The cheapest way to heat a home in District of Columbia at today's average prices is natural gas ($17.49 per million BTU of heat), then heat pump ($27.97). A heat pump costs 59.9% more to run than a gas furnace.
Cheapest way to heat a home in District of Columbia
cost of the same amount of heat
Heat source
Price used
Per million BTU of heat
Per winter
Natural gascheapest
$16.33/Mcf · winter 2025–26 avg.
$17.49
$875
Heat pump
23.9¢/kWh ÷ COP 2.5
$27.97
$1,398
Electric resistance
23.9¢/kWh · winter 2025–26 avg.
$69.92
$3,496
How we compare: fuel price ÷ (energy content × efficiency). Assumptions — heating oil 138,500 BTU/gal at 85%, propane 91,500 BTU/gal at 90%, natural gas 1,037,000 BTU per Mcf at 90%, electric resistance 100%, heat pump seasonal COP 2.5 (lower in very cold weather). Gas and electricity use last winter's average price; oil and propane the latest weekly survey. Delivery fees, tank rental and fixed charges vary and are not included.
Natural gas price in District of Columbia
Residential natural gas, $ per McfMonthly · summer prices per Mcf run higher because fixed charges are spread over less gas
Average price paid by homes, including delivery charges. Source: EIA Natural Gas Monthly.
Is a heat pump cheaper than gas in District of Columbia?
Not at average prices: a heat pump (seasonal COP 2.5) costs $27.97 per million BTU of heat, 59.9% more than a 90% gas furnace at $17.49. A higher-efficiency heat pump or a lower electricity rate can change this.
What is the cheapest way to heat a home in District of Columbia?
At current average prices: natural gas $17.49, heat pump $27.97, electric resistance $69.92 per million BTU of delivered heat (cheapest first).