IGSHPA BTU Calculator

		Cost per BTU Calculator for Residential / Light Commercial Heating & Cooling Systems








Enter the utility rates for the various fuels below.
Heating/Cooling/Hot Water data below are calculations based upon the utility rates.

Electricity	$/kWh			Notes on finding the energy costs to the left:
Average in the U.S. (April 2022) is $0.1136/kWh				Energy rates are not always easy to determine. There may be transportation fees, service charges, taxes, and others costs for delivering energy to the building. It is recommended that the rate is based upon the total monthly cost divided by the total monthly units of energy. For example, if the total electric bill for a month is $150 and there were 1,500 kWh used, the cost per kWh is $150 divided by 1,500, or $0.10/kWh.
Natural Gas
Range in the U.S. (April 2022) is $0.90 to $2.00/therm
Propane
Range in the U.S. (April 2022) is $2.70 to $4.00/gal.
Fuel Oil
Range in the U.S. (April 2022) is $3.00 to $5.00/gal.
Heating					Cooling
System			Cost/Million Btu		System	Cost/Million Btu
Electric-Geothermal*					Geothermal*
Electric-Air Source Heat Pump**					20 SEER Heat Pump or A/C
Electric-Resistance					16 SEER Heat Pump or A/C
Natural Gas 95%					13 SEER Heat Pump or A/C
Natural Gas 90%					10 SEER Heat Pump or A/C
Natural Gas 80%
Fuel Oil 80%					*Rated efficiency = 4.6 COP / 23.9 EER
Propane 95%					**Rated efficiency = 9.5 HSPF / 17.0 SEER
Propane 90%
Propane 80%
Domestic Hot Water
System			Cost/Million Btu
Geothermal Full Hot Water
Geothermal with Hot Water Assist
Heat Pump Water Heater
Electric Water Heater
Natural Gas Water Heater
Propane Water Heater

The operating cost of a heating system is dependent upon many variables such as fuel cost, fuel type, system efficiency, location (weather), system maintenance, and even thermostat settings. This calculator allows the user to compare various heating systems based upon the cost per million BTUs (British Thermal Units). BTUs are used to express the amount of energy needed to heat a home. This approach eliminates some of the variables (location, maintenance, thermoststat settings), allowing a comparison based upon efficiency and energy costs.




The operating cost of a cooling system is dependent upon many variables such electric rates, system efficiency, location (weather), system maintenance, and even thermostat settings. Cooling systems are normally rated by EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) or SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This calculator allows the user to compare various cooling systems based upon the electric rate entered and the cost per million BTUs, calculated for each efficiency shown. This approach eliminates some of the variables (location, maintenance, thermoststat settings), allowing a comparison based upon efficiency and energy costs.





An accurate system comparison requires a heat loss/heat gain calculation based upon the construction and geographic location of the building, as well as equipment sizing and ground loop sizing based upon industry guidelines. The final decision should be based upon operating costs, installation costs, expected maintenance costs, and system life expectancy. This calculator is designed to provide a relative comparison based upon energy costs and system efficiency. IGSHPA has a business directory at igshpa.org.






NOTICE: The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) has made every attempt to ensure that this software is accurate and error free. Calculations are based upon industry standard practice, including data from heat pump manufacturers. However, as with any software, IGSHPA does not warrant that the information in this software is free from errors. The software is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of the program and data is with the user. In no event will IGSHPA be liable for any damages, including without limitation any lost profits, lost savings, or other incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use this program and data. By operating this program, the user acknowledges agreement with this notice.