A 600-watt space heater costs around $60 per month to run and a 1500 watt or 1.5 kilo-watt space heater costs over $150 a month to run. The price to run an electric space heater is determined by the size and the number of watts it consumes. Whatever fuel source you have for your central heat will make a huge difference on how much you spend annually on your heat costs. It can be fueled by natural gas, propane, oil or electricity. It also does not put out much heat, compared to many other options for heat.Ĭentral heat is any heating system that is used to heat an entire home. Space Heater vs Central Heat CostĪ space heater is generally used in smaller spaces and runs on electricity. In colder climates, like Pennsylvania, a natural gas furnace is about $500 less expensive to operate than a heat pump. Keep in mind that the annual savings is only around $21, but a heat pump is a very good option in warmer climates. It is actually more cost effective to use a heat pump in Arizona, rather than a natural gas furnace. Using a natural gas furnace in Pennsylvania will cost a homeowner $2081.84 each year to heat their home.īy having a heat pump as a primary heat source, homeowners in Pennsylvania will pay $2585.35 annually for their heat.Ĭomparing heat pumps and natural gas furnaces in Arizona and in Pennsylvania was a bit unexpected. You will pay $919.51 annually to heat your home by using a heat pump in Arizona. Heat pumps and gas furnaces are two of the most common types of heating systems used throughout the United States.Ī natural gas furnace that is 90% efficient will cost $941.40 a year to operate. * Heat Pump Efficiency (HSPF): 80% Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace Cost Calculator Read on to see what you would pay and use the comparison guide to help you make an informed decision on what type of heating system is best for your home. Like all heating systems, every system has different positives and negatives. This comparison guide will compare the annual and long term cost for a number of different types of heating systems. The efficiency rating will determine how much heat actually comes from the BTUs via the heating system. Homes that are located in colder climates will require heating systems that have a higher BTU rating compared to homes in warmer climates. Heating costs around the United State vary greatly depending on the source/type of heat that is being used, the BTUs the heating system puts out, the efficiency of the heat system, and what type of climate your home is located in. Consider an electric furnace if you live in a warm climate and only need heat on rare days during winter. But electric heat is very expensive – the most expensive way to heat. Electric furnaces are cheap – huge space heaters that push hot air through your ducts. Electric HeatĪvoid electric heat when you can. It’s a little more expensive than natural gas, but it burns hot, creating a lot of heat for the amount of fuel burned. Rural areas that don’t have natural gas service heat with propane. If you have other options, don’t choose fuel oil. The Northeast is where fuel oil is most popular. The manufacturers are pushing them as cold-climate heat pumps, but a gas furnace is still the better option. We don’t recommend heat pumps in cold climates. Heating ranges from 8.0 to 13.0 HSPF, and that is very efficient. Manufacturers make heat pumps from about 14 SEER to more than 22 SEER for cooling. In moderate and warm climates, a heat pump is a really good option. The efficiency can be found in the manual or located online by searching the furnace model. The efficiency makes a sizable difference. They are either 80% efficient or somewhere between 90% and 98% efficient. Today’s gas furnaces come in two efficiency tiers. Be sure to type in the efficiency levels for the most accurate comparisons. Our calculator allows you to compare heating costs for the most common heating types. Heating Options – Natural Gas, Heat Pump, Fuel Oil, Propane, Electric The upfront cost will be higher, but if you have a large home, using two furnaces to heat zones like living areas and sleeping areas without heating all the house all day can significantly reduce your heating costs. If your home needs a larger furnace, talk to your HVAC installer about having two furnaces installed. Our calculator works with furnaces up to 90,000 BTUs. How large is your furnace? Or how large is the furnace you have been recommended to have installed?Įnter the amount of heat the furnace creates. The numbers come from US Department of Energy data, so they are considered very accurate. When you select your state from the menu, the Yearly Heating Hours will automatically appear. It’s pretty self-explanatory, but here are brief instructions on using it.
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