If you’re a long-time heating oil customer, you probably know a lot about the fuel that keeps you and your family warm. But here are some interesting facts about the “new” heating oil that you may not know.
Advancements in fuel quality is a key reason why heating oil is more clean-burning than ever before. That’s because heating oil continues to evolve into Bioheat® fuel. This is a mix of ultra-low sulfur heating oil blended with premium biofuel made from renewable resources. The use of Bioheat fuel lowers greenhouse gas emissions and puts home heating oil on track to becoming a carbon-neutral fuel.
Because Bioheat® fuel burns more cleanly and more efficiently than conventional heating oil, you’ll use less fuel to get the same amount of warmth, and your heating system will last longer. You will also likely need fewer repairs on your system. You may also be able to extend the time between system maintenance too. All of this amounts to savings!
Things can only get better. The endgame is to transition to B100 Bioheat fuel (100% biodiesel/biofuel) over the next few decades. Recently, the R.W. Beckett Corporation announced that it had begun production of fully warranted burners with B100-compliant components.
Additionally, the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) has demonstrated that a home heated with 100% biodiesel and using solar panels to produce electricity can reach net-zero carbon emissions quickly — and at an economically viable cost.
Bioheat fuel is sourced and produced right here in the United States, supporting local farmers, local industries and local economies. The U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel industries now support about 65,000 U.S. jobs and more than $17 billion in economic activity each year.
The production process puts excess plant oil and animal fats to good use, diverting waste products from landfills. Food production is never sacrificed for fuel in the creation of Bioheat fuel.
Bioheat fuel has a significant advantage over other green home heating products: it’s available right now and reduces greenhouse gas emissions every day.
Any real estate agent can tell you that the biggest obstacle in selling a home that uses heating oil often revolves around the oil storage tank. But that obstacle can easily become a nonissue if the home has a modern, aboveground oil tank.
There have been big improvements in heating oil tanks over the years. One of the most important is double-walled construction with an outside layer of corrosion-proof galvanized steel. This keeps the chance of a costly leak to a minimum. Other innovations include:
A heating-oil storage tank gives homeowners the ability to safely store an adequate supply of heating oil that’s ready for immediate use whenever the need for home heating arises.
Read more about heating oil tanks.
Modernizing your home’s heating equipment is more affordable than ever, thanks to the popular rebate program from the South Carolina Convenience & Petroleum Marketers Association (SCCPMA) and the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA).
You can save up to $1,000 when you install a new qualifying heating oil system and heating oil tank. What’s more, you’ll receive your funds upfront when you purchase your new equipment and submit your rebate coupon to the equipment installer.
There are long-term savings too. A new heating oil system should help you save 20% or more on your annual heating costs.
These rebates are subject to availability and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Read more about rebates for heating oil equipment.