5 Fast Facts About Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil

If you live in New Hampshire, you’ve likely heard talk about a new fuel: ultra-low sulfur heating oil. And if you haven’t, you will soon enough. Ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULSHO) is the new standard for heating oil in the state of New Hampshire. Find out what this fuel is all about, and why this transition is great for oil heat consumers and all residents of our state.

ULSHO in New Hampshire

In New England, we rely on heating fuel to stay warm nearly 6 months out of the year. Oil heat has been a top energy choice for decades. Its reputation for safety and efficiency, paired with domestic production and heating technology advancements are just several reasons why residents of the Granite State choose this fuel year after year. Now, we can add even more benefits to the growing list. Transitioning from traditional heating oil to ultra-low sulfur heating oil comes with many advantages for New Hampshire.

1. It has 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content
Traditional heating oil in the state of New Hampshire has 4,000 ppm sulfur content. That means ULS heating oil has 99% less sulfur than traditional heating oil. So why does this matter? Lower sulfur content has been linked to many significant benefits by research conducted at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.[1]

2. It produces fewer emissions
When heating oil with a lower sulfur content burns, it produces fewer emissions into the air. ULS heating oil 97% less airborne emissions, 99% fewer sulfur dioxide emissions, and up to 30% fewer nitrous oxide emissions. All of which have been named harmful to the environment and our public health.

3. It keeps equipment cleaner
Not only does ULS heating oil produce fewer emissions, it burns cleaner, too! ULS heating oil produces 40 times less soot and over 90% less ash buildup than traditional heating oil. Soot and ash buildup can cause equipment error and require service cleanings to be removed.

4. It helps homeowners save money
A cleaner burn helps customers save, big time. When service cleanings are needed less frequently, that means homeowners can spend less on maintenance fees. ULSHO is compatible with existing oil heat equipment and requires no system modifications to use.

5. The transition begins in 2018
With the support of New Hampshire oil dealers and consumers, Governor Sununu signed bill SB577 into law, making the transition to ULSHO effective July 1, 2018.

 
Want to learn more about the benefits of ultra-low sulfur heating oil for your NH home or business? Check out a list of FAQs here.

[1] Brookhaven National Laboratory