How can I calculate the cost to heat my home with electricity, and compare it to the cost of heating with oil?
Calculating the amount of energy needed to heat a home requires a complex, detailed analysis called a heat loss analysis. Every home is different, and lots of factors can affect heating costs, so it’s hard to estimate what it might cost to heat your home this winter. Contact a Certified Energy Auditor to get an estimate for your home. Based on information from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), part of the federal Department of Energy, it is possible to convert gallons of oil used into kilowatt-hours of electricity. For example, a home that uses 800 gallons of oil for heating would use about 25,300 kilowatt-hours to produce the same amount of heat. To view a table that compares the costs for different heating fuels, click here. To view and use the complete EIA spreadsheet click here.
