|
Fuel cost and energy comparisons |
|
Between fuels, based upon energy content and conversion
efficiency. |
|
Energy |
BTU/Unit |
Unit |
$/unit |
Units/ MMBTU |
$/ MMBTU |
Effic. |
$/Usable MMBTU |
Projected Cost |
Multiple |
Additional Cost |
|
Coal |
10,000 |
Lb |
$0.025 |
100 |
$2.50 |
60% |
$4.17 |
$2,500 |
100% |
$0.00 |
|
Natural Gas |
948,000 |
Gj |
$5.20 |
1.05 |
$5.49 |
92% |
$5.96 |
$3,577 |
143% |
$1,077.33 |
|
Natural Gas |
948,000 |
Gj |
$5.20 |
1.05 |
$5.49 |
82% |
$6.69 |
$4,014 |
161% |
$1,513.58 |
|
Pellets |
8,500 |
Lb |
$0.08 |
117.65 |
$9.41 |
87% |
$10.82 |
$6,491 |
260% |
$3,990.87 |
|
Fuel Oil |
138,000 |
US gal |
$1.25 |
7.25 |
$9.04 |
70% |
$12.91 |
$7,748 |
310% |
$5,247.83 |
|
Geothermal Heat Pump |
3,413 |
Kwh |
$0.16 |
293 |
$46.88 |
300% |
$15.63 |
$9,376 |
375% |
$6,875.92 |
|
Propane |
91,300 |
US gal |
$0.95 |
10.95 |
$10.35 |
65% |
$15.92 |
$9,554 |
382% |
$7,054.30 |
|
Wood |
19,500,000 |
Cord |
$150.00 |
0.05 |
$7.69 |
45% |
$17.09 |
$10,256 |
410% |
$7,756.41 |
|
Electricity |
3,413 |
Kwh |
$0.16 |
293 |
$46.88 |
100% |
$46.88 |
$28,128 |
1125% |
$25,627.75 |
In this chart, the mauve bars represent the
efficiency of the heating unit, and the wine bars represent the cost of heating our building,
compared to coal, which we presently use.
There are two bars for natural gas, one to
represent a high efficiency boiler or furnace at 92%, and a second to represent space heaters
or fireplaces operating at 82% efficiency.
Geothermal, using a heat pump is claimed to
average 300% efficiency compared to ordinary electric heat, which is 100% efficient. |