Heating Cost Calculator

It depends on current prices, the system's efficiency and the home's insulation. In general, for the same demand, a heat pump is often the cheapest in well-insulated homes thanks to its high COP, followed by pellet; natural gas stays competitive while LPG is usually the most expensive per useful kWh. Use this calculator with your real prices to compare the four sources.

The COP (Coefficient of Performance) shows how much heat the pump produces for each unit of electricity it uses. A COP of 3.5 means 1 kWh of electricity gives 3.5 kWh of heat: that is why, even though it runs on electricity, it can cost less than gas. COP drops at very low outdoor temperatures, so the real seasonal efficiency (SCOP) depends on the climate.

Pellet has a calorific value of about 4.8 kWh/kg and a pellet stove or boiler is around 85% efficient. For an average 100 m² home with a demand of 100 kWh/m² (10,000 thermal kWh a year) you need about 2,450 kg of pellet, i.e. roughly 16-17 bags of 15 kg per month in season. The better insulated the home, the fewer bags needed.

Often yes, especially in well-insulated homes, mild climates and with low-temperature systems (underfloor heating or oversized radiators): the high COP cuts consumption and removes the gas standing charge. In poorly insulated homes or very cold climates the advantage shrinks because COP falls with the cold. You should factor in the upfront cost of the system and any available incentives and tax deductions.

Heat demand is the energy needed to keep the home at the desired temperature during the cold season, expressed in thermal kWh. The specific demand (kWh/m² per year) shows how much energy each square metre needs: roughly 30-50 for new or well-insulated homes, around 100 for average homes and 150 or more for old, poorly insulated buildings. Multiplying it by the floor area gives the total yearly demand.

Because insulation directly reduces the heat demand: a well-insulated home needs far less energy to stay warm, whatever the source. Switching fuel changes the unit cost, but improving wall insulation, windows and the roof can halve consumption. A good insulation level is also what truly makes a heat pump worthwhile. That is why it pays to start with the building envelope.

In Italy tax deductions are usually available for energy upgrades (ecobonus) and renovations, which can cover part of the cost of condensing boilers, heat pumps, insulation and windows. Rates, caps and requirements often change from year to year and depend on the type of work. It is best to check the updated rules on official channels (Italian Revenue Agency, ENEA) before starting the work.

It depends on prices, on the efficiency of the system and on how well the home is insulated. In a well insulated house a heat pump is often cheapest thanks to its high COP, followed by pellet, then gas, with LPG usually dearest per useful kWh.

Because insulation cuts the demand itself: a well insulated home needs far less energy whatever the source. Changing fuel changes the unit price, but walls, windows and roof can halve the consumption outright.

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