Compare Water Heating Costs

Compare estimated water heating costs across a variety of technologies, including heat pump water heaters, natural gas, propane, oil, and electric systems.

Compare water heating options side by side.

Explore estimated operating costs for a variety of water heating technologies. Adjust water usage, temperature rise, energy costs, and efficiency assumptions to compare annual and long-term operating costs.

How to Use the Cost Comparison Tool

This calculator compares estimated operating costs for common water heating technologies. Adjust household hot water use, temperature rise, energy costs, and efficiency assumptions to better reflect your home’s conditions.

Results are estimates only and are intended for comparison purposes. Actual performance and operating costs may vary. Default energy prices were last updated in May 2025.

Gal/Day: Temperature Rise °F:
Energy Unit Cost/Unit Energy Factor Annual Cost 10-yr Cost
Heat pump water heater kWh $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
3412
Oil boiler w/indirect tank gal $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
139000
Natural gas instantaneous therm $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
100000
Oil boiler w/tankless coil gal $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
139000
Natural gas storage tank therm $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
100000
Propane (LP) instantaneous gal $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
91500
Propane (LP) storage tank gal $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
91500
Electric tank kWh $ $ $
Assumptions: BTU/Unit Gal/Day Temp Rise
3412

kWh (Kilowatt hour) - A unit of electricity.
therm - A measure of natural gas heat energy equal to 100,000 BTUs.
LP (liquefied petroleum) - Liquefied petroleum gas. Also referred to as propane or butane gas.
Energy Factor - A measure of efficiency. An energy factor of 0.50 is 50% efficient.
Temperature Rise - The temperature difference between the cold and hot water. Typical incoming water is 50°F and is generally heated to 120°F, so the typical temperature rise is 70°F.
Gal/Day - Gallons per day of hot water used. A typical family uses 50 gallons per day.
Gal - Gallon.