Bioheat

Quinoco Fuel Plans Available Starting May 1st

Prepare for the heating season by enrolling in a fixed-price protection program for oil or propane!

This plan performs well with stable or increasing market conditions, but remember, should the prices fall, you will remain ‘locked’ into your agreement price.

**Please Note: When you commit to this program, Quinoco simultaneously purchases that fuel for you from our suppliers – we are not able to break this agreement. This means that if market conditions decrease, you do not get a lower price.

To enroll in our Fixed Price Program or discuss other program options, call Customer Care at 860.583.4609

 
 

Congratulations to our UGLY BOILER CONTEST Winner!

Congratulations to our Ugly Boiler Contest winner!

We are pleased to announce that Bristol resident Nancy Wallen has won our 2023 "Ugliest Boiler" Contest. 

Quinoco Energy Services General Manager Jim Hickey and Energy Kinetics Territory Manager Mark Santangelo presented Mrs. Wallen with a state-of-the-art Energy Kinetics Ascent Combi boiler alongside her daughter Janice Pierce.

“The Ugly Boiler Contest couldn’t have come at a better time. Mom’s boiler was on its last legs and parts were hard to find. This really is the best Christmas present,” enthused Pierce.

Energy Kinetics Mark Santangelo was present for the installation. “Mrs. Wallen will enjoy years of fuel savings and quiet boiler operation. Many congratulations from our entire team at Energy Kinetics.”

According to the contest selection committee, the boiler was original to the house and still housed many of the equipment’s original components.

“It was really incredible to see that Mrs. Wallen’s boiler still had its original oil burner. Sixty-five years ago, peak efficiency was at 1725rpm whereas current models run at 3450rpm. From just that upgrade alone, Mrs. Wallen will see a big improvement in how she heats her home,” explained Hickey.

“All together I’ve been a Quinoco customer for over 60 years,” said Wallen. “Quinoco has always taken care of me and my home.”

Quinoco’s Ugliest Boiler Contest received many entries from not just their service area but across the state and even one entry from Rhode Island! “Getting entries from all over the state really is a sign of how so many homeowners struggle to heat their homes and update older rundown heating equipment,” shared Hickey. “A new boiler like the one we’re installing for Mrs. Wallen can reduce a home’s annual oil consumption by up to 40% and will pay for itself in energy savings in a few short years while significantly reducing carbon emissions.”

Mrs. Wallen wasn’t the only one to benefit from Quinoco’s Ugliest Boiler Contest. The second and third place winners, also from Bristol, will enjoy $1000 off and $750 the installation of a new boiler or furnace from Quinoco respectively.


***COMPETITION IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED***

QUINOCO IS GIVING AWAY A NEW HIGH-EFFICIENCY BOILER OR FURNACE TO ONE LUCKY WINNER!

SO, IF YOUR HEATING SYSTEM IS PREHISTORIC,
IT’S TIME TO ENTER
QUINOCO’S UGLIEST BOILER CONTEST*


The Ugly Boiler Contest and members of our team will be featured on October’s At Home with Kerri-Lee!

How to watch:

  • 10/7 on WFSB at 12pm

  • Every Saturday on WTNH at 11:30pm

  • Online at athomeKLM.com

  • Click below

Give The Gift Of Warmth

We’re all looking for ways to put more money in our pockets as we head into the holiday season. And what better way to do so than by recommending a company you know and trust!

Share the names of friends and family members with us and we’ll give you a $100 credit on your account for each new person you refer who signs up as a Quinoco SmartBiofuel or Propane heating customer.

Refer five people and that’s $500
to start off the heating season!

Prep for Heating Season with the Quinoco Advantage

Prep for Heating Season with the Quinoco Advantage

This month’s bulletin is all about prep. You’re prepping for fall. Kids just got prepped to go back to school. And we’re prepping for the start of our busy heating season.

One way you can prep for heating season? Sign up for our Quinoco Advantage program to better budget for this year’s fuel costs. Designed to protect you from winter bill spikes, the Quinoco Advantage sets you up with a low monthly payment based on your heating costs over the last two years. You’ll love the consistency, the reliable automatic deliveries, and the lack of surprises appearing on your next fuel bill!

The Quinoco Advantage program is just another way we try to give you peace of mind. Give our office a call to sign up. The sooner you sign up, the lower your monthly payment will be for this heating season.

Good luck with your fall prep!

