Estimated Average Fuel Conversion Efficiency of Common Heating Appliances

Fuel Type - Heating Equipment	Efficiency (%)
Coal (bituminous)
Central heating, hand-fired	45.0
Central heating, stoker-fired	60.0
Water heating, pot stove (50 gal.)	14.5
Oil
High efficiency central heating	89.0
Typical central heating	80.0
Water heater (50 gal.)	59.5
Gas
High efficiency central furnace	97.0
Typical central boiler	85.0
Minimum efficiency central furnace	78.0
Room heater, unvented	99.0
Room heater, vented	65.0
Water heater (50 gal.)	62.0
Electricity
Baseboard, resistance	99.0
Central heating, forced air	97.0
Central heating, heat pump	200+
Ground source heat pump	300+
Water heaters (50 gal.)	97.0
Wood & Pellets
Franklin stoves	30.0 - 40.0
Stoves with circulating fans	40.0 - 70.0
Catalytic stoves	65.0 - 75.0
Pellet stoves	85.0 - 90.0

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