* Average cost per therm: $1.05
* Average furnace efficiency: 80%
* Average annual heating costs: $630
Electric Furnace
* Average cost per kilowatt-hour: $0.13
* Average furnace efficiency: 100%
* Average annual heating costs: $1,040
Cost Difference
The average annual heating costs for a natural gas furnace are $410 less than the average annual heating costs for an electric furnace. This is because natural gas is a cheaper fuel than electricity.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the cost of fuel, there are other factors to consider when choosing a furnace, such as:
* The size of your home. A larger home will require a more powerful furnace, which will cost more to operate.
* The climate in which you live. A home in a cold climate will require a more powerful furnace than a home in a warm climate.
* Your budget. Furnaces can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
Overall, natural gas furnaces are a more cost-effective option than electric furnaces. However, the actual cost of operating a furnace will vary depending on a number of factors.