Heating System Comparison

FAQ

How do I interpret the charts?

The chart with installation shows total cost of ownership (purchase + operation). The running costs chart shows only operating costs - useful when you already have a working system and are considering replacement.

Why does heat pump SCOP differ for radiators vs underfloor heating?

SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) depends on supply temperature. Underfloor heating needs 30-40°C, radiators need 50-60°C. At lower temperatures, heat pumps work more efficiently, hence higher SCOP.

Are incentives included?

Yes, for heat pumps you can enter incentive amounts (e.g., federal tax credits). Incentives reduce the installation cost in the analysis.

Where do the default prices come from?

Default prices are indicative averages for the US market (2024). You can change them in "Detailed settings" to match your local prices.

What is the most efficient heating system?

Air-source and ground-source heat pumps are typically the most energy-efficient systems, with SCOP values of 2.5–4.5. This means they produce 2.5–4.5 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed. Efficiency varies by climate and distribution system.

How accurate are the cost estimates?

This calculator provides indicative estimates based on average fuel prices and typical system parameters. Actual costs can vary ±20–40% depending on your local energy prices, specific equipment brand, installation quality, usage habits, and local climate.

What is COP vs SCOP?

COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the efficiency at a specific operating point. SCOP (Seasonal COP) is the average efficiency over the entire heating season, accounting for varying outdoor temperatures. SCOP is a more realistic measure for annual cost calculations.

Is a heat pump worth it in a cold climate?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps operate efficiently down to -15°C to -25°C. In colder regions, a ground-source heat pump may be preferable as ground temperatures remain stable year-round. The break-even analysis in this calculator accounts for your climate through the building standard and efficiency inputs.

How does fuel price increase affect long-term costs?

The annual price increase rate has a significant compound effect over 15–20 years. A 5% annual increase means prices double roughly every 14 years. Systems with lower running costs (like heat pumps) benefit more from stable electricity pricing compared to volatile fossil fuel prices.

What maintenance costs should I expect?

Typical annual maintenance costs: gas boiler $150–$300, oil boiler $200–$400, pellet boiler $200–$500, air heat pump $100–$250, ground heat pump $150–$300, electric heating $50–$100. These are included in the detailed settings panel.

What is the CO₂ comparison between heating systems?

Electric heat pumps produce zero direct CO₂ emissions. Their indirect emissions depend on the electricity grid mix. Natural gas emits ~200 g CO₂/kWh, heating oil ~265 g CO₂/kWh, coal ~340 g CO₂/kWh. Pellet is considered carbon-neutral if sourced sustainably. The comparison table shows annual CO₂ estimates for each system.

Can I use this calculator for commercial properties?

This calculator is designed for residential properties. Commercial buildings have different load profiles, regulations, and system sizing requirements. For commercial applications, a professional energy audit and HVAC engineer consultation is recommended.

What is the payback period for a heat pump vs gas boiler?

Payback periods vary widely. In the US, replacing a gas furnace with a heat pump typically shows payback in 5–12 years when including federal tax credits (up to 30% of installation cost). The exact figure depends on local gas and electricity prices, installation costs, and climate.

Should I insulate before switching heating systems?

Yes — improving insulation first reduces your heat demand, allowing a smaller (cheaper) heating system. A heat pump sized for a poorly insulated home will be oversized (and more expensive) once you improve insulation. The building standard selector in this calculator helps estimate the impact.

How does underfloor heating affect heat pump efficiency?

Underfloor heating operates at low supply temperatures (30–40°C vs 50–60°C for radiators). This significantly improves heat pump SCOP — typically by 0.5–1.0 points. For example, a heat pump with SCOP 2.8 on radiators may achieve SCOP 3.5 on underfloor heating, reducing annual running costs by 15–25%.

What heating system works best with solar panels?

Heat pumps pair excellently with solar panels because both use electricity. Excess solar generation can power the heat pump (or charge a hot water tank) at near-zero marginal cost. This combination can achieve very low total energy costs, especially with a battery storage system.

How do I estimate my home's heat demand?

The calculator estimates heat demand based on your heated area and building standard (insulation level). For a more precise estimate, check your gas or oil bills for previous heating seasons, or use a professional energy audit. As a rough guide: old house 150 kWh/m²/year, average 100 kWh/m²/year, well-insulated 60 kWh/m²/year.

What is the average lifespan of different heating systems?

Typical lifespans: gas boiler 15–20 years, oil boiler 15–25 years, pellet boiler 15–20 years, air-source heat pump 15–20 years, ground-source heat pump 20–25 years, electric resistance heating 20–30 years. This affects total cost of ownership calculations over longer analysis periods.

Is propane (LPG) a good alternative to natural gas?

Propane is useful where natural gas is unavailable. However, propane costs are typically 2–3× higher per kWh than natural gas, making it one of the more expensive fossil fuel options. It may be competitive in off-grid locations vs. electric heating on weak grids. Factor in tank rental or purchase costs.

What does "total cost of ownership" mean for heating?

Total cost of ownership (TCO) includes: installation cost minus incentives, plus the sum of annual running costs (fuel × consumption) and annual maintenance costs over the analysis period, adjusted for projected price increases. This calculator shows cumulative TCO with and without installation costs so you can compare fairly.