The Making of Bioheat® Fuel
Cleaner Heat Has Wisconsin Roots
Bioheat® fuel is more than just a modern heating solution. It is a homegrown energy story that connects Wisconsin farms, local businesses, and homeowners. By blending ultra-low sulfur heating oil with renewable biodiesel, Bioheat fuel delivers reliable warmth while supporting one of Wisconsin’s most important industries: agriculture.
Across the Badger State, farmers grow millions of acres of soybeans and other crops that play a key role in biodiesel production. When these crops are processed, the resulting oils can be converted into clean-burning biodiesel. That biodiesel is then blended with heating oil to create Bioheat fuel, a smarter and more sustainable way to heat Wisconsin homes.
As Bioheat fuel use continues to grow, it strengthens local economies, supports agricultural jobs, and keeps energy dollars circulating close to home.
Biodiesel Starts with Wisconsin Agriculture
One of the biggest advantages of Bioheat fuel is its renewable foundation. Biodiesel can be produced from a variety of organic and recycled feedstocks, many of which are abundant in Wisconsin. These include:
- Soybean oil, one of Wisconsin’s major agricultural products
- Corn oil from ethanol production
- Canola oil
- Animal fats and tallow from livestock production
- Used cooking oil from restaurants and food processors
Soybeans are especially important. Wisconsin farmers produce millions of bushels each year, and soybean oil is one of the leading sources of biodiesel nationwide. This means that when you use Bioheat fuel, part of your home’s warmth may come from crops grown just a few miles away.
Biodiesel blends are measured by percentage. For example:
- B5 has 5% biodiesel
- B10 has 10% biodiesel
- B20 has 20% biodiesel
These blends allow heating fuel to gradually incorporate more renewable content while keeping the reliable performance homeowners expect.
Because biodiesel is biodegradable, renewable, and low in sulfur, it burns cleaner than traditional heating oil. This supports cleaner air while reducing reliance on imported fuels.
Cleaner Fuel Means Better Efficiency and Savings
Today’s ultra-low sulfur Bioheat fuel burns cleaner than heating oil used decades ago. Cleaner combustion helps your heating system work more efficiently, which can lead to lower fuel consumption over time.
Heating oil has always been known for its strong heat output. Each gallon produces about 140,000 Btu of heat energy, making it one of the most efficient ways to keep Wisconsin homes warm during our harsh winters. Bioheat fuel builds on that strength while improving overall performance.
Cleaner fuel also helps your heating equipment. Reduced sulfur and fewer impurities can help minimize buildup inside your system. This may help extend equipment life, reduce service needs, and support peak efficiency.
Modern oil-fired heating systems are more efficient than ever, with many achieving efficiency ratings of 85% or higher. As Bioheat fuel blends continue to increase, even higher efficiency systems are becoming available, helping homeowners get more heat from every gallon.
The Difference Between Bioheat Fuel and Biofuels
Bioheat fuel is part of a larger family of renewable fuels known as biofuels. This category includes biodiesel, ethanol, renewable diesel, and other plant-based fuels.
However, not all biofuels are suitable for home heating. Raw vegetable oil, for example, does not meet industry standards and cannot be used safely in heating systems.
Bioheat fuel, on the other hand, is specifically refined and blended to meet strict performance and safety requirements. It is designed to work seamlessly in heating oil systems while delivering the benefits of renewable energy.
Ready to Use in Wisconsin Homes
One of the most convenient advantages of Bioheat fuel is that it works with existing heating equipment. Most furnaces, boilers, and oil storage tanks can use Bioheat fuel without modification. Major heating equipment manufacturers approve its use, and industry standards ensure consistent quality and performance.
This makes it easy for Wisconsin homeowners to adopt a cleaner energy solution without replacing their current heating system.
A Renewable Future Rooted in Wisconsin
Bioheat fuel represents a powerful partnership between agriculture and energy.
- Wisconsin farmers grow the crops.
- Local producers turn those crops into biodiesel.
- Heating oil providers deliver Bioheat fuel to homes across the state.
The result is a reliable, renewable heating solution that supports local jobs, strengthens rural communities, and helps reduce environmental impact.
When you choose Bioheat fuel, you are not just heating your home. You are supporting Wisconsin agriculture, investing in local energy, and helping build a cleaner energy future for the state.