New Deadline for No. 4 Heating Oil Ban in NYC

The City Council passed a bill to accelerate the ban of the use of No. 4 oil, a highly polluting heating fuel. This legislation, led by City Council member James Gennaro of Queens, advances the ban date by 3 years from the original 2030 deadline.

Deadline Moved Up For No. 4 Heating Oil Ban in NYC

Under the new law, city-owned buildings must cease using No. 4 oil by July 1, 2025, while all other buildings must comply by July 1, 2027. Additionally, starting June 30, 2024, city officials have stopped issuing and renewing permits for buildings using No. 4 oil. Non-compliance can result in fines up to $10,000.

Negative Effects of No. 4 Oil

The combustion of No. 4 fuel oil poses health risks, including asthma, heart disease and cancer. Transitioning to cleaner fuels, like natural gas or No. 2 oil, can significantly reduce these emissions and  improve air quality. Other benefits may include: lower operating costs, increase in property values, and decreased carbon footprints.

Why is the City Banning the Use of No 4 Oil?

This phase-out is part of New York City’s broader efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions and enhance air quality. The ban is in line with Local Law 97 of 2019 (LL97), which sets emissions limits for large buildings and requires ongoing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Switching to cleaner fuels helps building owners meet these requirements and reduce their environmental impact.

Switching Over to No. 2 Oil

One compliance option is converting to No. 2 oil, a cleaner and more environmentally friendly fuel source. No. 2 oil burns cleaner, reducing maintenance needs and extending equipment lifespan. To convert to No. 2 oil, a building must meet several requirements including a Certified Tank Tightness Test (to ensure the oil tank is leak-free), an NYC DOB Work Permit and an NYC DEP Registration Amendment (update the registration with the DEP).

Additionally, the tank must be thoroughly cleaned, involving: flushing supply and return lines, removing excess sludge and identifying any tank leaks. If regular cleanings and inspections haven’t been performed, you might discover issues like eroded pipes or tank problems during this process. Once the conversion is complete, the DOB will inspect the tank to ensure it is fully operational and up-to-code.

Converting to Natural Gas

Another option is converting from a heating oil system to a firm natural gas system or a dual-fuel system. This process, which can take 6-9 months, involves significant capital improvements to the building and/or boiler equipment. While the initial investment is substantial, converting to natural gas can significantly reduce carbon emissions and energy expenses, making it an ideal choice for buildings aiming to improve their environmental footprint and lower energy costs. There are incentives available through local utility companies that buildings may be eligible for when converting to natural gas.

How Can a Smart Boiler Control Lower Gas Emissions?

A smart boiler control such as the Entech S2 has multiple sensors both in the boiler room and in units throughout the building. The S2 uses sophisticated technology to determine how long the heat and hot water cycles should run. This ensures that the boiler runs as little as possible without compromising tenant satisfaction. Enrolling in Entech Pro takes this a step further by having specialists monitor the boiler operations and pinpoint inefficiencies. By limiting boiler runtime and clarifying onsite issues which affect boiler efficiency, the S2 cuts down on gas emissions and helps maintain a greener environment. As the S2 has been proven to improve efficiency, there are several incentive options that offer generous rebates to cover a large portion of the cost of installation. Find out if you qualify for a rebate for a boiler control.

Conclusion

New York City’s accelerated ban on No. 4 heating oil marks a significant step towards a greener and healthier urban environment, although it poses a challenge to building owners. Landlords now face a choice between converting to No. 2 oil or transitioning to natural gas. While the shift to No. 2 oil involves ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements and thorough tank maintenance, it promises reduced maintenance costs and improved equipment lifespan. On the other hand, converting to natural gas, despite its higher initial investment, can lead to significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy expenses in the long run. Technological solutions like smart boiler controls further enhance these benefits by optimizing fuel use and minimizing emissions.