1. What is Gas Furnace Operating Cost?

The Gas Furnace Operating Cost calculation estimates the cost of running a gas furnace based on its BTU rating, operating hours, energy price, and efficiency. This helps homeowners and businesses budget for heating expenses and compare different furnace models.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (heating capacity)
• \( hours \) — Operating hours
• \( price \) — Price per therm of natural gas
• \( efficiency \) — Furnace efficiency percentage

Explanation: The formula calculates total energy consumption and adjusts for furnace efficiency to determine actual cost.

3. Importance of Operating Cost Calculation

Details: Understanding operating costs helps in making informed decisions about heating systems, energy efficiency upgrades, and budgeting for seasonal heating expenses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter BTU rating in BTU/h, operating hours in hours, price in dollars per therm, and efficiency as a percentage. All values must be positive numbers with efficiency between 0-100%.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical BTU rating for residential furnaces?
A: Residential furnaces typically range from 40,000 to 150,000 BTU/h depending on home size and climate.

Q2: How do I find my gas price per therm?
A: Check your natural gas utility bill - it usually shows the price per therm or per CCF (1 therm = 100,000 BTU).

Q3: What is considered good furnace efficiency?
A: Modern high-efficiency furnaces are 90-98% efficient, while older models may be 70-80% efficient.

Q4: Does this calculation account for standby losses?
A: No, this is a simplified calculation that assumes constant operation at rated efficiency.

Q5: Can I use this for other heating systems?
A: This formula is specifically designed for gas furnaces. Other heating systems may require different calculations.