Heating Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator (per kWh of Heat)
Enter fuel prices to see which heating option gives the cheapest heat.
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Heating Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator (per kWh of Heat) by TheCalcTools
How the Heating Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator (per kWh of Heat) works
Each fuel’s price is converted to the cost of one kWh of useful heat: divide by its energy content and by the appliance efficiency. Electric resistance heating is 100% efficient; a heat pump divides the electricity cost by its seasonal COP.
Energy contents are typical lower heating values from published energy-density tables (LPG about 25.3 MJ/L, heating oil about 38.6 MJ/L, wood pellets about 17 MJ/kg). Your supplier’s figures may differ slightly.
The formula
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Electricity price per kWh | $0.25 |
|---|---|
| Heat pump SCOP | 3.2 |
| Natural gas price per kWh | $0.07 |
| LPG (propane) price per litre | $0.8 |
| Heating oil price per litre | $1 |
| Wood pellet price per kg | $0.35 |
| Boiler or stove efficiency (gas, LPG, oil, pellets) | 88 % |
- Heat pump: $0.25 ÷ 3.2 = $0.08 per kWh of heat; gas: $0.07 ÷ 0.88 = $0.08.
Result:
| Direct electric heating | $0.25 |
|---|---|
| Heat pump | $0.08 |
| Natural gas | $0.08 |
| LPG (7.03 kWh per litre) | $0.13 |
| Heating oil (10.7 kWh per litre) | $0.11 |
| Wood pellets (4.7 kWh per kg) | $0.08 |
Frequently asked questions
Why compare per kWh of heat?
Fuels are sold in litres, kilograms or kWh of fuel. Converting to delivered heat makes them directly comparable.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.