Thinking of switching to Natural Gas? Read this first!
2016 will be the cleanest year for oil heat yet!
Due to a mandated reduction in sulfur content, your oil heat will burn cleaner than it ever has before! Nationwide, states have mandated a reduction in sulfur content from what historically was over 2,000 parts per million (ppm) sulfur to a maximum of 500ppm! Pennsylvania is begging the transition, but most other states have already jumped to 15ppm (Ultra Low-Sulfur Heating Oil).
We are sure you have many questions about this change, and this article should soothe any concerns you may have.
Why is lower sulfur content good?
- Increases your heating efficiency
- Lowers maintenance costs
- Reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions
According to a study for the National Oilheat Research Council (NORA), a reduction in sulfur will reduce the buildup of particulate matter within your heating system. Any buildup in the heating system reduces the system’s efficiency. Thereby, a reduction in the sulfur will actually increase the efficiency of your heating system!
Additionally, reducing particulate buildup will reduce the overall maintenance costs of running your heating system and prolong the life of your flue pipe and chimney! Sulfur dioxide fine particulate matter is the byproduct of the combustion process of sulfur in your heating oil. Reducing the sulfur reduces the particulate matter. Additionally, this reduces the buildup of corrosive sulfuric acid in your flue pipe and chimney.
“NORA estimates the heating plant service cost savings for a typical homeowner would be on the order of $50 per year and fuel efficiency improves about 2 percent.”
Worried about how a change in the fuel will affect your system?
Since 2006, federal regulations have required all transportation diesel fuels (heating oil is basically un-taxed diesel fuel) to have a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million. Manufacturers of equipment have adjusted and the environment has benefited substantially. Heating oil regulations are now following this benchmark.
We’re proud to continually provide the highest quality products following local, state, and federal regulations. Rest assured knowing that we are working to make your life easier, and ensure a healthy environment. If you have any questions regarding the move to low sulfur heating oil, please give us a call to chat!