Biofuel

What is biofuel?
Biofuel is a clean-burning mix of No. 2 heating oil and a fuel product made in the USA from renewable resources, primarily soybean. The B5 biofuel we sell is No. 2 heating oil with 5% biofuel.

Where does it come from/who makes biofuel?
Biofuel is produced from crops grown in the USA. Some dealers purchase soy oil or mash and "splash mix" in their own tank themselves; others buy it blended from suppliers. We purchase pre-blended biofuel for home heating use only.

How does biofuel compare to regular heating oil?
Industry studies show that biofuel burns cleaner than No. 2 alone, adds life to a heating system and reduces service calls. A renewable fuel, biofuel reduces harmful emissions.

What about efficiency?
The difference is imperceptible in a B5 mix ... less than one-half of one percent less BTUs.

Do I need a new furnace or heating system to use it?
No you do not. Biofuel can be put directly into your current system.

Will it adversely affect my system?
We believe it will not. Biofuel studies have been conducted by at least a half dozen industry organizations at the state and national level, including the Brookhaven National Laboratory and the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Lab. The results demonstrate that B5 biofuel functions satisfactorily in home and commercial heating systems with no adverse operational characteristics.

How is biofuel different from biodiesel?
Biofuel is for home use; biodiesel is for over-the-road use.

How is biofuel different from bioheat?
Bioheat® is a trademarked name; biofuel is the general term. There is no physical difference between the two.

Can I order biofuel?
Yes, you may. Please call the Downeast Energy office nearest you at 1-888-665-2727.