Using biodiesel for home heating

The building I manage (a 4-story brownstone) is considering using biodiesel (or a biodiesel/oil combo) to fuel its oil-burning boiler. Has anyone converted to bioheat? What are your thoughts in regards to system operation, service providers, costs, and benefits? Do you use a blend, and if so, what percentage? We have a 1-pipe steam system, and are planning to replace our current boiler, which is a bit geriatric. We have not yet decided on a gas- or oil-burning boiler, but if biodiesel seems feasible, we would consider it. Thanks!

MennoHouse

in Energy Efficiency 12 years and 9 months ago

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Bklnite | 12 years and 9 months ago

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If you’re going to replace the boiler I think it’s a no brainer to convert to gas. At today’s prices gas is about 45% cheaper per unit of energy compaired to fuel oil. The oil suppliers will tell you that prices of both fuels vary and that over the long term oil may be cheaper but now it’s not even close.
You can get a NYS tax rebate of up to 20 cents a gallon for using a biodiesel blend of 20% – so that’s something interesting to look into for your existing oil boiler. From what I understand you don’t need to do any retrofitting to burn biofuel. I haven’t done it, but your post has me thinking about switching to B20 (20% bio 80%  oil) for the upcoming heating season with my geriatric oil-burning boiler.