New York homebuyers want to know what to expect from their monthly energy bills and may have questions about heating their new home.

“What’s that piece of equipment in the basement?" Does it need to be turned on/off or serviced? What’s this Bioheat® fuel I keep hearing about? And who do I call about that?”

New York real estate professionals need answers to these and other home heating and energy questions. The Empire State Energy Association can help with our Realty Professionals program.

Did you know that virtually all of New York’s oil-heated homes now use a cleaner, greener heating source known as Bioheat® fuel?

As of July 1, 2022 all heating oil sold in New York State contains a minimum of 5% biodiesel, a low-carbon alternative fuel made from renewable resources like soybeans and used cooking oil! About 1.4 million New York homes depend on Bioheat® fuel for reliable heating each winter.

Bioheat® fuel is delivered by local heating fuel dealers, many of which are family-owned small business that have been serving the same homes and communities for generations. When you’re showing a home to a potential buyer, these local retailers can help.

A New York Bioheat® fuel dealer can:

• Start up the boiler or furnace in a home you are showing
• Answer questions from buyers, home inspectors, banks and attorneys
• Provide emergency deliveries if a home runs low on heating fuel
• Transfer service and tank agreements to the new homeowners
• Offer advice on energy efficiency and other home improvement services
• And more!

Free resources are available today. Find a nearby heating fuel dealer or contact the Empire State Energy Association today for more information!

Information for Home Inspectors

All home inspectors should be able to tell real estate professional and any of their potential buyers about the heating fuel, equipment and tank used on the property. Boilers, furnaces, tanks, hot water heaters: if there’s heating fuel involved, there’s a story to behind it, and we can help you tell it to your real estate agency partners and their clients.

Home comfort (heating/cooling) is one of the homeowner’s largest expenses – and your clients look to you to provide knowledgeable answers about their equipment. A local Bioheat® fuel dealer can help by providing the following:

• System information – age of equipment, service and delivery history, and estimated annual fuel use and costs.
• Storage tank information – location, size, material, age, and whether it’s protected under a special tank coverage program.
• Consultation on potential upgrades to heating equipment and tanks – estimated costs and savings.

Free phone consultations available on request: contact the Empire State Energy Association for more information.

Build with Bioheat® Fuel

Today’s homes demand low-cost, low-carbon heating and energy. That’s why Bioheat® fuel is a perfect fit for your new construction. Every builder and HVAC professional needs to know about the benefits of Bioheat®: the reliable, clean, affordable, and environmentally responsible home heating source.

Talk to your local heating fuel dealer about building and renovation opportunities in their neighborhood.

Looking for advice on the right heating equipment for a new residential or commercial property or installation? Turn to the home heating experts — local heating fuel providers.

Most full-service heating fuel dealers also sell, install, service, repair and replace heating systems, including burners, furnaces, boilers, water heaters and more.

These local heating experts can help determine the size and output required for the property, and also assist with purchasing, permits, installation and delivery.

When considering which heating equipment to use, think about this:

• New heating systems reduce annual heating costs by up to 40%
• Low-interest may be available for high-efficiency heating equipment
• An annual tune-up can reduce heating fuel usage by up to 10%
• Other upgrades like smart thermostats can make adjusting a home’s heating costs easier than ever and reduce fuel usage by as much as 10%

Free informative resources are available today. Find a nearby heating fuel dealer or contact the Empire State Energy Association today for more information!