Commercial Heating Calculator
Use this tool to estimate what your annual heating costs would be using different heating systems.
- Change the variables in the blue-shaded section to reflect the specifications and costs of your current heating system.
- Click “Calculate” to see the results of changes to variables.
- Click “Reset” to restore default values.
Notes:
- Changing the “Cost Per Unit” in the blue-shaded section will automatically change the same-type fuel costs in the main table.
- Changing “System Efficiency” or “Distribution Efficiency” in the blue-shaded section will NOT affect the same values in the main table. This allows for comparisons between different systems.
- To talk with a professional about upgrading your heating system, contact an Efficiency Maine Qualified Partner.
- For a no cost, no obligation virtual customer consultation, click here.
kWh (Kilowatt hour) - A unit of electricity.
therm - A measure of natural gas heat energy equal to 100,000 BTUs.
Propane is sometimes referred to as LP (liquefied petroleum).
Cord - A stack of firewood measuring 4’ x 4’ x 8’.
BTUs per unit - The amount of potential heat energy contained within a
measured unit of a given fuel type. A BTU (British Thermal Unit) equals the energy needed to raise the temperature
of one pound of water by one degree F.
System Efficiency - Measure of the percentage of potential energy
contained in a fuel source that actually gets delivered as heat within a home heating system (i.e., an 85%
efficient system wastes 15% of its heating potential).
Distribution Efficiency - Measure of how efficiently heat generated by a
source (boiler, furnace, etc.) is distributed throughout a heating distribution system (baseboard, forced hot air,
radiant, etc.).
This calculator is for comparison purposes only. Actual performance may vary. Default energy prices last updated: 11/27/2024.