Propane Cost Calculator: Estimate Your Annual Heating Bill (2026)
Select your state, home size, climate, and appliances to get a personalised annual propane cost estimate.
Your Home Details
500 sq ft5,000 sq ft
Annual Propane Cost Estimate
$3,592
Virginia at $2.78/gal
Monthly avg
$299
Total gallons
1,292
Summer Fill Savings Estimate
Save up to $879/year
Fill in summer at ~$2.10/gal instead of winter at ~$2.78/gal.
Cost by Appliance
Furnace / Boiler1000 gal$2,780
Water Heater250 gal$695
Cooking Range42 gal$117
Propane Consumption by Appliance (Annual Estimates)
| Appliance | Annual Gallons | Annual Cost (Nat. Avg) | Share of Typical Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furnace / Boiler | 800-1,200 | $2,224-$3,336 | 60-75% | Largest use. Varies heavily with climate and home size. |
| Water Heater | 200-300 | $556-$834 | 15-20% | Second largest. Propane heats water faster than electric. |
| Cooking Range | 35-50 | $97-$139 | 2-4% | Minimal consumption. Preferred by serious cooks. |
| Clothes Dryer | 35-40 | $97-$111 | 2-3% | Slightly more efficient than electric dryers. |
| Gas Fireplace | 200-300 | $556-$834 | 10-15% | Varies widely by usage. Low if decorative only. |
| Standby Generator | 50-100 | $139-$278 | 3-5% | Weekly test runs only. Storm usage is additional. |
| Pool / Spa Heater | 400-600 | $1,112-$1,668 | N/A | Pool owners only. Season length is key variable. |
How This Calculator Works
State Pricing
Prices are sourced from EIA residential propane data, April 2026. Each state uses its specific per-gallon average, not the national average.
Home Size Scaling
A 2,000 sqft home is the baseline. Every 500 sqft above or below adjusts furnace consumption proportionally.
Climate Multipliers
Mild (0.7x): Gulf Coast, Southwest. Moderate (1.0x): Mid-Atlantic, Midwest. Cold (1.4x): Northeast, Northern states.
Appliance Baselines
Annual gallon consumption per appliance based on industry standards. Furnace is adjusted for climate and home size; others are fixed.
Calculator FAQ
How accurate is this propane cost calculator?
This calculator uses EIA state pricing data and industry-standard consumption baselines for each appliance. Results are estimates. Actual consumption varies by home insulation quality, appliance age and efficiency rating, thermostat settings, and local climate patterns. Use this as a planning tool and request actual quotes from local suppliers for exact pricing.
How many gallons does a propane furnace use per year?
A propane furnace in a 2,000 square foot home in a moderate climate uses approximately 800 to 1,200 gallons per year. In cold climates (Minnesota, Vermont, Maine), consumption can reach 1,500 to 2,000 gallons. In mild climates (Texas, Georgia), a furnace may use only 400 to 700 gallons per year.
Does my home size affect propane consumption?
Yes, significantly. Every additional 500 square feet of heated space adds roughly 15 to 20% to furnace consumption. A 3,000 square foot home uses about 50% more propane for heating than a 2,000 square foot home in the same climate.