This piece provides information on the expected cost to heat a home using natural gas. As shown below, this cost may vary due to a number of factors, including the size of the home, the efficiency of the natural gas system, the type of home, the location, and the geographical region.

In this report, we’ll break down the average cost to heat a home with natural gas based on: 

 

Annual Cost By Home Size Per Sq. Ft.

The table below breaks down the approximate annual cost to heat a home with natural gas, both overall and by square foot: 

Size of Home (Sq. Ft.) Assumed Natural Gas Heat Efficiency Cost Per (Sq. Ft.) Estimated Annual Cost Range
Under 1,500 80% $0.88 – $1.55 $1,319 – $2,335
1,500 – 2,500 80% $0.89 – $2.03 $2,233 – $3,045
Over 2,500 80% $1.13 – $1.42 $2,842 – $3,553+
Takeaways: 
  • Larger homes will cost more to heat, as they will require more fuel.

 

Annual Cost By Efficiency of Natural Gas System 

The efficiency level of a natural gas system can affect the cost of heating a home. The following table shows the approximate changes in cost based on a system’s efficiency level.

Efficiency of Natural Gas Heater Assumed Coverage Area (Sq Ft) Annual Cost Per Sq. Ft. Estimated Annual Cost Range
70% 2,000 $1.52 – $1.57 $3,045 – $3,147
80% 2,000 $1.32 – $1.37 $2,639 – $2,741
90% 2,000 $1.17 – $1.22 $2,335 – $2,436
98% 2,000 $1.12 – $1.17 $2,233 – $2,335
Takeaways: 
  • Most natural gas systems have a maximum efficiency of 98%. 
  • A system’s percentage indicates how much of the gas is converted to heat, while the remaining percentage indicates how much is lost. 
  • Maintaining an efficient system by regularly changing its filters and periodically scheduling maintenance can help lower the cost of natural gas heating.

 

Annual Cost By Home Type 

Additionally, the structure of your home can affect your natural gas costs, as differently shaped buildings require different amounts of natural gas. Below is a breakdown of how the price may vary between different home types 

Home Type Assumed Coverage Area (Sq Ft) Annual Cost Per Sq. Ft. Estimated Annual Cost Range
Single-Story 2,000 $1.27 – $1.37 $2,538 – $2,740
Split-Level 2,000 $1.37 – $1.47 $2,741 – $2,944
Multi-Level 2,000 $1.41 – $1.50 $2,791 – $2,994
Takeaways: 
  • Single-story homes are generally less expensive to heat than homes with multiple levels, but circumstances may vary. 
  • Consulting with a professional HVAC specialist will help determine the needs of your home.

 

Estimated Average Cost by Geographic Region and Year 

The cost of natural gas heating varies across regions of the United States due to various factors, such as climate, local taxation, and variations in supply and distribution. The following table breaks down the average cost of gas for a natural gas customer over the past four years.

Region (United States) 2022 2023 2024 2025
New England $1,383.90 $1,423.10 $1,288.70 $1,308.03
Middle Atlantic $1,060.50 $1,094.80 $947.80 $962.02
East North Central $875.70 $833.70 $719.60 $730.39
West North Central $916.30 $938.70 $826.70 $839.10
South Atlantic $1,197.70 $1,287.30 $1,098.30 $1,114.77
East South Central $994.00 $1,019.20 $875.70 $888.84
West South Central $1,137.50 $1,190.00 $969.50 $984.04
Mountain $865.20 $930.30 $924.00 $938.00
Pacific $1,269.80 $1,311.80 $1,138.90 $1,155.98

If you are interested in finding more information about natural gas heating and are in the Detroit Metro Area, please feel free to contact us.

Meet the Author
Focus Digital
Focus Digital

company icon