The Propane vs. Oil Heat Cost Calculator helps homeowners decide between propane and oil heating by comparing the annual heating costs associated with each. This tool takes into account your home’s heating needs, local climate conditions, and the current prices of propane and oil.
Formula of Propane vs Oil Heat Cost Calculator
1. Annual BTU Requirement:
This is the total number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) needed to heat your home annually.
Annual BTU Requirement = Heating Degree Days (HDD) x Home Size (sq.ft.) x Building Constant
Heating Degree Days (HDD): A measure of how many degrees and days heating is required based on climate.
Home Size: The total square footage of the area being heated.
Building Constant: A factor that includes insulation quality, which varies by region (refer to the Department of Energy).
2. Fuel Consumption:
Calculates the amount of fuel required (in gallons) to meet your annual BTU requirement.
For Propane:
Gallons of Propane = Annual BTU Requirement / (Propane BTU per Gallon x Furnace Efficiency)
- Propane BTU per Gallon: 91,600 BTU/gal (can vary)
- Furnace Efficiency: Typically around 80% (AFUE rating)
For Oil:
Gallons of Oil = Annual BTU Requirement / (Oil BTU per Gallon x Furnace Efficiency)
- Oil BTU per Gallon: 138,500 BTU/gal (can vary)
- Furnace Efficiency: Typically around 80% (AFUE rating)
3. Annual Heating Cost:
Estimates the yearly heating cost for each fuel type.
For Propane:
Annual Propane Cost = Gallons of Propane x Propane Price per Gallon
For Oil:
Annual Oil Cost = Gallons of Oil x Oil Price per Gallon
4. Cost Comparison:
Compares the annual heating costs for propane and oil to determine the more cost-effective option.
Table of General Terms
This section provides a quick reference table for common terms and their definitions used in this calculator:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| BTU (British Thermal Unit) | The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. |
| HDD (Heating Degree Days) | A measurement designed to reflect the demand for energy needed to heat a building. |
| AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) | The ratio of furnace output (in BTUs) to natural gas input (in BTUs), a measure of furnace efficiency in converting fuel to energy. |
| Propane Price per Gallon | Current market price for propane, which can vary regionally and seasonally. |
| Oil Price per Gallon | Current market price for oil, also subject to regional and seasonal changes. |
Example of Propane vs Oil Heat Cost Calculator
Imagine a home that is 2,000 square feet in an area with 5,000 Heating Degree Days annually and a building constant of 0.02:
Annual BTU Requirement
2,000 sq.ft. x 5,000 HDD x 0.02 = 200,000 BTU
Fuel Consumption for Propane:
200,000 BTU / (91,600 BTU/gal x 0.80) ≈ 2.74 gallons of propane
Annual Propane Cost (assuming $2.50 per gallon):
2.74 gal x $2.50 = $6.85
This simple example demonstrates how to use the calculator to estimate heating costs.
Most Common FAQs
The cost-effectiveness of propane vs. oil can vary significantly based on current fuel prices, your home’s efficiency, and local climate conditions. Use the calculator to input the latest prices and your specific home details for an up-to-date comparison.
Reevaluate your heating options annually, especially if fuel prices are volatile in your region, to ensure you are using the most cost-effective and efficient heating source.
Yes, regular maintenance such as sealing ducts, cleaning filters, and checking the furnace’s settings can help improve its efficiency and reduce overall heating costs.