1. What is a Cost of One BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the cost per single British Thermal Unit (BTU) based on the total price and total BTU value.

Purpose: It helps compare energy costs across different fuel sources or evaluate the cost efficiency of heating/cooling systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( C \) — Cost per BTU (dollars per BTU)
• \( P_{btu} \) — Total price (dollars)
• \( BTU \) — Total energy value (BTU)

Explanation: The total price is divided by the total BTU value to determine the cost for each individual BTU.

3. Importance of Cost per BTU Calculation

Details: Calculating cost per BTU allows for accurate comparison between different energy sources (natural gas, electricity, oil, etc.) and helps in making cost-effective energy decisions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total price in dollars and the total BTU value. Both values must be greater than 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why calculate cost per BTU?
A: It standardizes energy cost comparison across different fuels and systems that may have different units of measurement.

Q2: What's a typical BTU value for common fuels?
A: Examples: 1 kWh electricity ≈ 3,412 BTU, 1 therm natural gas ≈ 100,000 BTU, 1 gallon propane ≈ 91,500 BTU.

Q3: How precise should the result be?
A: Since BTU values are large, cost per BTU is typically a very small number (displayed to 8 decimal places).

Q4: Can I use this for cooling systems?
A: Yes, the calculation works the same for both heating and cooling applications.

Q5: Does this include efficiency factors?
A: No, this calculates raw cost. For actual operating costs, multiply by the inverse of the system efficiency.