Kris DeLair, Empire State Energy Association
Did you know that if you rely on ultra-low sulfur heating fuel to keep your home warm and comfortable during the winter months in New York State, the fuel you are getting delivered is actually Bioheat® fuel?
Bioheat® fuel is made by blending ultra-low sulfur heating fuel with biodiesel. The biodiesel used to make Bioheat® fuel comes from a variety of renewable agricultural by-products, including soybean oil, inedible corn oil, used cooking oil, fats and tallows, canola, and other recycled oils. These feedstocks are proven to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions significantly, with biodiesel having been shown to reduce emissions by up to 80 percent compared to petroleum diesel. This makes Bioheat® fuel both a renewable energy solution and one of the most affordable options available.
As an affordable and renewable energy solution, Bioheat® fuel provides homeowners the opportunity to practice more sustainable heating habits without major lifestyle or expense adjustments. In fact, homeowners can actively shrink their carbon footprint without equipment modifications, conversion costs, or hidden fees. Furthermore, using Bioheat® fuel improves system efficiency and reduces energy consumption, and with no significant change in cost, homeowners can expect to pay comparably the same for Bioheat® fuel as they did for traditional heating fuels.
While all heating oil sold in New York State contains at least 5% biodiesel, many fuel providers offer higher blends of Bioheat® fuel. Blends with more biodiesel contain higher amounts of renewable agricultural by-products and less ultra-low sulfur heating oil, meaning it will produce fewer emissions. As many of us are thinking about sustainability when it comes to heating our homes, it’s exciting to have this lower-carbon alternative abundantly available.
With plans to be carbon-free by 2050, the Bioheat® fuel industry is continually searching for new ways to increase blends and decrease carbon emissions, with new blends coming as soon as 2025. New York State’s push for renewable Bioheat® fuel ensures that regardless of the company or blend you choose, you’re getting a high-quality, eco-friendly product.
To learn more about Bioheat® fuel, visit BetterwithBioheat.com.
