Written on: December 25, 2023
Oil heat has a bad reputation. But the technological advances over the last few decades have resulted in fuel that burns 95% cleaner than it did in the 1970s. In fact, the heating oil in your tank burns so cleanly, producing such negligible emissions that the Federal Clean Air Act doesn’t even regulate it anymore.
How is this possible? Advances in refining processes have produced ultra-low sulfur heating oil that’s better for customers in many ways. The quality of the oil in your tank has a big impact on how efficiently your system runs, how long your equipment lasts—and how much fuel you need to burn to keep your home comfortable. It also has a big impact on the environment. That’s why ultra-low sulfur heating oil has been mandated in Connecticut for more than a decade.
Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is much better for the environment. But this clean burning fuel offers plenty of benefits for customers, too. The quality of the oil in your tank has a big impact on how efficiently your system runs, how long your equipment lasts—and how much fuel you need to burn to keep your home comfortable.
Heating oil is already more cost-efficient than natural gas in terms of Btu content. You need to burn about 40% more natural gas to receive the heating equivalent of heating oil. Cleaner oil burns even more efficiently—helping to keep heating costs down even more. Ultra-low sulfur heating oil also opens the door to super-efficient heating systems, which can increase the advantages of heating oil over natural gas even more. Research conducted by the Energy Research Council/Brookhaven National Laboratory found fuel savings as high as 48.3% when outdated equipment is replaced with a new, high-efficiency boiler.
With more unpredictable winter weather, it’s a smart reason more people are sticking to oil.
Your heating system is one of the bigger investments you make in your home, and using fuel that burns cleanly protects that investment and helps it last longer. Less sulfur means less build-up in your equipment and your storage tank. That translates to fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs for you.
The average heating-oil fueled boiler or furnace should last around 30 years if it’s properly maintained—nearly double that of a typical gas furnace. Heating oil-based water heaters also boast faster recovery rates. For example, a unit powered by heating oil will recover up to twice as fast as a water heater powered by natural gas, and more than three times as fast as an electric-powered water heater.
If you’re looking for a full-service company for prompt heating oil delivery, plus expert installation, maintenance and repair services in Litchfield County and surrounding areas in Connecticut, look no further than Mandola. Contact us for more information today.