ULS Heating Oil FAQs

A: Ultra-low sulfur heating oil (ULS) is heating oil with 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content.

A: Sulfur content is the amount of sulfur in heating oil. This is measured by parts per million (ppm).

A: ULS heating oil and traditional heating oil are petroleum products distilled from crude oil. ULS heating oil only has 15 ppm sulfur content. Traditional heating oil in New Hampshire has up to 4,000 ppm sulfur content.

Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil	Traditional Heating Oil
Sulfur: 15 ppm	Sulfur: 4,000 ppm
Non-flammable	Non-flammable
Reliable delivery from local dealers	Reliable delivery from local dealers
Warm, efficient burn	Warm, efficient burn
Extended equipment lifespan
Greater operating efficiency
Reduced NOx and SO2 emissions

A: Refiners use the process of hydrodesulphurization (HDS) to remove the sulfur component of diesel/heating oil fuels.

A: No. The state of New Hampshire has passed a bill that will transition all heating oil sold in the state to ULS. During 2018, oil dealers will gradually transition from traditional heating oil to ULS heating oil.

A: Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is very beneficial for oil consumers. This benefits include:

• ULS heating oil burns cleaner than traditional heating oil. It produces less pollution into the air we breathe.
• Your heating system will run more efficiently on ULS heating oil. This will lower buildup in your equipment, which will reduce the number of cleanings needed. Increased efficiency and a cleaner burn will translate to fewer service visits and less money spent on service work.
• The transition will not cause any added costs, because ULS heating oil is compatible with current oil heating equipment.

A: Researchers have found that lower sulfur content in heating oil signicantly reduces the amount of nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, and particulate matter emissions. These emissions are linked to many environmental and public health issues. Fewer emissions in our air is better for the environment and our public health.

A: ULS heating oil’s lower sulfur content produces a cleaner burn, which can slightly increase thermal heat output. Sulfur, which naturally occurs in fuel, does not burn. As fuel burns, sulfur will build up on the heat exchanger, which insulates the heating system from the flame. Lowering the sulfur content of heating oil reduces the amount of sulfur buildup and minimizes the need for heat exchanger cleanings. A cleaner heat exchanger will help your system run more efficiently and help you save money on service work.

A: Yes. Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is compatible with current oil heating equipment.

A: ULS heating oil prices are susceptible to change, like any other fuel on the market. In the long run, ULS heating oil provides customers with greater annual savings than traditional oil heat.

A: Because ULS heating oil burns cleaner, your heating system will run more efficiently. This means it takes less heating fuel for your equipment to produce the same amount of heat and your fuel supply will last longer. ULS heating oil also lowers the frequency of necessary services, like professional cleaning. All of these factors add up to savings.

A: ULS heating oil is compatible with current oil heating equipment. This means no upgrades, no additional inspections, and no additional spending. You will continue to enjoy the convenience and reliability of heating with oil.

A: New Hampshire heating oil companies will gradually begin to transition to ULS heating oil.