How to Compare the Cost of Heating a Home

The right heating system will keep you warm all winter long.

The cost of heating your home can be a major household expense, particularly if you live in a colder climate where winter can drag on for several months, such as the northern regions of the United States. These colder areas can have very long, harsh winters that can raise the cost of your heating and home energy bills significantly. Comparing the heating methods and energy efficiency of different heating methods can help you choose the most cost-effective option for your household.

Instructions

1. Research the cost of the particular fuel each heating system uses. The cost of fuel can vary from one region to the next. For example, the type of wood used in a wood- and pellet-fueled heating system might be abundant in one area and scarce in another. The most common heating systems are fueled by oil, natural gas, propane or electricity, but you can also find systems that use wood or solar power. For some systems, such as those run by electricity, getting this information will require you to contact your local energy company.

2. Look for high-efficiency models of the home heating system you choose, recommends the Federal Trade Commission. Manufacturers of heating systems are required to include the energy efficiency of a system on an Energy Guide label. If you find a system with an Energy Star logo, this means that it is a high-efficiency appliance. These systems will cost a bit more upfront but can save you money each year in reduced energy bills. Natural gas is said to be the most efficient common fuel on the market, according to Forbes.

3. Find out the cost of each system and its installation for the different heating options in your area. This can be accomplished by contacting a few contractors for each system you're comparing and getting a price estimate. As with fuel, the cost of each system and installation will vary, depending on your region and the available contractors in your area. For example, a larger city with multiple electric heating system contractors may offer cheaper installation prices than a smaller city where there are only a few contractors competing for your business. Also, the less prominent the heating the system, the higher the initial cost might be. For example, in Chicago, 90 percent of homeowners use natural gas to heat their homes, but only 46 percent use natural gas in Baltimore, according to Forbes. This means that there are likely to be fewer natural gas heating system contractors in Baltimore.

References

• Federal Trade Commission: Weathering the High Cost of Heating Your Home
• Energy Savers: Heating Systems
• Forbes: What It Will Cost to Heat Your Home