Information for the Industry

Every year John Huber, NORA’s President, writes the “Talking Points” for the up and coming winter season. The Talking Points explain what is occurring and the factors that will influence pricing and supply. This is a great document to share with all your Customer Service Representatives so they can be aware and respond to your customers questions quickly and accurately.

What Industry is Doing

Although we can't stop the rising cost of crude oil or the growing demand globally for oil, we can offer some relief for our customers.

Better Research: In 2006, NORA authorized $2,400,000 to be spent on the following projects during the next four years. Successful research, development and demonstrations grants in the past ranged from $20,000 to $350,000. The Projects support the development, demonstration, and commercialization of oilheat technology and systems in the following categories:

• Bio Fuels
• Flexible Burners
• Fuel Management, Tanks and Storage
• New Products
• New Ideas

Also, The U.S. Department of Energy, in cooperation with Oilheat marketers and equipment manufacturers, has supported improvements in the efficiency and technology of Oilheat equipment, saving consumers over $6 billion. Further improvements in heating oil have benefited our environment.

Better Equipment: Advanced combustion equipment utilizes vaporizing technologies and high flow atomization burner concepts to reduce harmful emissions. Flame retention burners draw in less air and produce a hotter, more energy-efficient flame. Thermo-photo-voltaics (TPV) use radiation from flames to generate electric power for the home. Self-diagnostic and monitoring equipment alerts homeowners and Oilheat dealers to potential problems.

Brookhaven National Lab’s reports that the energy savings from upgrading to modern oil equipment is large; many systems will could save up to 25 percent. The Brookhaven results provide a strong argument that our Industry needs to continue, to work, to retrofit existing homes with modern oilheating systems to conserve resources.

Better Fuel: The Oilheat industry is presently introducing and delivering a new and improved home heating fuel that not only surpasses earlier heating efficiency, but surpasses environmental performance as well. The industry has dramatically reduced the amount of sulfur in the fuel from over 1% in 1970 to an average of .25% today. Many dealers have gone further and are marketing .05% sulfur fuel. Low sulfur content fuel reduces air pollutant emissions and the need for vacuum cleaning of heat transfer surfaces on equipment.

It has been estimated that using this low-sulfur fuel could save American consumers as much as 50 million gallons of fuel each year; and less consumption translates directly into lower heating bills.

This year, there has been growth and use of Bioheat® fuel as a way to replace the petroleum used and to give customers additional choice to help the environment. To learn go to the Bioheat® fuel page

We Want To Help You To Save Energy!

When your burner is running at peak efficiency and your fuel consumption is minimized, we know we're doing a great job. That's why our industry offers top quality equipment and comprehensive service plans to make sure your system is in great working condition. Below are some quick tips to save you money.

Also, Check out more Energy Saving Tips in NORA’s H.O.U.S.E (Helping Oilheat Users Save Energy).

      Regardless of the fuel you use to heat with, you should have your heating system professionally inspected, and tuned-up, if necessary. A central heating system is no different than an automobile which needs periodic inspection and maintenance. Making sure your heating equipment is running at its peak efficiency can save you up to 5% annually on your heating bills.