A lot of our customers in Morris, Somerset, Union, and southern Sussex County want to know whether using the heating oil we deliver is good or bad for the environment. They often think of the heating oil their grandparents used, with its black smoke and soot.
Today’s heating oil is lightyears ahead of that product.
In fact, the home heating fuel industry has been making strides in developing a cleaner, more efficient, and renewable product. One of the terms you might have heard recently is Bioheat fuel. This is one of the most eco-friendly energy sources around today. Still, people want to know: How is Bioheat fuel different from heating oil? Which is better?
Let’s break down the differences between these two fuels.
Heating oil is a petroleum product that is similar to diesel. All heating oil is ultra-low sulfur, significantly reducing its negative impact on the environment and air quality.
Bioheat fuel combines ultra-low sulfur heating oil and biodiesel, which is made from organic and recycled ingredients like:
Biodiesel replaces petroleum gallon for gallon, and it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent in the process. It lowers such harmful emissions as sulfur oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, mercury, and particular matter.
Bioheat fuel is an effective renewable tool for decarbonization that is available to homeowners across the U.S. — right now!
Both traditional heating oil and Bioheat fuel are among the most effective ways to heat your home and water. Heating oil produces roughly 138,690 Btu’s per gallon. Bioheat fuel produces about the same amount. And Bioheat fuel works in oil-fired heating systems without modifications.
It’s worth noting that some research has shown a slightly lower Btu output for Bioheat blends with 20 percent or more biodiesel content. But the difference is marginal and offset by the reduced wear and tear that Bioheat fuel offers
Bioheat fuel burns cleaner in your equipment than traditional heating oil, and this leaves fewer deposits in your heat exchanger. Your heating system will need fewer cleanings, require fewer repairs and last longer before needing to be replaced. All of this means you’ll end up spending less to maintain your heating equipment.
Generally speaking, the price difference between Bioheat fuel and traditional heating oil is relatively small, typically a matter of pennies per gallon. Consider that biodiesel is domestically made by American farmers and fuel producers. It’s less vulnerable to swings in global energy markets than petroleum-based energy.
And as noted earlier, equipment burning Bioheat fuel requires less maintenance and repair, making it more affordable in the long run.
Dixon Energy’s heating oil delivery customers enjoy all the comfort, efficiency and eco-friendliness of Bioheat fuel. If you want to receive this clean-burning home heating fuel, become a Dixon Energy customer today!
Plenty of homeowners in Rockway, Morristown, and other northern New Jersey communities have houses without ducts. And many think that they’re locked into certain heating and cooling options as a result.
But there’s a fantastic solution available that provides cooling and heating options without the need for ductwork. It’s unobtrusive, adaptable and powered entirely by electricity: a heat pump system.
Essentially, heat pumps take transfer warm air between the inside and outside of your living space. They do this using two main components:
A thin pipe connects these components through your wall. You can connect multiple indoor air handlers to a single outdoor unit.
In hot weather, warm air inside your home is blown across the air handler coils, where it’s cooled. Cooler air is blown back into your home, and hot air exits via the outdoor unit.
When it’s cold outside, the process reverses. The heating source is now the air outside. The outdoor unit absorbs heat energy and transfers it inside via the air handler.
In the process described above, you might notice that the heat pump system does not produce heat on its own. It relies on heat from the air. For this reason, heat pumps are most effective for heating in milder times of the year. When it’s below freezing, they may not be able to heat your space fully, and you’ll need to fall back on a boiler or other supplemental heating system.
Despite these limitations for heating, heat pumps offer fantastic cooling during the summer. And during the fall and early winter in this part of the Northeast, you can generally rely on them to keep you warm.
Additionally, heat pump systems provide zoned heating and cooling. This means you can maintain different parts of your home at different temperature settings. Plus, heat pumps typically cost less to run in the summer than central air conditioning. They last longer too.
Even if you have good heating for most of your home with a furnace or boiler, heat pumps offer excellent localized heating and cooling for garages, guest houses, sunrooms and finished attics.
Finally, heat pump installation is a quick, non-disruptive process, often finished in a day or two.
The team at Dixon Energy has experience and training with heat pump installation. We’ll set up your system promptly and with minimal inconvenience to your daily life. We’ll make sure your air handlers are positioned for maximum comfort.
Dixon Energy also handles heat pump repair and maintenance. You can even take advantage of one of our service plans so your system receives annual service.
If you’re interested in exploring the benefits of a heat pump system, we can show you some great options. Contact us today.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, American families recently experienced the most prolonged annual power interruptions on record. And New Jersey had the 8th longest outage time in the country!
