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Energy Cost Calculator for Commercial Boilers (Closed Loop, Space Heating Applications Only)


Vary equipment size, energy cost, hours of operation, and /or efficiency level.
INPUT SECTION
Input the following data (if any parameter is missing, calculator will set to default value). Defaults
Project Type    New Installation
Deliverable Fluid    Water
Fuel Used    Gas
Existing Capacity *    MBtu/h —
Existing Thermal Efficiency *    % Et —
New Capacity    MBtu/h** 5000 MBtu/h
New Thermal Efficiency    % Et 80% Et
Energy Cost  $ per  $0.60 per therm
Quantity of Boilers to be Purchased    unit(s) 1 unit
Annual Hours of Operation***    hours 1500 hours
* Existing values should only be entered when Project Type is a replacement.
** 1 MBtu/h = 1000 Btu/h; 1 Therm = 100,000 Btu; 1.4 Therms = 140,000 Btu
*** Value entered should be equivalent full load hours (e.g., 1000 hours @ 50% load equals 500 hours).
OUTPUT SECTION
Performance per
Boiler		 Your
Choice		 Existing
Boiler		 Base
Model		 FEMP
Recommended
Level		 Best
Available
Thermal Efficiency     Et            
Annual Energy Use                
Annual Energy Costs $ $ $ $ $
Lifetime Energy Costs $ $ $ $ $
Lifetime Energy Cost Savings $ $ $ $ $
Lifetime Energy Cost Savings for Boiler(s) $ $ $ $ $

Your selection of a MBtu/h boiler will have an energy cost savings of $ over an estimated life of 25 years as compared to the base model.

Assumptions
  • $0.06/kWh is the Federal average electricity price in the U.S.
  • $0.60/therm is the Federal average gas price in the U.S.
  • $0.66/gallon is the Federal average fuel oil price in the U.S.
  • Future electricity price trends and a discount rate of 3.2% are based on Federal guidelines.
  • Lifetime energy cost is the sum of the discounted value of annual energy costs based on assumed boiler life of 25 years.
  • The average heating value for No. 2 oil is 140,000 Btu/gallon.
Disclaimer
This cost calculator is a screening tool that estimates a product's lifetime energy cost savings at various efficiency levels. Maintenance and installation costs do not vary significantly among the same product having different efficiencies; so, these costs are not included in this calculator tool. For a detailed life-cycle cost analysis, FEMP has developed a tool called Building Life-Cycle Cost (BLCC). This downloadable tool allows the user to vary interest rates, installation costs, maintenance costs, salvage values, and life expectancy for a product or an entire energy project.