New study finds widespread benefits of the biofuel we use in our heating oil

As we often tell new customers — the fuel we sell is not your grandparents’ heating oil. The soot and black smoke you might recall from older oil-fired furnaces and boilers are relics of the past. Today’s heating oil has never been cleaner or more energy efficient.

As it turns out, this heating oil is better for the health of our valued Long Island customers too! A recent study supported by the Clean Fuels Alliance America determined the health benefits and potential economic savings of converting from petroleum-based diesel to 100 percent biodiesel (also called biofuel).

Astonishing benefits of biofuel

This study focused on 13 sites and communities across the country, chosen because of their high rates of air pollution attributable to the large-scale burning of petroleum diesel. The research showed that converting the area’s petroleum to organic biofuel would lead to:

• 340 fewer premature deaths
• 46,000 fewer lost workdays
• $3 billion in avoided health care costs

“These immediate and substantial emissions and health benefits can and should be an important part in any state, regional or national climate program as our nation moves toward decarbonization through advanced alternative fuels like biodiesel and renewable diesel,” said Donnell Rehagen, CEO of the Clean Fuels Alliance America (formerly known as the National Biodiesel Board).

Burt’s Reliable is already leading the way with biofuel

If you are one of Burt’s Reliable’s heating oil delivery customers, you already enjoy many of the health and financial benefits of this study. You see, Burt’s has been delivering a B20 Bioheat® fuel blend for years.

Bioheat fuel is a blend of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and biofuel. Biofuel is produced using organic and recycled ingredients like:

• soybean oil
• used cooking oils
• inedible corn oil
• canola
• tallow
• animal fats
• algae

Our blend contains 20 percent biofuel, which has fantastic benefits for your home and the planet.

• B20 Bioheat fuel burns cleaner than natural gas, with fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
• You can use Bioheat fuel in oil-fired heating equipment without modification, producing the highest Btu heat content of any alternative fuel.
• Bioheat fuel leaves fewer deposits in your heating equipment than traditional heating oil, meaning you’ll need fewer burner cleanings. This also extends your heating system’s life expectancy!

If all of these benefits weren’t enough, New York residents also receive a tax credit for heating their spaces and water with biofuel.

New York’s Clean Fuel Credit is applied to your income taxes. Your benefit depends on the biofuel blend of your heating oil. As a Burt’s Reliable customer, you are eligible for a 20¢-per-gallon credit on your New York State income taxes. Our average customer sees a $150 reduction on your state taxes each year! Our team will provide you with an annual statement to apply for this credit at tax time.

Are you interested in enjoying to health, financial and comfort benefits of B20 Bioheat fuel? Contact us today to become a Burt’s Reliable customer.