Electric grid blackouts can severely affect our customers in Morris, Somerset, Union, and Sussex Counties. In the heat of summer or the dead of winter, houses can go from uncomfortable to unsafe. You might rely on electricity for physical mobility or refrigeration of vital medication.
In these circumstances, a whole-house generator ensures you can maintain power in your home even when the electric grid fails. Here are some things to consider when choosing a whole-house generator.
First, you need to figure out what kind of voltage your home uses. You calculate this using your home’s size and the number of appliances you need to power. You can use an online calculator or contact the generator installation pros at Dixon Energy, and we can help you with the calculations.
As a general rule, you should add 20 percent to your voltage calculation. This will account for any appliances or systems that need to recharge fully once the generator comes on.
Finally, when considering your home’s wattage needs, think about the most essential equipment you need power for. It’s also a good idea to determine how much of your home you need to be powered by the generator. A load management system can limit how many rooms and appliances are accessing the generator.
Choosing the right generator is only one part of the equation. You must also choose the proper transfer switch and connect it to your control panel. When the grid goes out, a transfer switch moves your home’s electric current to generator power. Sometimes, you may need to install a sub-panel to direct generator power to only certain rooms, systems or appliances.
We strongly recommend that our customers choose a generator that uses propane. We’ve found that these products have significant benefits over natural gas and gasoline generators, especially when it comes to having reliable and efficient power:
| Propane generators | An onsite propane tank offers a clean-burning, energy-efficient fuel source. Propane has a virtually unlimited shelf life. |
| Natural gas generators | You’ll need a connection to a natural gas utility, which can be interrupted by line issues. Natural gas is less efficient than propane and primarily composed of methane, a greenhouse gas. |
| Gasoline generators | Gasoline has a shelf life of only three to six months, and you might not be able to access a gas pump during a grid outage. |
At Dixon Energy, we have an experienced team that can handle any generator maintenance or installation project. Our Honeywell whole-house generators are industry-leading power sources to keep your lights, fridge, sump pump and other crucial equipment running when the grid fails.
Interested in a free consultation? Get in touch with us today.
10/14/22
On October 5, OPEC announced it was slashing production by two million barrels a day. Within just three days, our suppliers increased the cost of heating oil by 70 cents per gallon. That’s right, 70 cents per gallon.
This is not just impacting heating oil. Expect natural gas, electricity, gasoline, and propane to move higher too. Of course, this is not simply about supply and demand. We’ve learned that when prices move this far this fast, you can always see the impact of Wall Street firms that jump to take advantage of the momentum to make a quick buck. (Or should we say millions of bucks?) It frustrates the heck out of us.
Of course, things can turn around just as quickly. We saw prices spike in spring only to drop by over a dollar in summer. There are just too many variables to know where things will go from here.
Here are a few things to bear in mind:
I will try to keep you informed as events unfold. There are many things we can’t control, but we will always prioritize our existing customers over new ones. We will go the extra mile to keep you safe and warm. And we will be there when you need us.
There’s so much to recommend propane for homes in Rockway, Morristown and other communities in northern New Jersey. It’s a versatile, energy-efficient fuel that offers a lot of heating power for your furnace, boiler, water heater, cooking and laundry products.
But this year, prices on all energy have surged in response to market speculation, stubborn supply chain issues and the horrible conflict in Ukraine. Propane-powered households have the relative comfort that propane’s price has risen less than other fuels. Even so, it’s reasonable for New Jersey families to fret over what propane costs (and will cost) and what goes into that price.
Nationally, propane costs between $3 and $5 dollars per gallon. In New Jersey, we’ve seen prices lately just under $4. Of course, propane costs can fluctuate daily, just like oil, gasoline, natural gas and electricity. But propane is slightly more stable, price-wise, than many other energy sources because it’s a U.S.-produced fuel. Pretty much all the propane your use is made domestically.
Here are some factors that can affect the price of propane.
Propane is a coproduct of natural gas and crude oil extraction and refining. About 70 percent of U.S. propane comes from natural gas extraction, so you will often see these fuels’ prices move in tandem. However, since crude oil products and propane are close competitors, crude oil prices are a better indicator of where propane costs are headed.
It’s perhaps unsurprising that propane prices go up as consumer demand for propane rises (like when the temperature outside drops in winter). Weather events like heavy rains during agricultural growing seasons also cause increased farm demand for propane-powered crop drying.
Another primary driver of global demand for propane is its increased use as a petrochemical feedstock. Petrochemical manufacturers contribute to end-products like plastic, paper, adhesives and detergents. They are now the largest consumers of propane.
