What You Need to Know about Bioheat® Fuel in Massachusetts

If you’re preparing to enter the energy industry’s workforce here in Massachusetts, there’s a recent innovation you need to know about: Bioheat. Bioheat fuel was developed as a response to the push for finding renewable energy and alternative fuel sources here in the US. You might already know the basics about this ecological 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 oil the eco-friendly designation, or how Bioheat is helping farmers here in Massachusetts and the US? Below are some frequently asked questions that homeowners may have about this cleaner, greener home heating fuel. Prepare yourself with knowledge so you can portray the true benefits of Bioheat fuel to any homeowner who happens to ask.

How Is Bioheat Fuel Made?

Bioheat is created by blending renewable biodiesel and low-sulfur home heating oil. Biodiesel is made domestically from a variety of agricultural or recycled resources, which are treated and purified to create premium home heating fuel that can replace traditional oil heat. Biodiesel is blended with low-sulfur heating oil to create Bioheat fuel. The blend ratio can vary, but the most common blends range from 5% to 20% biodiesel. Massachusetts is on a mission to lower carbon emissions by using Bioheat fuel.

What Makes Biodiesel a Renewable Resource?

It’s a renewable resource because biodiesel can be made from a variety of recycled resources, including plant oils, animal fats, and even recycled grease from restaurants. It’s an innovation that doesn’t take away anything except what would otherwise be discarded as waste.

Why Is Bioheat Better Than Standard Number 2 Fuel Oil?

• Reduces your fuel consumption with higher efficiency
• Biofuel oil burns cleaner, producing fewer carbon emissions
• Reuses recycled waste products from restaurants and farms
• Benefits the economy by providing more local jobs to fuel engineers
• Limits dependency on foreign oil sources

Does Biodiesel Creation Negatively Affect Farms and Food Supply?

No, not one bit. All fats and oils used for biodiesel are coproducts or by-products of agriculture. For example, soybeans are grown primarily as meal for livestock and human consumption. About 20% of the soy crop is a co-product in the form of oil, and by increasing the demand for soybean oil used in biodiesel production, the demand for the crop increases. This causes the cost of soy used for feed and food to be significantly reduced. It’s a win-win for consumers and farmers, who can sell more product than before and produce less waste in the long run.

Have more questions about Bioheat fuel? Visit mybioheat.com or log into your Generation NEXT Energy Pros account to connect with a fuel dealer today!