Choosing a Fuel Source

When your're choosing a fuel source for your home heating system, start with available fuels in your region, because not all fuels are available everywhere and some are cleaner and more efficient than others.

The standard heat value, the amount of heat a fuel can produce per gallon or cubic foot is measured and reported in Btu (British thermal units). The higher the Btu produced, the more efficiently the fuel burns and the greater its heat value.

One BTU = the amount of heat it takes to raise one pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit, which about the amount of energy release by one good kitchen match.

Examples of BTU outputs of Fuels

Gas >> 1 Cubic Foot = 1,000 BTUs

Heating Oil >> 1 gallon = 139,000 BTU's

Propane >> 1 gallon = 91,620 BTU's

Electricity >> 1 watt = 3.413 BTU's

Solar >> per hour per square foot = 429.2 BTU's

Wood >> One pound of hardwood = 7,500 BTU's