 

Jim Hickey
Quinoco Energy Services

Don't Get Caught in the Pricing Game

Don't Get Caught in the Pricing Game

September is the unofficial start of our busy season as homeowners start calling to secure their fuel for the upcoming winter. With dozens of companies out there trying to win your business, many companies will throw low ball prices out to try to entice customers to switch, and that’s when the pricing game begins…

Don’t get sucked into a deal that seems too good to be true, because it probably is! Here are some things to look out for:

AT QUINOCO, WE DON’T PLAY GAMES:

In fact, we want to be as transparent as possible and educate our customers so they can make informed decisions. You won’t see a low-ball price offer from us but our customers know that our service is unmatched and our prices are fair; that’s why many of you have been with us for not just years, but decades!

If you have any questions, concerns or need help selecting the right pricing program for the upcoming season, our Customer Care team is here to help at 860.583.4609.

It's time to schedule your tank inspection!

It’s Time To Schedule Your Oil Tank Inspection!

If you have an oil tank on your property, it is important to get it inspected regularly. Oil tanks can develop leaks or other issues over time that can pose a risk to your property and the environment. We’ve compiled a few factors to consider when thinking about your home maintenance this summer while you call Quinoco to schedule your tank inspection.

Early detection of issues

Regular oil tank inspections can help identify potential issues early on, before they become major problems. This can help prevent leaks or other damage that can be costly to clean up and may pose a risk to your property and the environment.

Protection of property and environment

Oil tanks that are not properly maintained can pose a risk to your property and the environment. Leaks or spills can contaminate the soil and groundwater, which can be difficult and expensive to remediate. Regular inspections can help prevent these issues from occurring.

Peace of mind

Knowing that your oil tank is in good condition can give you peace of mind - that your tank is ready for another winter, you’re protecting your property and preventing an environmental issue.

Electrification: Is It Feasible?

Electrification - is it feasible?

Climate policy and reducing carbon emissions continues to be a hot topic amongst policymakers and community leaders. The discussions are good ones but is widespread electrification feasible?

Up for debate is electrification of home heating in New England with the thought that this electricity would be generated from renewable resources in order to achieve net-zero emissions. This plan seems simple and straightforward, but it most definitely makes a lot of inaccurate assumptions.

Currently, renewable fuels generate only 12% of New England’s electricity. [1] During heightened demand periods, this percentage decreases as the grid relies on backup fuel from oil, coal, and liquid natural gas. Coupled with the fragile state of the electric grid and the fact that more than 80% of homes in New England are currently not heated with electricity, an electric only plan is problematic. [2]

Former US Secretary of Energy, Ernest J. Moniz, stated in a 2020 Boston Globe piece, “[New England’s decarbonization] success would come earlier if the oil and gas industry uses its capabilities and workforce to advance net-zero solutions while avoiding stranded workers, stranded communities, and stranded assets.” [3]

And this is exactly what our industry is doing! We have SmartBiofuel which continues to get cleaner every year AND a commitment to reaching a net zero carbon footprint by 2050; a goal that is not attainable for electricity. If you haven’t heard about our industry’s initiative, learn more at quinoco.com/heating-oil.


“Quinoco Energy has been our supplier since we purchased our home in 2013 and I’ve never considered changing. Their products and services are exemplary! Their service supervisor and technicians are not only skilled and knowledgeable but polite and considerate as well. I’ve never considered changing because relationships are built on trust, not cost.”

- Quinoco Customer, Bristol


Quinoco Fuel Plans Now Available

Prepare for the heating season by enrolling in a fixed-price protection program for oil or propane!

This plan performs well with stable or increasing market conditions, but remember, should the prices fall, you will remain ‘locked’ into your agreement price.

**Please Note: When you commit to this program, Quinoco simultaneously purchases that fuel for you from our suppliers – we are not able to break this agreement. This means that if market conditions decrease, you do not get a lower price.

To enroll in our Fixed Price Program or discuss other program options, call Customer Care at 860.583.4609

TLC for your SmartBioFuel Tank

Just like we remind you to maintain your heating equipment, your SmartBiofuel Heating Oil tank needs just as much care and consideration. Replacing a tank is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day! So if you think it might be time to replace your tank or would like us to come inspect it, give us a call at 860.583.4609.

