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Fuel Comparison

Comparing costs has always been difficult because the BTU content of the fuel varies depending on its unit of measurement. The formulas that are outlined below eliminate that confusion by comparing the different fuels on an equal basis of 100,000 BTUs.

This is done by first calculating the unit of fuel required to produce 100,000 BTU, then multiplying that result by the fuel price per unit. This results in the price per 100,000 BTU:

P = Price per unit
K = 100,000 BTU (standard for comparison)
B = BTU per unit
C = Cost per 100,000 BTU

P * (K / B) = C

#2 Fuel Oil

#2 Fuel Oil produces 140,000 BTU per gallon.
Example:
$1.04 * (100,000 / 140,000) = $.74 per 100,000 BTU
With #2 oil @ $.74 vs. natural gas @ $.89 oil is $.15 per 100,000 BTUs cheaper than gas.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas produces 100,000 BTU per cubit foot or Therm.
Example:
$.0089 * (100,000 / 1,000) = $.89 per 100,000 BTU

Propane (LP) Gas

Propane produces 91,000 BTU per gallon.
Example:
$1.05 * (100,000 / 91,000) = $1.15 per 100,000 BTU

Electric Resistance (normal rate)

Electric Resistance produces 3,413 BTU per Kilowatt Hour (KWH).
Example:
$.0908 X (100,000 / 3,413) = $2.66 per 100,000 BTU