Propane can be more expensive in northeastern states like New Jersey during the winter not just because of high demand but also because icy weather can cause transportation to be trickier. The cost of propane involves the distance between you and a production and storage hub. The U.S.’s largest storage facilities are in Kansas and Texas, and propane must be transported to a local hub. Longer distances result in higher transportation expenses.
Propane rates can fluctuate significantly during periods of market disruption and spiking demand. Even so, your local propane delivery company can often help make the winter season a little less stressful.
At Dixon Energy, for example, we have pricing and payment programs that can shield you from painful high bills in the winter. We strongly encourage customers to take advantage of our E-Z Pay monthly budget plan. Instead of getting hit with large bills in four or five cold months, you spread your year’s propane costs evenly over the year. Your winter bills get cut virtually in half!
Contact the team at Dixon Energy today to learn more about stabilizing your propane expenses.
Many people are discussing how we can help fight climate change. This includes public officials, industry leaders, activists, and everyday families right here in northern New Jersey. Dixon Energy customers want to know that the way they heat their homes will make a positive difference for the planet.
Here at Dixon Energy, we care about providing clean and sustainable energy to our customers, and we’re doing so in a way that protects the environment for future generations. To that end, we deliver Bioheat fuel to all our heating oil customers.
Here’s some information on Bioheat fuel and how it reduces greenhouse gas emissions in New Jersey and other states!
You can feel great about how you heat your home and water if you receive your heating oil delivery from Dixon Energy. The heating oil we deliver is light years ahead of your grandparents’ old product. You won’t see (or smell) any soot or smoke. All you’ll experience is maximum comfort and minimal carbon intensity.
Bioheat fuel is a combination of ultra-low-sulfur heating oil and sustainable biofuel. The ingredients for the latter include animal fats, inedible corn oil, soybean oil, tallow, used cooking oils and algae. Biofuel is a gallon-for-gallon replacement for petroleum.
Bioheat fuel’s combination of biofuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel produces a range of tangible benefits, including:
Bioheat fuel can be burned in any oil-fired heating equipment without modification. It also produces more Btus of heat energy than any other alternative fuel.
If we zoom back and look at the larger environmental impact of biofuel, we see even more benefits. Clean Fuel Alliance America recently commissioned a study to identify biofuel’s widespread health and economic benefits. The study looked at 13 sites and communities across the country with high air pollution rates because of petroleum diesel emissions.
The research showed that shifting from petroleum to 100 percent biofuel in these areas would result in:
Bioheat fuel is essential for decarbonization and has many advantages over other net-zero carbon options. It’s available now, affordable and proven to provide superior comfort while still reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We’re proud to offer this product to our valued customers.
Contact us to begin receiving deliveries of Bioheat fuel.
With energy prices so high and inflation rates draining cash from our pockets every day, most people want to save money at home wherever they can. At Dixon Energy, we understand this and want to help our northern New Jersey neighbors find ways to spend less without sacrificing comfort.
When it comes to home heating, some money-saving solutions are better than others. For example, converting a heating oil home to natural gas may not help you save money either in the short or long term. However, investing in efficient heating equipment is always a smart move!
And with rebates from Oilheat New Jersey, you can also save up to $700 on new heating equipment!
The technicians at Dixon Energy have extensive experience converting homes to natural gas. There are many good reasons to make the change. But saving money on fuel isn’t one of them.
For one thing, natural gas conversions aren’t cheap. In this area, they range from $6,000 to $13,000. And the move from heating oil to natural gas is not a guaranteed money-saver. Remember that all energy prices have surged in 2022. Natural gas prices have risen faster this year on a percentage basis than crude oil, gasoline or diesel!
This means there’s no telling how long it will take to recoup your conversion expenses, much less see monthly cost savings.
While switching fuels is a risky bet, investing in efficiency is much safer.
The best way to beat high energy prices is to upgrade your system. If your furnace or boiler is over 15 years old, then it’s likely lost much of its fuel efficiency. By this point in a heating system’s lifespan, it might have efficiency in the 60 percent range. This means that 40 cents of every dollar you spend on heating oil goes right out of your chimney without heating your living space!
Now, consider that today’s high-efficiency boilers and furnaces have efficiencies in the 90s. You’ll see immediate savings on your fuel usage when you add 30-plus percent to your heating efficiency!
The Dixon technicians are incredibly experienced and skilled with heating equipment installations and can upgrade your system in as little as a day. You’ll experience improved comfort as the temperatures drop — plus save money on heating oil usage.
And we can even help you save cash on your installation with New Jersey rebates meant to encourage upgrades to more efficient heating equipment. Our team knows how to maximize your rebate eligibility. We will handle the filing for you during your purchase. You can save as much as $700!
Remember — these rebates are subject to change and funds available. So don’t delay!