Tank Life Cycle

Some tanks last for 10 years, some for 70 years! At every heating tune up, our technicians visually inspect your tank for any indication that a new tank might be in your future. Here are some of the telltale signs:

Benefits of a New Tank

The material and design of tanks has come a long way in recent years and with the cleanliness of fuel today, a brand new tank will not only last a very long time, it will actually help your heating equipment run more efficiently.

Leaky Tank? We’re here to help!

A leaking tank left ignored can lead to large environmental cleanups and potential 6-digit remediation costs! If you suspect a leaky tank, it’s important that you…

Don’t Delay!

It might be tempting to bid out the project or get multiple opinions but basements, especially those with sump pumps, can become contaminated quickly. Similarly, if the fuel is left for too long, it can leach into the slab and foundation walls of your home, leading to stains and strong odors.

Call Quinoco!

We work with trusted licensed remediation contractors that have experience with mitigation and DEEP inspection regulations. When brought in immediately, they can help reduce your overall expense and environmental impact. After cleanup is complete, we work to get you back up and running with a new tank, schedule a delivery and ensure the system is properly back online.

Taking The Lead With SmartBiofuel

Taking The Lead With SmartBiofuel

Perhaps tracking the happenings in the Connecticut State Legislature isn’t top on your list of hobbies but in our industry, we keep a close eye on how proposed and passed legislation will impact our customers.

As part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act, home heating oil (Bioheat) is to be blended with higher levels of low carbon fuels like biodiesel to benefit consumers and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Even with the positive environmental impact from biofuels, many in Hartford are still pushing for an electrification only model, but let’s see how it stacks up against our SmartBiofuel:

NOT CLEAN

Did you know power plants run on natural gas and coal? Both of these fuel sources emit greenhouse gases like methane and carbon. In fact, power plants are the biggest producer of methane gas and carbon emissions continue to skyrocket every year.

With Bioheat: Carbon emissions are actually reduced by up to 74% compared to the home heating oil of the past. This means an immediate reduction in greenhouse gases.

OLD GRID

Our power grid is not in the best shape. From sparking fires from lines in disrepair to insufficient capacity for our current use, it’s hard to imagine adding more strain to this system. As it is, blackouts and lengthy power outages have become the norm.

With Bioheat: Some of the strain on the electric grid is reduced when heating your home with Bioheat, especially in New England where the ISO declared in 2021 that the region is at heightened risk for winter outages.

NO RETURN

The economics of converting a home to electric heat pumps is simply cost prohibitive for most Americans. Consider this: the number of heat pumps you’ll need is about the same as the number of window AC units you would need in the summer. The equipment installation alone costs $7,000 to $15,000 for just one heat pump, let alone multiple and don’t forget about the significant increase in your electric bill!

With Bioheat: Keeping and maintaining your Bioheat heating equipment is a minor expense in the long run, especially as higher blends of biodiesel help clean your system for greater efficiency and longer equipment lifespans.

MONOPOLY

There aren’t many options for utility companies in the area and with electricity, we’re putting all our eggs in one basket. Without competition, prices rise, quality declines, and service becomes unreliable.

With Bioheat: Freedom of choice! Home heating oil has a deep connection to entrepreneurship, small businesses, family-owned ventures and community building. These values not only let you choose your home energy provider but support your local economy with jobs as well.


To learn more about Bioheat and the impact of electrification in Connecticut, visit quinoco.com/heating-oil.

Sources: American Energy Coalition; CEMA; Center for Climate and Energy Solutions

Fast Facts: Bioheat & the Environment

Fast Facts: Bioheat & the Environment

You’re not the only one who thinks about climate change and the environment! In fact, reducing greenhouse gases is a major mission for our industry. As Connecticut continues to adopt higher blends of renewable Bioheat, here are some fast facts that should answer your questions about its impact on the environment.

  • Every gallon of Bioheat reduces greenhouse gas emissions on average 79%.

  • The carbon emissions from producing biodiesel are considered recycled carbon since it’s reabsorbed by the plants that are used to create biodiesel. Traditional carbon produced from petroleum does not get reabsorbed for decades.

  • The industry adoption of Bioheat significantly reduces the amount of petroleum used in CT.

  • Biodiesel is made from discarded renewable organic sources and uses the byproducts from the processing of soybeans and canola.

  • According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the California Air Resource Board, biodiesel reduces Greenhouse Gas emissions by up to 69 to 88% compared to traditional heating oil or diesel fuel.

  • Bioheat is the only fuel currently on the market that will continue to reduce its carbon footprint annually as it evolves to a B100 blend.

