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Fuel Price Comparisons
How to Read the Table
This table compares prices of heating fuels on a Btu – to - Btu basis. Btus are units of heat energy. This approach is necessary because heating fuels are purchased in different kinds of units, such as gallons, therms, cords and kilowatt-hours (kWh), each containing a different amount of Btus. This table also factors in the different typical efficiencies of the heating systems that use the various fuels. The result is a more meaningful price comparison of the usable heat.
How to Use the Table
Find the price closest to the price for whatever fuel you are currently using. The alternative fuel you are considering will cost less per usable Btu if you can get it at a price LOWER than its price in the same column as the price for the fuel you are currently using. On the other hand, if the alternative fuel you are considering will cost you MORE than its price in the same column as the price you are paying for the fuel you are currently using, the alternative fuel will cost you more per unit of usable energy than the fuel you are currently using.
Fuel/Energy
Source |
Unit |
Dollar Cost for Equal Net Heat Each column shows the fuel unit prices to obtain heat at the same cost per Btu. |
| Heating Oil #2 |
gal. |
3.20 |
3.30 |
3.40 |
3.50 |
3.60 |
3.70 |
3.80 |
3.90 |
4.00 |
4.10 |
4.20 |
| Propane |
gal. |
2.00 |
2.07 |
2.13 |
2.19 |
2.25 |
2.32 |
2.38 |
2.44 |
2.50 |
2.57 |
2.63 |
| Kerosene |
gal. |
3.00 |
3.09 |
3.19 |
3.28 |
3.37 |
3.47 |
3.56 |
3.66 |
3.75 |
3.84 |
3.94 |
| Natural Gas |
therm |
2.22 |
2.29 |
2.36 |
2.43 |
2.50 |
2.57 |
2.64 |
2.71 |
2.78 |
2.85 |
2.92 |
| Electricity |
kWh |
0.09 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.10 |
0.11 |
0.11 |
0.11 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
0.12 |
| Seasoned Wood |
cord |
427.76 |
441.13 |
454.50 |
467.87 |
481.23 |
494.60 |
507.97 |
521.34 |
534.70 |
548.07 |
561.44 |
| Wood Pellets |
ton |
378.10 |
389.91 |
401.73 |
413.54 |
425.36 |
437.18 |
448.89 |
460.81 |
472.62 |
484.44 |
496.25 |
(table updated 4/14/08)
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