Heating System Comparison
Compare different heating systems side-by-side. Analyze costs, efficiency, and environmental impact to find the best option for your home.
Select Systems to Compare (max 4)
How the Comparison Works
Our comparison tool analyzes multiple factors to help you make the best decision
Installation Costs
Initial investment required for each system
Operating Costs
Annual fuel and maintenance expenses
Efficiency
How effectively each system converts energy to heat
Environmental Impact
CO₂ emissions and environmental footprint
How to Use the Heating System Comparison Calculator
How to Use the Heating System Comparison Calculator
- 1
Select Systems to Compare
Choose 2-4 heating systems: gas furnace, oil boiler, propane, heat pump (air/ground-source), electric baseboard, wood/pellet. Include your current system plus alternatives you're considering.
- 2
Enter Energy Rates
Input current fuel prices: electricity ($/kWh), natural gas ($/therm), propane ($/gallon), oil ($/gallon), wood pellets ($/ton). Use recent utility bills and local fuel suppliers for accurate rates.
- 3
Input Building Details
Enter home size, insulation quality, and climate zone. These factors affect annual energy consumption and system sizing. Better insulation = lower consumption = greater savings from efficient systems.
- 4
Add Installation Costs
Research or get quotes for each system: Gas furnace ($3k-7k), heat pump ($8k-15k), ground-source ($20k-30k), electric baseboard ($1k-3k). Include labor, permits, and system modifications (ductwork, electrical).
- 5
Review Total Cost Comparison
Examine: upfront cost, annual operating cost, 20-year total cost, CO2 emissions, and payback period. Cheapest to install often most expensive to run. Consider: budget, environmental impact, fuel availability, and how long you'll own the home.
Pro Tip: Use Ctrl+Enter to calculate quickly, or Ctrl+R to reset the form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the cheapest heating system to run?
Heat pumps (with electricity <$0.15/kWh) are cheapest to operate - 50-70% lower costs than gas, oil, or electric resistance. Natural gas is second-cheapest in most areas. Propane and oil are expensive. Electric baseboard is most expensive except where electricity is very cheap. Consider installation cost + annual operating cost for true comparison.
How long do different heating systems last?
Gas furnace: 15-20 years. Heat pump: 15-20 years (air-source), 20-25 years (ground-source). Boiler: 15-30 years (cast iron longest). Electric baseboard: 20-30 years. Regular maintenance extends lifespan. Factor replacement timing into total cost - system with 30-year lifespan worth premium over 15-year system.
Which heating system is best for my home?
Depends on: climate, fuel availability, budget, environmental goals. Cold climate + natural gas: high-efficiency furnace or hybrid heat pump. Moderate climate: air-source heat pump. No gas access: heat pump or ground-source. Existing radiators: boiler or low-temp heat pump. Consult HVAC pro for site-specific recommendation.
What's a hybrid heating system?
Hybrid (dual-fuel) system combines heat pump + gas furnace. Heat pump runs when temps above 25-35°F (efficient), furnace kicks in below that (reliable backup). Best of both: efficiency + cold-weather reliability. Cost: $6,000-12,000 installed. Saves 30-50% vs gas-only in moderate climates. Ideal for: cold winters, fluctuating energy prices, maximizing efficiency.
How do I compare heating systems with different fuel types?
Convert all to cost per BTU delivered: 1) Get fuel prices ($/kWh, $/therm, $/gallon), 2) Calculate BTU content (1 kWh=3,412 BTU, 1 therm=100,000 BTU, 1 gallon propane=91,500 BTU), 3) Divide by system efficiency (heat pump COP 3.0=300%, furnace AFUE 95%), 4) Compare $/million BTU. Example: $0.12/kWh electricity ÷ 3.0 COP = $11.73/million BTU vs $1.20/therm gas ÷ 0.95 = $12.63/million BTU. Heat pump wins.