Natural gas use is measured by volume in units of 100 cubic feet (ccf). For billing, ccf is converted into therms, a measure of heat content. One therm equals 100,000 British thermal units (Btu). One therm of natural gas is also roughly equal to one ccf.
Operating Cost Calculation
Most natural gas appliance ratings are expressed as Btu per hour (Btuh). This rating indicates the amount of energy required (input) or energy produced (output) by the unit. Such information can be found on the appliance nameplate or in the owner’s manual. To calculate the cost of operating an appliance, it is necessary to first convert your natural gas use to therms as follows:
(Btuh Rating ÷ 100,000) x Hours Used = Therms Used
Then, simply multiply the therms used by the price of natural gas. In this brochure, we assume the total average price for natural gas is $1.30 per therm (supply and delivery). Keep in mind the price you actually pay for natural gas may vary, depending on what part of the state you live in and whether you receive your natural gas supply from NYSEG or an alternate supplier.
Example: Calculate the cost to operate a natural gas clothes dryer with a rating of 20,000 Btuh for five hours per month.
(20,000 ÷ 100,000) x 5 hours = 1 therm
1 therm x $1.30 = $1.30 per month
|
Natural Gas Applications |
Btu/
Hours |
Estimated
Monthly Hours |
Energy Use
therms/month |
Cost/Month
@ $1.30/therm |
|
Space Heating |
|
|
|
|
|
Mid-Efficiency Furnace (80,000 Btuh @ 80% AFUE) |
100,000 |
120 |
120 |
$156.00 |
|
High-Efficiency Furnace (80,000 Btuh @ 95% AFUE) |
84,000 |
120 |
101 |
$131.30 |
|
Hydronic (Hot Water) Boiler (100,000 Btuh @ 85% AFUE) |
105,000 |
120 |
126 |
$163.80 |
|
Steam Boiler (100,000 Btuh @ 80% AFUE) |
125,000 |
120 |
150 |
$195.00 |
|
Vent-free Room Heater (medium size) |
25,000 |
120 |
30 |
$39.00 |
|
Vented Fireplace Inserts/Logs |
50,000 |
120 |
60 |
$78.00 |
|
Pilot Light (furnace, water heater, oven) |
300 |
720 |
2 |
$2.60 |
|
Water Heating |
|
|
|
|
|
Water Heater, 30-50 gallon |
36,000 |
120 |
43 |
$55.90 |
|
Water Heater, 50-75 gallon |
55,000 |
120 |
66 |
$85.80 |
|
Tankless (On-Demand) Water Heater |
120,000 |
30 |
36 |
$46.80 |
|
Spa/Hot Tub Heater (500-gallon) |
300,000 |
20 |
60 |
$78.00 |
|
Pool Heater (600 sq.ft. area) |
200,000 |
60 |
120 |
$156.00 |
|
Food Preparation |
|
|
|
|
| Range (4-burner) & Oven/Broiler |
48,000 |
15 |
7 |
$9.10 |
|
- including rangetop burner (Small, 6”) |
6,000 |
15 |
1 |
$1.30 |
|
- including rangetop burner (Large, 8”) |
9,000 |
15 |
1 |
$1.30 |
|
- including oven/broiler (manual or self-cleaning) |
18,000 |
15 |
3 |
$3.90 |
|
Self-Cleaning Oven (cleaning only) |
24,000 |
15 |
4 |
$5.20 |
|
Outdoor Grill (2-burner) |
36,000 |
10 |
4 |
$5.20 |
|
Household Care |
|
|
|
|
|
Clothes Dryer (25 loads) |
18,000 |
40 |
7 |
$9.10* |
|
Dishwasher (Natural gas to heat water) |
18,000 |
30 |
5 |
$6.50 |
|
Lighting |
|
|
|
|
|
Outdoor Gaslight |
2,000 |
300 |
6 |
$7.80 |
KEY
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) – Used to measure the efficiency of furnaces and boilers where the energy input (in Btu) is divided by the energy output (in Btu).
*For clothes drying, assume 40-minute drying time per load on regular fabric setting.
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