Cost Per BTU Calculator

Cost Per BTU Formula:

\[ \text{Cost/BTU} = \frac{\text{Fuel Cost}}{\text{BTU Content}} \]

Cost Per BTU:

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1. What is Cost Per BTU?

Cost Per BTU is a measure of heating cost efficiency that calculates how much it costs to produce one British Thermal Unit (BTU) of heat energy from a particular fuel source. This metric helps compare the cost-effectiveness of different heating fuels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Cost Per BTU formula:

\[ \text{Cost/BTU} = \frac{\text{Fuel Cost}}{\text{BTU Content}} \]

Where:

$ \text{Fuel Cost} $ — Cost of fuel in dollars ($)
$ \text{BTU Content} $ — Energy content of fuel in British Thermal Units (BTU)

Explanation: This calculation provides a standardized way to compare the cost efficiency of different heating fuels by determining how much each BTU of heat energy costs.

3. Importance of Cost Per BTU Calculation

Details: Calculating Cost Per BTU is essential for making informed decisions about heating systems, comparing fuel options, optimizing energy costs, and planning for energy efficiency improvements in residential and commercial settings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fuel cost in dollars and the BTU content of the fuel. Both values must be positive numbers. Common BTU contents: Natural gas (1,000 BTU/cubic foot), Heating oil (138,500 BTU/gallon), Propane (91,500 BTU/gallon).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is Cost Per BTU important for heating comparisons?
A: Cost Per BTU allows for direct comparison between different fuel types regardless of their measurement units, helping consumers choose the most cost-effective heating option.

Q2: What are typical BTU contents for common fuels?
A: Natural gas: 1,000-1,100 BTU/cubic foot; Heating oil: 138,500 BTU/gallon; Propane: 91,500 BTU/gallon; Electricity: 3,412 BTU/kWh.

Q3: How does efficiency affect Cost Per BTU calculations?
A: Appliance efficiency should be considered. If a furnace is 80% efficient, divide the calculated Cost Per BTU by 0.80 to get the actual cost of usable heat.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for cooling costs?
A: While designed for heating, the same principle applies to cooling if you know the energy consumption and cooling output in BTUs.

Q5: How often should I recalculate Cost Per BTU?
A: Recalculate whenever fuel prices change significantly or when considering switching between different heating fuel types.