BTUs per Dollar

The average person does not think in the same terms as HVAC installers and manufacturers.  This can be problematic when promoting the great benefits of GeoSource heat pumps.  For example, it is common to refer to cost per million BTUs, but how many homeowners have a clue how far a million BTUs will go?  For that matter, how many HVAC people know?

Using BTUs per dollar is easier for many people to understand.  It is conceptually simpler to understand, the numbers are smaller and they know what one dollar is.  If a GeoSource heat pump generates 180,000 BTUs per dollar of electricity and propane generates 90,000 BTUs per dollar of propane, then it is pretty clear that your annual fuel bill bill be half for GeoSource heat pumps.

Implement the concept of BTUs per dollar into your presentation of GeoSource heat pump systems.  You may find it makes life easier.



BTU per Dollar Calculator

Fuel Cost Data Entry

Natural Gas cost/therm:

Fuel Cost Data Entry:
Enter the cost of fuels in your area adding any surcharges per unit if applicable. If sales tax is applicable to some fuels and not others, make sure it is added as appropriate. Simply multiply the fuel by 1+ the sales tax rate (e.g. if 6.5% sales tax, use a 1.065 multiplier).

Propane cost/gallon:

Oil cost/gallon:

Electric rate/kWh:

Unit Efficiency Data Entry

Natural Gas (efficiency):

Unit Efficiency Data Entry: Enter efficiencies for each equipment type:

  • Natural gas furnaces should be less than 1
  • Propane furnaces should be les than 1
  • Electric furnaces are always 1.0
  • GeoSource heat pumps, enter the unit's COP

Propane (efficiency):

Oil (efficiency):

Electric (100% efficient):

 

GeoSource heat pump (COP):

 

BTUs Per Dollar Results

Natural Gas:

BTUs Per Dollar Results:

The results section calculates the BTU content for every dollar's worth of fuel. Like miles per gallon, the higher the value the better.

Propane:

Oil:

Electric Resistance:

GeoSource heat pump

GeoSource heat pump
(special 50% dual fuel elec. rate)