1. What is the Electric Vs Gas Calculator?

The Electric Vs Gas Calculator compares the costs of using electricity versus natural gas for various applications. It helps users determine which energy source is more economical based on current rates and usage patterns.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses simple formulas:

Where:

• kWh — Electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours
• Rate E — Electricity rate in dollars per kWh
• therms — Natural gas consumption in therms
• Rate G — Natural gas rate in dollars per therm

Explanation: The calculator multiplies energy consumption by the respective rate to determine total costs for each energy source.

3. Importance of Energy Cost Comparison

Details: Comparing electricity and gas costs helps consumers make informed decisions about energy usage, appliance selection, and can lead to significant cost savings on utility bills.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter electricity usage in kWh, electricity rate in $/kWh, gas usage in therms, and gas rate in $/therm. All values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a therm?
A: A therm is a unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units (BTUs), commonly used for natural gas billing.

Q2: How do I find my electricity and gas rates?
A: Check your utility bills or contact your energy provider. Rates are typically listed in the billing details section.

Q3: Are there other factors to consider beyond cost?
A: Yes, consider efficiency, environmental impact, availability, and equipment costs when choosing between electric and gas appliances.

Q4: How accurate is this comparison?
A: This provides a basic cost comparison. For precise comparisons, consider appliance efficiency ratings and seasonal rate variations.

Q5: Can I use this for different appliances?
A: Yes, this calculator can be used to compare costs for heating, cooking, water heating, and other applications that can use either electricity or gas.