Heating Oil Facts

Oilheat in Massachusetts

Approximately 39% of homes in Massachusetts use Oilheat, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
In Worcester County, Oilheat is used in 50% of homes, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
The Massachusetts Legislature recently mandated the use of renewable, environmentally friendly Bioheat in the state. In 2010, Oilheat must contain at least 2% biofuel. In 2013, the mandatory biofuel component will increase to a minimum of 5%. (Bioheat® is ASTM-approved for all Oilheat systems.)
The state of Massachusetts recently passed new requirements for the oil tank lines that transport your home heating fuel from your tank to your burner or furnace. Effective July 1, 2010, tank lines in direct contact with the floor require new non-metallic sleeves and a safety valve. Our technicians can inspect your system and tell you if you need these upgrades. The new law also requires insurance companies to offer coverage against losses from heating oil spills. These incidents are rare, and while insurers are required to offer the coverage at a reasonable fee (currently estimated to be approximately $20.00 per year), homeowners are not required to purchase it.

During the 20-year span from 1988 to 2007, Oilheat was a better value than utility gas in Massachusetts for 19 of the 20 years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Some Oilheat systems boast efficiency ratings of over 95%.
Modern Oilheat equipment burns less fuel than older equipment. The average annual fuel consumption in 1973 was 1,294 gallons; and now it is only 833 gallons - that's 35% less fuel.
The Consumer Energy Council of America has studied the costs of oil and natural gas for over 25 years and has concluded that the prices have tracked one another over time and that over the life of a heating system the prices will be comparable.

Oilheat will not burn in a liquid state. In order to ignite Oilheat, you must heat it above 140 degrees, the temperature at which it begins to vaporize.
Oilheat is non-explosive.

Modern Oilheat systems produce near-zero levels of emissions, and the recent introductions of Bioheat® and ultra-low-sulfur Oilheat have lowered emissions even further. Combined with new systems that "re-burn" combustion gases, Oilheat systems produce air emissions at rates that are as low as those for gas-burning equipment.
New EPA emission ratings affirm that oil burners are one of the cleanest combustion sources in the U.S.

The Northeast Heating Oil Reserve stores 2 million barrels in Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Jersey. In the event of a supply shortage or delivery interruption, the President is authorized to make releases from the reserves.
The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has a capacity of 727 million barrels, making it the world's largest emergency oil stockpile.
Oilheat can be blended with vegetable-based oils to make Bioheat®, a renewable fuel that extends supply and supports American farmers.