Heat Pump vs Propane Furnace Calculator
Heat pump vs propane furnace calculator helps you compare heating costs quickly and accurately. It shows which system saves more money based on your energy rates and efficiency. Use this guide to make a smart and cost-effective heating decision.
Heating Cost Comparison Calculator
How to Use Heat Pump vs Propane Furnace Calculator
Follow these simple steps to use the calculator effectively:
- Enter your heating demand (BTUs or kWh needed per year).
- Input electricity cost (per kWh).
- Enter propane price (per gallon).
- Add heat pump efficiency (COP – Coefficient of Performance).
- Add furnace efficiency (AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).
- Click calculate to compare total heating costs.
Tips:
- Use your utility bill for accurate rates.
- Use average COP (2.5–4.0) if unsure.
- Use AFUE (80%–98%) for propane furnaces.
Conversion / Calculation Guide
To compare systems, calculate total heating cost for both options.
Step 1: Calculate Heat Pump Cost
Formula:
Example:
- Heating Load = 30,000 kWh/year
- COP = 3
- Electricity Rate = $0.15/kWh
Calculation:
30,000 ÷ 3 = 10,000 kWh
10,000 × 0.15 = $1,500 per year
Step 2: Calculate Propane Furnace Cost
Formula:
(91,500 BTU = 1 gallon propane energy)
Example:
- Heating Load = 100,000,000 BTU
- AFUE = 90% (0.9)
- Propane Price = $3/gallon
Calculation:
100,000,000 ÷ (0.9 × 91,500) = 1,214 gallons
1,214 × 3 = $3,642 per year
Step 3: Compare Results
- Heat Pump Cost = $1,500/year
- Propane Furnace Cost = $3,642/year
Result:
Heat pump is significantly cheaper in this case.
Heat Pump vs Propane Furnace Conversion Chart
| Parameter | Heat Pump | Propane Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Source | Electricity | Propane Gas |
| Efficiency Range | COP 2.5 – 4.0 | AFUE 80% – 98% |
| Cost per Unit | Low to Medium | High (fuel dependent) |
| Operating Cost | Lower in mild climates | Higher overall |
| Installation Cost | Medium to High | Medium |
| Best Use Case | Moderate climates | Very cold climates |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate |
FAQs
It is a tool that compares heating costs using electricity and propane. It helps you choose the cheaper option.
Heat pumps usually cost less to run, especially in mild climates with lower electricity rates.
COP stands for Coefficient of Performance. It measures how efficiently the heat pump converts electricity into heat.
AFUE shows furnace efficiency. A 90% AFUE means 90% of fuel becomes usable heat.
Yes. Heat pumps perform better in moderate climates, while propane furnaces work better in extreme cold.
Yes. You can use standard COP (3.0) and AFUE (90%) for rough estimates.
In most cases, propane costs more per unit of heat compared to electricity used by efficient heat pumps.
Heat pumps are more eco-friendly because they use electricity and produce fewer emissions.
Modern heat pumps work in cold climates, but efficiency drops at very low temperatures.
Switch if electricity is affordable and your climate is moderate. Use the calculator to confirm savings.