Gas Heating Bills Vs. Electric Heating Bills
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration in its "U.S. Household Electricity Report" released July 14, 2005, "Heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) accounted for 356 billion kWh, 31 percent of the electricity consumed by U.S. households in 2001." The report also indicates that in the U.S., household consumption of electricity has grown, while that of natural gas has declined.
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Cost Comparison in Same Space
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To build a fair comparison between gas and electric for heating, the place to start is to determine the cost to generate one million British Thermal Units or BTUs with both fuels. In a sample scenario, a furnace with 80 percent seasonal heating efficiency uses 12.5 therms to produce one million BTUs. A gas utility provider charges customers $1.50 per therm. Based on 12.5 therms at $1.50 for a therm, heating with gas would cost $18.75. To produce one million BTUs, the kilowatt hours or kWh an electric heater would consume would equal 293. The same sample utility company charges 11 cents per kWh, which amounts to $32.58. In this example, gas costs significantly less.
Cost Comparison in Smaller Space
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In the preceding example, the $32.58 for electric heat divided by $18.75 cost for gas heat shows that electric heats costs about 70 percent more than gas heat for the same space, given that the furnaces are equally efficient. If the consumer heats only a limited space such as just the kitchen or the family room or the bedroom -- for example, 30 percent or less than was heated in the original scenario -- electric heat would not necessarily be less cost efficient. For heating an entire typical house of about 2,200 square feet, gas compares favorably to electricity, but for heating only those spaces that are occupied, provided the house is well insulated and occupied spaces represent less than 30 percent of the house, an efficient electric space heater could compare relatively favorably.
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Other Ways to Save on Heating Bills
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Some of the ways to save energy use and associated costs do not require changing out electric heating for gas heating or electric appliances for gas appliances. When it comes to heating water, using high-efficiency showerheads saves water heating costs. Washing household laundry in cold water also saves on the costs of heating water. Insulating the water heater with an insulating blanket, provided the manufacturer does not advise against it, can lower water heating costs. Lowering the water heater temperature to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and even setting the water heater on a timer, can save water heating bills.
Heat Delivery Efficiency
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Efficiency helps keeps heating costs down whether the furnace is gas or electric. Many factors contribute to the efficiency of the heating system. Insulating leaks around windows and doors with weather stripping and caulking saves energy and heating bills. A combined approach to home heating can help. As an example, using a thermostat to keep centralized heating between 60 degrees at night and 67 degrees during the day, and combining that with the use of a space heater in occupied areas, can save energy use and money.
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