How to Compare the Costs of Energy Sources

• 1). Visit unbiased websites such as this one from Pennsylvania State University: http://energy.cas.psu.edu/EnergySelector.html to save your self the most time in figuring out which fuel is more cost effective. This online calculator will allow you to enter in the cost per unit in your local area. You are only able to enter in two fuels at a time. Once you have selected your fuels and costs, click on "Calculate Equivalent" and an easy to understand chart along with a written conclusion explaining which energy source is more cost effective will appear.
  
  
• 2). Check energy cost comparison charts to quickly see multiple cost differences all at once. You can find these online for free at North Dakota State University's website: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/ageng/structu/ae1015a.pdf . There you can see 25 different types of fuel and their equivalent pricing, energy efficiency and heat values.
  
  
• 3). Use the following formula along with the heat values and efficiencies from an energy comparison chart if you need to find exact cost differentials. Cost of Fuel A= [(heat value Fuel A x heat efficiency Fuel A)/(heat value Fuel B x heat efficiency Fuel B)] x Cost of Fuel B. Enter in the known cost for "Cost of Fuel B" and enter in the other numbers from the charts where appropriate to find the cost of Fuel A.