbtu

$22.68 High Efficiency Natural Gas Radiant Heating System: $9.18 (Water Heater)*

$21.83 Gas: (1.67) $/therm / (100,000) Btu/therm x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.85 Eff x 0.90% DistribEff)
$0.85 Pump: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.170) kWhr x / (30) kBtuh x (1,000) kBtu/Mbtu

$22.38 High Efficiency (90%) Natural Gas Radiant Heating System (Boiler)*

$20.62 Gas: (1.67) $/therm / (100,000) Btu/therm x (1,000,000) Btu/MBtu / (0.90 Eff x 0.90% DistribEff)
$0.88 Pump: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.350) kWhr / (60) kBtuh x (1,000) kBtu/Mbtu
$0.88 Combustion Air Blower: (0.15) $ / kWhr x (0.350) kWhr / (60) kBtuh x (1,000) kBtu/Mbtu

* These systems also provide high efficiency water heating.

** Note: Due to poor performance at low temperatures, heat pumps are not recommended in cold climates. At temperatures below 47°F, heat pumps begin to operate on electric "strip heaters" alone; at this point it has an operating cost equal to an electric furnace.