
Oil-heat consumers are now able to enjoy ultra-low sulfur heating oil in their home or office. This fuel enables consumers to enjoy many advantages that traditional heating oil, or any other heating fuel, do not offer. However, with the switch, there are many ultra low sulfur heating oil faqs that are commonly asked.
Common ULSHO FAQ
- Common ULSHO FAQ
- What Is Ultra-low Sulfur Heating Oil (ULSHO)?
- What Exactly Is Sulfur Content?
- What Are The Differences Between Traditional Heating Oil And ULSHO?
- How Do They Make ULSHO?
- Will I Be Able To Buy Traditional Heating Oil Instead Of ULSHO?
- How Will Pennsylvania Oil-Heat Users Benefit From ULSHO?
- How Will The Environment Benefit From The Use Of ULSHO?
- How Does Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil Improve Heating System Efficiency?
- Can I Use ULSHO In My Current Heating Oil System?
- Will I Have To Pay More For Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil?
- How Will I Save Money By Using ULSHO?
- Is There Anything That I Have To Do To Prepare?
- When Will Oil Suppliers Start Delivering ULSO To My Home Or Office?
- Conclusion
- Connect With An Oil Supplier In Your Area
In this article, we discuss some common questions that oil heat users have about ultra-low sulfur heating oil.
What Is Ultra-low Sulfur Heating Oil (ULSHO)?
Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is a heating oil that is used for residential and commercial heating systems. It contains 15 parts per million (ppm) sulfur content.
What Exactly Is Sulfur Content?
The sulfur content is the amount of sulfur found in heating oil. It is measured by ppm or parts per million.
What Are The Differences Between Traditional Heating Oil And ULSHO?
Both ultra-low sulfur heating oil and conventional heating oil are petroleum-based products that are distilled from crude oil. However, ULSHO only has a sulfur content of 15 ppm. Traditional heating oil that was used in Pennsylvania had a sulfur content of 2,000 ppm as of 2015.
How Do They Make ULSHO?
Refiners use the process known as hydrodesulfurization (HDS). This process removes the sulfur component of both heating oil and diesel fuels.
Will I Be Able To Buy Traditional Heating Oil Instead Of ULSHO?
You will no longer be able to purchase conventional home heating oil. Pennsylvania regulations dictate that all of the fuel oil that is sold in the state must be ULSHO. This transition will take place throughout the year of 2020. Heating oil suppliers will comply with this requirement as of September 1, 2020.
How Will Pennsylvania Oil-Heat Users Benefit From ULSHO?

There are various advantages that come with the use of ultra-low sulfur heating oil. This oil burns cleaner than conventional heating oil. Therefore, it produces less pollution, making it more environmentally-friendly. Additionally, your heating system will operate more efficiently.
Using ULSHO will reduce buildup on your heating equipment. This lowers the number of cleanings that your system will require.
The increased efficiency and clean burn means fewer service visits from your HVAC technician, saving you money in the process. The transition to ULSO will not bring about any additional costs since this superior oil is compatible with your current heating equipment.
How Will The Environment Benefit From The Use Of ULSHO?
Research indicates that the reduction of sulfur found in heating oil has a profound effect on the environment. This type of heating oil reduces the quantity of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, and the emissions of particulate matter.
These types of emissions are linked to environmental and public health issues. Therefore, the use of ULSHO is a significant improvement towards improving the air that we breathe while making oil-heat more environmentally friendly as well.
How Does Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil Improve Heating System Efficiency?
Since ULSHO has a reduced sulfur content, it produces a cleaner burn. This aspect slightly increases the thermal heat output of your system. Sulfur is something that occurs naturally in fuel. However, it does not burn. Therefore, as your heating system fires up, the sulfur builds up on the heat exchanger, insulating the furnace or boiler from the flame.
By reducing the sulfur content, it minimizes the frequency of heat exchanger cleanings due to the reduction of sulfur buildup. Also, a heat exchanger that is cleaner will ensure an energy-efficient heating system while enabling you to save money on HVAC services.
Can I Use ULSHO In My Current Heating Oil System?

Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is compatible with all current heating oil systems, including your heater and oil tank. Oil heat consumers will not require any upgrades or modifications to their system.
Will I Have To Pay More For Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil?
Ultra-low sulfur heating oil costs are comparable to conventional heating oil prices.
Likewise, they can change from one season to the next as is the case with traditional heating oil. However, it is important to note that, due to the efficiency of ULSHO, consumers will save more in the long run.
How Will I Save Money By Using ULSHO?
Since ultra-low sulfur heating oil has a cleaner burn, your system will operate at a higher level of efficiency. This implies that your system will require less fuel to produce the same amount of heat. Your fuel supply, therefore, will last much longer. Furthermore, due to this cleaner burn, your system will require fewer HVAC services, such as cleanings. All of these aspects lead to significant savings for consumers.
Is There Anything That I Have To Do To Prepare?
Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is compatible with all current heating systems. This means that you will not need to make any upgrades or replacements to start using this superior oil. You can keep enjoying the reliability and convenience of oil as your heating fuel.
When Will Oil Suppliers Start Delivering ULSO To My Home Or Office?
As of September 1, 2020, all Pennsylvania oil suppliers will deliver ULSHO.
Conclusion
There are many benefits that both homes and businesses will receive with the transition from traditional heating oil to ULSHO. If you have any questions or would like to connect with a reputable oil dealer in your area, contact the Better Home Heat Council today.
Connect With An Oil Supplier In Your Area

The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.