HVAC Energy Cost Calculator
Calculate combined annual heating and cooling costs for residential HVAC systems across heat pumps, electric furnaces, and high-efficiency natural gas heating.
Heating & Cooling System Parameters
Annual HVAC Energy Equation
Total Annual HVAC Cost = Annual Cooling Operating Cost + Annual Heating Fuel / Electric Cost- Cooling Energy: (System BTU/h ÷ SEER) × Cooling Run Hours ÷ 1,000 × Electric Rate.
- Heat Pump Heating: (System BTU/h ÷ HSPF) × Heating Run Hours ÷ 1,000 × Electric Rate.
- Gas Furnace Heating: [(System BTU/h × Run Hours ÷ AFUE Efficiency) ÷ 100,000 BTU/Therm] × Gas Rate/Therm.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- Blower fan motor electricity is accounted for within standard SEER and HSPF seasonal testing standards.
- One Therm of natural gas equals 100,000 British Thermal Units (BTU).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical annual cooling and heating run-hour estimate?
Moderate US climates average 800 to 1,200 cooling hours and 1,000 to 1,500 heating hours per year. Southern states may experience 1,500 to 2,200 cooling hours, while Northern states exceed 2,000 heating hours.
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