Bioheat® Fuel Explained: A Smarter Way to Heat Your MA Home
If you’re an oil heat customer in South Shore, Massachusetts, you’ve probably heard the term “Bioheat® fuel” mentioned at some point. We’re here today to answer any questions you may have about what Bioheat® fuel really is, how it benefits your home and family, and why you should be excited to learn that you’re making a positive impact simply by being a customer of Ken Duval Oil.
Bioheat® fuel was developed as a recent response to the push for finding renewable energy and alternative fuel sources here in the US. You might already know the basics about this eco-friendly fuel, such as the positive impact it has on our environment, not to mention your energy budget. But do you know what gives Bioheat® fuel the eco-friendly designation, or how Bioheat® fuel is helping our farmers? Below are some frequently asked questions that consumers have about this cleaner, greener home heating fuel.
What Is Bioheat® Fuel Made Of?
Bioheat® fuel is a blend of renewable biodiesel and ultra-low sulfur heating oil. Biodiesel is made domestically from a variety of agricultural or recycled resources, which are treated and purified. Biodiesel is then mixed with low-sulfur heating oil to create Bioheat® fuel. Blends are identified by percentages, such as B5 or B20. For example, B10 means the fuel contains 10 percent biodiesel and 90 percent heating oil. These blends are designed to reduce emissions while maintaining the reliability you expect from oil heat.
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Where Does Biodiesel Come From?
Biodiesel is made from renewable materials, such as:
- Plant oils such as soybean, peanut, and sunflower oil
- Animal fats
- Recycled restaurant cooking grease
- Emerging sources like algae oil
These materials are processed and refined into a clean-burning fuel component that blends seamlessly with heating oil.
Does Biodiesel Impact the Food Supply?
Not at all. All fats and oils used for biodiesel are co-products or byproducts of agriculture. For example, soybeans are grown primarily for livestock and human consumption. About 20% of the soy crop is a co-product in the form of oil. By increasing the demand for soybean oil used in biodiesel production, the demand for the crop increases, and the cost of soy used for feed and food is significantly reduced. It’s a win-win for consumers and farmers.
Why Is Bioheat® Fuel Better Than Traditional Heating Oil?
Bioheat® fuel offers several advantages:
- Burns cleaner, helping reduce overall emissions
- Supports improved system efficiency
- It is made with domestically sourced renewable components
- Reduces reliance on foreign oil
- Supports American jobs and agriculture
Because it burns cleaner, Bioheat® fuel may also help reduce buildup in your heating system when combined with annual maintenance.
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Do I Need to Change My Equipment?
Bioheat® fuel is compatible with existing oil-fired boilers and furnaces, so you can enjoy its benefits without changing your current heating system.
How Can I Transition to Bioheat® Fuel?
Your heating oil has evolved, and Massachusetts has kept up with the changes. If you live in the Bay State and heat your home with oil, you’re already using Bioheat® fuel. Bioheat® fuel delivers the dependable warmth you rely on, while incorporating renewable energy that supports American farmers and lowers emissions.
Have additional questions or need to schedule a Bioheat® fuel delivery? You can contact Ken Duval Oil today to learn more about the benefits of Bioheat® fuel for your home.