Heating oil has quietly evolved with the needs of homeowners and the environment over the years. What many people might think of as traditional heating oil includes a growing share of renewable energy called Bioheat® fuel. Read this blog from BetterwithBioheat.com to learn more about what Bioheat® fuel is, how it’s made, and the economic benefits it offers New York State.
Bioheat® fuel is a blend of ultra-low sulfur (ULS) heating oil and renewable biodiesel. It is used the same way as traditional heating oil, but a portion of the fuel comes from renewable plant- or waste-based sources rather than petroleum alone.
Because Bioheat® fuel is blended to meet heating oil standards, it works in existing oil-fired heating systems without requiring equipment upgrades.
Related Post: Bioheat® Fuel Breakdown: How It’s Made and How It Helps Reduce Emissions
Bioheat® fuel is produced by blending ULS heating oil with biodiesel in carefully controlled ratios. The biodiesel portion of Bioheat® fuel is made from renewable and recycled organic materials that might otherwise go to waste, like:
Blend levels range and indicate the biodiesel percentage in the fuel. For example, a 10% blend Bioheat® fuel contains 10% biodiesel with the remainder made up of traditional heating oil. The higher the blend is, the cleaner and more renewable the fuel becomes by producing fewer emissions.
Bioheat® fuel supports local economies because it’s made from materials that are collected, processed, and blended domestically. Things like used cooking oil and plant oils are collected by local businesses, turned into fuel by regional producers, and then delivered by local fuel companies.
This means more of the money spent on heating fuel stays within communities and supports US jobs in recycling, manufacturing, transportation, and fuel delivery.
Related Post: The Benefits of Working with Local Bioheat® Fuel Providers
In New York State, all heating oil sold is required to include a blend of biodiesel, which means what you are receiving at your home today is Bioheat® fuel. This approach allows homes to use a modern, lower-emission heating fuel without changing equipment or sacrificing comfort. To learn more about how Bioheat® fuel works in your area, connecting with a local heating fuel provider is a great place to start.