Electric Vs Gas Furnace Monthly Cost Calculator

Cost Formulas:

\[ \text{Cost Electric} = \frac{\text{Heat Load}}{\text{COP}} \times \text{Rate E} \times \frac{\text{Hours}}{30} \] \[ \text{Cost Gas} = \frac{\text{Heat Load}}{\text{Efficiency G}} \times \text{Rate G} \times \frac{\text{Hours}}{30} \]

Heat Load (kW):

COP (Coefficient of Performance):

dimensionless

Efficiency G (%):

Rate E ($/kWh):

$/kWh

Rate G ($/therm):

$/therm

Hours (h/month):

h/month

Cost Electric ($/month):

Cost Gas ($/month):

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1. What is the Electric Vs Gas Furnace Cost Calculator?

This calculator compares the monthly operating costs of electric heat pumps (using COP) versus gas furnaces (using efficiency percentage) to help determine which heating system is more cost-effective for your needs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formulas:

Where:

Heat Load — Heating requirement in kilowatts (kW)
COP — Coefficient of Performance for heat pump (dimensionless)
Efficiency G — Gas furnace efficiency percentage (%)
Rate E — Electricity rate in dollars per kilowatt-hour ($/kWh)
Rate G — Gas rate in dollars per therm ($/therm)
Hours — Monthly operating hours (h/month)

Explanation: The formulas calculate energy consumption based on system efficiency and multiply by energy rates to determine monthly costs.

3. Importance of Cost Comparison

Details: Comparing operating costs helps homeowners make informed decisions about heating system selection, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually on energy bills.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter accurate values for your specific situation. Heat load can be estimated from your home's square footage and insulation quality. Check your utility bills for current energy rates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical COP value for heat pumps?
A: Modern heat pumps typically have COP values between 2.5-4.0, meaning they produce 2.5-4 times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.

Q2: What is average gas furnace efficiency?
A: Standard efficiency furnaces are around 80%, while high-efficiency models can reach 95-98% efficiency.

Q3: How do I determine my heat load?
A: Heat load depends on home size, insulation, windows, and climate. A professional energy audit provides the most accurate assessment.

Q4: Why divide hours by 30?
A: This converts daily operating hours to a monthly basis, assuming 30 days in a month for calculation purposes.

Q5: Are there other cost factors to consider?
A: Yes, consider installation costs, maintenance expenses, equipment lifespan, and potential future energy price changes when making a decision.