Written on: March 21, 2022
With the current volatile situation with global oil supplies, and the price spikes that have gone with it, the importance of decreasing our reliance on foreign oil has come into sharp focus.
The heating oil industry has long been helping pave the way for energy independence with the addition of heating oil blended with biofuels. At Servco, we deliver Bioheat® fuel, a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil with biodiesel.
Not only does using Bioheat fuel mean we’re using less oil, it also dramatically reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reduces wear on your home’s heating system so it can last longer with fewer repairs.
If you don’t know much about biofuels, we’ve put together some information you’ll find interesting.
The most common biofuels are ethanol and biodiesels. Ethanol is an alcohol made from the sugars found in common grains as well as sugar beets, rice, and grass clippings. It is commonly used as an additive in gasoline for motor vehicles.
Biodiesels, also known as biomass-based diesel fuels, are made from renewable resources such as plant oils, animal fats, recycled restaurant cooking grease, and algae. Biodiesels are what is added to Bioheat fuel.
Biodiesels have the highest energy balance of any fuel. Energy balance is defined as energy intake vs. energy expenditure. Biodiesels return 3.2 units of energy for every one unit of fossil energy needed to create it.
Biodiesels are used in a wide range of ways. This past December, a United Airlines passenger flight fueled entirely by biofuels went from Chicago to Washington, DC.
Biofuels contain virtually zero sulfur, making them easily biodegradable as well as clean burning. In the event of a leak in your tank or a big spill, biofuels that leak out will not harm your soil or groundwater in the same way petroleum diesel fuel would.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States is the world’s largest user of biodiesels, accounting for 22% of biodiesel used worldwide. Brazil and France are in a distant second place, each using about 10%. The U.S. produces about 1.81 billion gallons of biodiesel each year.
Whether you’re in Bethel, Stamford, or other nearby Fairfield County communities, Servco provides reliable delivery of cleaner-burning Bioheat® fuel. Become a Servco customer and enjoy the benefits of Bioheat fuel in your home!