The cheapest way to heat a home in South Carolina at today's average prices is natural gas ($18.15 per million BTU of heat), then heat pump ($18.44). A heat pump costs 1.6% more to run than a gas furnace.
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 South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
Not at average prices: a heat pump (seasonal COP 2.5) costs $18.44 per million BTU of heat, 1.6% more than a 90% gas furnace at $18.15. A higher-efficiency heat pump or a lower electricity rate can change this.
What is the cheapest way to heat a home in South Carolina?
At current average prices: natural gas $18.15, heat pump $18.44, electric resistance $46.10 per million BTU of delivered heat (cheapest first).