BioHeat

Bioheat, or bioheating oil, typically contains between 2% and 20% biodiesel (sometimes less), blended with regular heating oil. Biodiesel is a clean-burning, renewable fuel made from vegetable oil instead of petroleum. Domestically produced, Bioheat can literally be grown at home-helping to support our nation’s farmers and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

The energy content of biodiesel is similar to the energy content of heating oil so a blend of biodiesel and heating oil will burn the same, and give off the same heat as regular heating oil. Biodiesel burns more completely than regular heating oil, which means your furnace will operate more efficiently.

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has confirmed that Bio Heating Oil can be used with few or no modifications to the equipment or operating practices in space heating. AMERIgreen will only sell Bioheating Oil that is ASTM certified.

Testing conducted by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA) found that a Bioheat blend of 80% low-sulfur heating oil and 20% biodiesel (B20) reduced sulfur oxide emissions by as much as 80% or more. Nitrogen oxide emissions were lowered by about 20%. In addition, carbon dioxide emissions can be lowered by 20%.

If everyone using heating oil used a B5 blend (5% biodiesel/95% heating oil), 400 million gallons of regular heating oil could be conserved. This would be a big step towards conserving oil, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Using biodiesel as a heating fuel is not a new, untested idea. Extensive studies have been conducted in the lab, as well as in the field. Tests of bioheat showing positive results began in this country in 1993. Since then, extensive tests have been carried out by Brookhaven National Laboratory, the National Renewable Energy Lab and the National Biodiesel Board, among others. These tests have all proven that using Biodiesel in a blend with No. 2 fuel results in lower emissions and fewer service calls, in addition to requiring no equipment modifications.

Oil prices are historically high and the market is volatile. The petroleum industry is under constant pressure from supply disruptions, increased foreign demand, environmental restrictions and limited refining capacity, realities that are unlikely to improve in the future. Biodiesel addresses all of these factors, is tested, enjoys public support, has quality standards and is available in every state. Now that a significant number of oilheat companies have entered the bioheat market, the question now is, which will be the last to do so?

Apgar Oil Company Becomes the First Biofuel in the Lehigh Valley

LEHIGH VALLEY, PA OCTOBER 22,2009 - At the 1st Allentown Energy Expo held Saturday, October 18th at the Allentown Brew Works, Apgar Oil Company, a family owned & operated heating oil company since 1949, announced their commitment to become the first heating oil company in Allentown, PA to provide BioHeating Oil.

Jim Apgar, Apgar Oil Company President, "We do everything we can to support the Lehigh Valley. We are excited about bringing this advanced heating fuel to the community. Since Bioheating Oil burns much cleaner than conventional oilheat our customers are contributing to cleaner air throughout the Lehigh Valley. Bioheating oil improves the overall efficiency of the heating oil system. It is remarkable how simple a change can make such a positive impact on both the performance and the air we breathe."

Jane Domitrowits, Apgar Oil CFO points out, "Bioheating oil is the most efficient heating oil available today. Looking at the environmental and performance benefits we knew this was where we needed to be. Bioheating oil is a blend of Heating oil and Biodiesel. Biodiesel is made in America, supporting American jobs and keeping American dollars in our country."

Apgar Oil Company is supplied by Amerigreen, a mid-Atlantic leader in the wholesale marketing of Biofuels with blending terminals throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Amerigreen Biofuels undergo stringent quality control testing, and meets or exceeds ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) certification.

"This is a wonderful example of people being aware of an opportunity to do the right thing and committing themselves to it for the sake of the people they serve. I applaud Apgar for their commitment to their community. " says Ron Flick, Amerigreen Brand Manager. Apgar Oil Company will offer blends of B5 (5% biodiesel) heating oil and diesel fuel-with plans to increase the blend percentage in the future.