  • The average Bioheat blend in CT is 7% - what does this mean: The state’s carbon emissions are reduced by over 365,000 metric tons which is like removing 80,000 cars from the road.

  • The carbon footprint of a home that uses heating oil decreases as Bioheat blends increase, so much so that converting to electric heat will lead to an increase in that home’s carbon footprint.

Let's Talk Shop: National Biodiesel Day

National Biodiesel Day

Let’s Talk Shop

March 18th is National Biodiesel Day! It’s an important day in our industry as it celebrates the evolution of our product and the future of our industry. If you didn’t know, every gallon of heating oil in Connecticut is blended with biodiesel, a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats and recycled grease. The biodiesel industry supports over 62,000 jobs in the United States and billions in paid wages.

As an industry, we have been working hard for decades to push this product forward. We have committed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 by setting biodiesel blending benchmarks; a 20% blend by 2023, 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

As a company, we have continually evolved over our 145 year history to meet the changing needs of the communities we serve and I believe biodiesel is what will bring us into the future. I am passionate about our fuel and optimistic about the future; if you ever want to chat about it, drop me a line at AskJim@quinoco.com.

 

Jim Hickey
General Manager

Bioheat Heating Oil: Q&A

Bioheat Heating Oil: Q&A

What is Bioheat?

Bioheat is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating fuel with biodiesel, a domestic, sustainable heating oil replacement.

What is Biodiesel?

Biodiesel is a heating oil replacement that is produced from a variety of renewable resources, such as plant oils, animal fats, recycled grease, and even algae, making it one of the most sustainable fuels on the planet. Annually, it generates approximately $16.8 billion dollars for the U.S. economy and creates more than 62,000 jobs.

Where is Bioheat made?

The crops used to create Bioheat are grown in the United States and it is blended right here in Connecticut. The blends currently range from B5 fuel containing 5% plant content to B20, which contains 20%.

Is Bioheat cleaner than natural gas?

Yes! Bioheat is cleaner than natural gas. In a 20 year atmospheric life cycle analysis conducted by Brookhaven National Laboratories, emissions of greenhouse gases from Bioheat blends as low as 1.8% have been proven to be lower than those from natural gas.

Does Bioheat cost more?

No, in fact Bioheat can save you money because it helps your heating equipment run more efficiently, which extends the life of the equipment and can lead to fewer tune-ups.

Do I have Bioheat?

Yes! Quinoco has been delivering Bioheat for the past 5 years, branded as SmartBiofuel. In fact, almost every gallon of heating fuel delivered in Connecticut is Bioheat with more than 600 companies delivering it locally in the state.

What is the future of Bioheat?

The industry is committed to continually improving the product that we deliver; in fact, today’s heating oil burns 95% cleaner than it did 50 years ago and with drastically reduced sulfur content as well as alternative solutions like biodiesel blends, the product will continue to burn cleaner thus cutting greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, if the U.S. followed Connecticut’s lead and switched to a 5% Bioheat blend, the country would burn approximately 187 million gallons less of regular heating oil. If that were a 20% blend, that number quadruples!

Replacing your Oil Tank

When to Replace your Oil Tank

When we talk about the products and services we provide to homeowners, they are all extremely important and affect our lives every day – heat for our homes, hot water, protection from power outages, etc.

But they aren’t considered fun or exciting things that anyone WANTS to buy. When was the last time you caught yourself wanting to purchase a new Bioheat tank!? For this reason, homeowners often let their equipment, and especially their tanks, go way past their life expectancy.

When to replace your Oil tank:

While there are a couple signs on the outside of the tank that will indicate that it should be replaced (corrosion and wet marks), most damage is unseen. Older tanks often have moisture and sediment that have built up over time which can cause corrosion and create holes. If not replaced in time, the tank could start to leak. If you have any question about your tank, reach out to us to come take a look.

Benefits of a new Oil tank:

With the cleanliness of fuel today, the biggest benefit of putting a new tank in is that it will last a long time and will never see the problems of tanks from many years ago. The bio component in todays oil acts as a cleanser that actively cleans the inside of the tank and prevents buildup. With the percentage of bio planned to increase over the next several years, installing a new tank now is a great investment. Also, having a new tank helps your heating equipment run more efficiently.

So don’t forget about the tank in your basement, replacing it is quick and easy – we are in and out in one day.