Frequently Asked Questions about Bioheat
Bioheat
What is Bioheat?
Bioheat is a blended fuel made from conventional home heating oil and biodiesel. It is safe to use in your furnace or boiler. Bioheat contains about 20% biofuel, which is made from used cooking oil and other renewable resources.
How is it made?
Biodiesel is made from oils we use every day in restaurants. This includes vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and even algae. Our biodiesel is mostly made from used cooking oil, like vegetable oil. Our process is called transesterification; in this process alcohol and a strong base are added to the cooking oil to cause a reaction in which glycerin is the byproduct. We are left with fatty acid methal esters (FAME), which is biodiesel. Maine Standard Biofuels uses the glycerin on-site to create a line of cleaning products called Wicked Strong.
Can it heat my home?
Absolutely! It is safe to use in your home and will not cause any problems with your existing furnace or boiler!
Does it burn the same as conventional heating oil?
Better! Bio20PLUS will burn up to 20% more efficiently. Bio20PLUS has less sulfur content than traditional home heating oil. This means less maintenance and cleaner burning! The cleaner oil will actually reduce your carbon footprint and mean more money in your pocket!
Do I need any sort of conversion?
No. Using Bioheat in your furnace or boiler requires no conversion!
Will my house smell like French fries?
No. Your house will not smell like French fires or any food products unless you are cooking them (then recycling your used cooking oil, of course).
Ordering from Maine Standard Biofuels
What is the difference between Bio20 and Bio20PLUS?
Bio20 is a blended fuel in which 20% of the blend does not come from fossil fuels. This is our standard biodiesel blended with conventional heating oil. Bio20PLUS is also a 20% biodiesel blend and is the new standard (starting July 2018). The state of Maine, along with many other states around the country, is now requiring that heating oil companies use ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which has a sulfur content of 15ppm or less (traditional heating oil has a sulfur content of about 500ppm). We are offering both options to our customers for the 2017-2018 season.
Does Bioheat cost more than conventional heating oil?
No. Maine Standard Biofuels is dedicated to staying within market pricing. You can check our current price by clicking here.
What is the minimum order?
Our minimum order is 100 gallons of oil at a time. We have a minimum delivery in place to avoid delivering to the same house on several occasions during a short period of time. Delivering at least 100 gallons of heating oil at a time allows us to have a more open schedule, getting more customers the heating oil they need.
Do you offer budget plans?
Unfortunately we do not currently offer financing or budget plans. We are happy to accept cash, credit/debit cards, money orders and checks, however. To save money, sign up for our auto-fill program, which will save you $0.05 on every gallon all season long. You can sign up by clicking here.
How quickly can you get me oil?
We strive to serve our customers as quickly as possible. Most of the time, if you are out of oil we can deliver to you that day, with a delivery fee. Often times, customers are able to hand-fill their tank until we are able to deliver, usually within 24-48 hours. We try to stay ahead our competitors delivery times. If you have an emergency, please call us: (207) 878-3001 and press option 1.
Why should I make the switch?
Maine Standard Biofuels is dedicated to customer service, timely delivery, the environment and our customers. When you call us, a human will answer and work with you toward fulfilling your heating oil needs. We look forward to serving you. Please contact us if you have any questions.