Fuel Comparison Calculator -- Example

This is an example for the Fuel Comparison Calculator

Suppose that you are about to invest in a new fuel efficient furnace, and that you could also switch fuels at this time.

You are currently using propane at $2.0 per gallon, but you could also get fuel oil at $3.10 per gallon, or Natural Gas at $1.70 per therm (or CCF).

How do these fuels compare in price with an efficient new furnace for each?

You enter the following in the "Fuel Cost per Unit" line:

Natural Gas        $1.70    (don't actually enter the $ sign)

Propane              $2.00

Fuel Oil                $3.10

Since in any case, you are replacing the old furnace with a new, modern condensing furnace, enter 95% for efficiency for all three fuels in the "Efficiency" column.

After entering the values above, click on the "Calculate" button.

The output below shows the results.

Natural Gas costs $1.79 per 100,000 BTUs of heat produced, and generates 12.6 lbs of CO2.

Propane costs $2.29 per 100,000 BTUs of heat produced, and generates 14.8 lbs of CO2

Fuel oil costs $2.30 per 100,000 BTUs of heat produced, and generates 14.7 lbs of CO2

So, for this situation, it looks like Natural Gas is the cheapest and is also slightly cleaner.

Note that if you want to look at other combinations, you must click on the "Calculate" button to see the results of each change you make.

Gary April 26, 2008