When a customer who has never had a system that uses heating oil comes to us, they often have a lot of questions. So, we wanted to create a reference with all the basics to use when any questions about heating oil delivery crop up.
The Basics
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, about 5.7 million households in the United States use heating oil. Residential heating oil (ULSHO) is essentially diesel fuel (ULSD) and the cleanest form of oil on the market. The distinction between ULSHO and ULSD fuel mainly concerns paying taxes when using ULSD (diesel) fuel. They can have different additives in them, but they are virtually identical.
To create usable heating oil, crude oil is extracted from the earth, filtered and distilled at an extremely high temperature to remove impurities, and then blended to create what is compatible with our residential heating oil-run systems.
Different Types of Heating Fuels
Bioheat®:
Bioheat® is traditional home heating oil blended with Biodiesel.
Bioheat® is a form of renewable energy that reduces the use of hundreds of thousands of gallons of foreign oil (we deliver this exclusively)
Natural gas:
Nearly 50% of homes in the US heat with natural gas. It is a fossil energy source and primarily consists of methane. Natural gas is odorless, colorless, and tasteless but has been given an odor as a precaution, so that a natural gas leak can be detectable.
Propane:
Also called LPG or Liquified Petroleum Gas, propane is a byproduct of natural gas distillation. Propane is liquified under pressure and stored in tanks for home heating systems and other uses such as grills. Propane has also been modified with a scent to improve its safety.
How to Choose a Heating Oil
All states in New England officially transitioned to Ultra Low Sulfur Heating Oil ULSHO in July 2018, which means choosing an oil type is very simple. Regardless of what delivery company brings you your fuel, it is reassuring to know that it is of the best quality. ULSHO is low in sulfur content and, therefore, much safer to transport and use.
Heating Oil Delivery
If you have a system that runs on oil, you will need to have oil delivered to your home by truck. The best way to ensure you have heating oil when you need it is to sign up for a delivery service ahead of time. However, if you choose to order your heating oil as needed, you will have to keep tabs on when you’ll get the best price and keep track of how much oil is in your tank so you don’t run out on the coldest night of the year.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Is heating oil safe?
A: Home heating oil is safe to use in your home. The oil won’t burn in a liquid state (you couldn’t light it on fire if you tried) because it is only ignitable by a mechanism found in home-heating furnaces called “advanced burning system.” As long as you take proper care of your oil tank, using home heating oil should not be a safety concern.
Q: How long will a system that runs on oil last?
A: Most oil furnaces and boilers come with a 10-year warranty, and typically last up to 25 years or more. Using high-grade heating oil should keep your furnace running smoothly and lengthen the life of your system if you remember to have it serviced on a yearly basis.
Q: Is heating oil bad for the environment?
A: Significant efforts have been made to make home heating oil safer, cleaner and healthier. By reducing sulfur in the oil, residential oil has become safer for the environment and public health alike.
Q: Is heating oil efficient?
A: Modern heating oil is efficient because you can use less fuel to produce the same amount of heat compared to just a few years ago. It also creates such a strong flame that you can use less of the energy source to heat your home (and do so quickly).
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If your question still needs answering or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact the friendly team at Genove Oil & Air, and we’ll help you find the right solution for your home or business.
Whether you need home heating oil or Bioheat delivery, or installation and service of oil & natural gas systems for HVAC, heating, and cooling—call us at 781-893-9191 or email us.