Dixon Energy wants to help you upgrade your home comfort before the winter chill arrives. Contact us today for a free estimate.
With the end of summer approaching, we’re thinking about the fantastic job our team of drivers, technicians, customer service and office staff has done so far in 2022. Our team remained dedicated to northern New Jersey households, ensuring their comfort and safety from the coldest winter mornings to the hottest summer afternoons.
They didn’t allow anything to get in the way of delivering heating oil, propane, and top-notch HVAC service. They also had to deal with the challenges of COVID-19, covering each other’s shifts when people were out of work sick.
We cannot thank our employees enough. Dixon Energy’s commitment to your family’s comfort begins with this reliable, loyal team!
We’ve served this region for over a century, never wavering in our promise to show up when we say we will and deliver the home heating fuel our customers depend on. Our team of delivery drivers is friendly, professional and committed. You never have to worry about them arriving late or disrupting your daily routine when filling your tank.
When you sign up for Dixon Energy’s automatic delivery service, you don’t even have to contact us. We’ll keep track of your tank levels based on your home’s size, previous usage and the current weather conditions, then deliver heating oil or propane when you need it.
We also offer convenient, adaptable programs to stabilize and simplify your billing and payments. They include Auto Pay, paperless billing and our E-Z Pay monthly budget, which lets you spread out your annual fuel expenses and cut your winter payments in half!
We understand that it is more than a comfort issue when a customer’s boiler or furnace goes down on a snowy night or their central air breaks down during an extreme heat wave. It’s about having a place to sleep that’s safe.
That’s when our technicians spring into action. Dixon Energy’s workforce is trained and experienced to get your HVAC equipment back online, so you can be confident in your home’s comfort.
We are always looking for talented, excited team members ready to start a career in the home heating and cooling space. If you or someone you know might be a good fit for our inclusive and respectful workplace, take a look at our job openings!
And finally, thanks to all our valued customers for your trust, patience and kind words this year. They always warm our hearts. If you need service before the heating season arrives, drop us a line.
August brings a lot of essential to-dos for northern New Jersey households. With school starting next month, you might be buying new clothes and class supplies — or scheduling one last long family weekend at the Shore!
One to-do that might not but definitely should be on your list is setting up an annual tune-up for your boiler or furnace with Dixon Energy.
“Wait a second?” you might be saying. “It’s not even fall yet! I haven’t thought about my home’s heating in months.”
Your heating equipment is an investment in your family’s comfort and your home’s value. You can arrange maintenance now, with plenty of available appointments, and be confident that your heat is ready when temperatures drop.
Whether your home heating runs on propane, heating oil or natural gas, it stands to benefit significantly from annual maintenance.
In the summer, the HVAC team at Dixon Energy has plenty of open appointment times for tune-ups. We can’t encourage you enough to take advantage of this availability and schedule your service now.
Many people wait until the temperatures drop to schedule their tune-up. By then, there are fewer open slots, and we’re starting to get no-heat calls that need immediate attention. When you get your boiler or furnace serviced now, it won’t “wear off.” You’ll be ready well in advance of the winter.
And remember — if your equipment is covered by one of our service plans, your annual tune-up, efficiency inspection and preventive maintenance are already covered. All you have to do is schedule a time.
Contact Dixon Energy today to arrange service!
We know there are lots of home energy providers out there and that many make “too-good-to-be-true” offers to attract customers. One thing we’ve learned from our many decades in this business is that, while anybody can offer discounted oil or propane to drum up business — you need to be able to stand behind your promises. And more often than not, these discounters disappear when the going gets tough.
At Dixon Energy, we make it our mission to be there when our customers need us most, whether because of inclement weather or a system breakdown. We want to be a home comfort partner you can count on — no matter the challenges.
The team at Dixon Energy has served northern New Jersey families for over a century. We’ve built relationships with customers that have lasted for generations. At the heart of this success is our promise of reliably superior service.
We promise our customers:
What unifies these promises is an overall commitment to being your home comfort provider for the long haul.
It makes our day and warms our hearts when customers leave a review of our company, sharing a good experience. Here are a few recent reviews that we very much appreciated:
“Great customer service. Always deliver on time. I’ve used them for propane since 2012 and have been very happy.” —Jamie V.
“I was very unhappy with my oil company and left them after 15 years. A friend referred me to Dixon, and I have been so happy with the quality of service and reasonable pricing, which was not the case with my former company. Nothing but a great experience with these people.” —Paul M.
“Just an outstanding fine group of individuals who know the business inside and out.” — Brian C.
If you’re looking for a home comfort provider that genuinely cares about you and your family, get in touch with us today. We look forward to serving you!
