With every passing year, heating oil continues its evolution into a newer, cleaner and more efficient fuel. Knowing more about today’s oil heat will make you feel good about how you heat your home — now and well into the future.
Cleaner Than Ever
The oil heat industry continues to undergo a revolution that is significantly improving oil heat’s efficiency and cleanliness, thanks to vast reductions of sulfur levels.
Our country continues to make strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and heating oil is certainly doing its part.
Many states have instituted requirements to move heating oil to a low-sulfur blend; this fuel contains about 75% less sulfur than conventional heating oil.
As a result, every gallon of oil that gets put in your tank burns more cleanly, with lower emissions. You also benefit from better heating efficiency and easier maintenance, since low-sulfur oil creates fewer deposits on heat exchangers.
This is only the beginning. The quality of heating oil will get even better in the years ahead. And that’s good news for the environment!
In contrast, serious concerns are being raised about the aging infrastructure of natural gas pipelines, which are being strained to capacity, especially during extreme cold spells. Many of these old pipelines are also leaking methane — a damaging greenhouse gas — into the atmosphere.
And that’s bad news for the environment!
The Tanks You Get
They say you get better with age, but that’s not true of oil tanks. If your oil tank is more than 30 years old, we recommend replacing it.
While it’s true that oil tanks last many years, they eventually do give out. Life spans vary depending on the humidity, the thickness of the tank’s steel and more. And when tanks do fail, it’s hard to see it coming, because they can erode from the inside out.
Today’s oil tanks are light-years ahead of old models. The new generation of aboveground tanks are virtually leakproof and feature:
➤ sleek designs
➤ double-wall construction that includes an outer tank of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel
➤ a leak-detection system
➤ long-term warranties
If that’s not enough, the newest generation of aboveground tanks generally can be installed in small or unusually shaped spaces.
In short, today’s tanks provide peace of mind and convenience — in addition to all the other benefits of heating your home with oil!
Getting More Efficient all the Time
If your boiler or furnace is at least 15 years old, consider replacing your heating system soon; the performance and reliability of heating equipment typically deteriorates after 15 years (earlier if maintenance has been neglected).
At minimum, a new high-efficiency oil heating system should help you save up to 20% on your annual heating costs. Additionally, you will also have virtually eliminated the need for the expensive repairs and the escalating maintenance costs associated with an
aging system.
Just think, no more strange noises in the night. No more suddenly losing your heat because another worn-out part gave up the ghost. You will also be reducing your risk of having to deal with frozen pipes, and the ensuing water damage, caused by your old furnace conking out while you were away for the weekend.
Endless Hot Water for Less Money
Many of our customers now use their boilers not only to heat their homes, but to produce hot water for showers, hot tubs, washing machines, dishwashers — you name it. And they get it virtually free in the winter.
It’s called an indirect-fired water heater, and if you have a boiler, it can be a phenomenal option.
Anytime your boiler is heating your home, your indirect water heater works for free. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too.
A traditional stand-alone water heater has to use gas or electricity to keep that water hot. And that’s a huge waste of money.
If you have a gas or electric water heater that is 10 years old or older, start checking out your options today!