from Terry in Downers Grove, IL :
#360
Cabin in the Northwoods WI. Do I out fit the cabin with gas, or gas & electric, or just electric? The cabin will be full season, A-frame, 1 bath and & <800sq.ft.
Generally speaking, natural gas is the least expensive fuel.
The short answer is gas and electric if operating costs are an issue. Normally speaking, natural gas is the least expensive fuel, per btu of heat energy delivered. Efficiency of the equipment and the initial cost of installing the equipment are also factors in the decision-making process. Another consideration is availability of service of natural gas to your property.
A more detailed answer lies in comparing the cost per btu (British thermal unit, is a basic measure of thermal (heat) energy) of energy. There are 100,000 btu’s in a therm of natural gas, 3,412 btu’s in a kilowatt hour of electricity, and 95,500 btu’s in a gallon of LPG/propane. You would need to contact the respective fuel suppliers to find out unit costs to help you calculate the exact cost per btu.
Published Friday, July 24, 2009