One option when converting from No. 6 oil is a dual-fuel (interruptible) system, which burns both gas and No. 2 oil.
Because of the heavy pollutants emitted when it is burned, No. 6 heating oil has been on its way out as a fuel source for New York City buildings.
As required by a Department of Environmental Protection rule and Local Law 43, passed in 2010, buildings burning No. 6 oil are being converted to a cleaner fuel--No. 2 oil, No. 4 oil, or natural gas. The deadline for completing this process and ending the use of No. 6 oil is around the corner: June 30, 2015.
Because a typical oil conversion project can take several months to complete, owners that have not yet switched from No. 6 oil will likely not be able to get a new system installed by the June 30 deadline. Still, it is imperative that the conversion process begin as soon as possible so the converted heating plant will be fully operational by the fall heating season.
Please note that running a heating system on an expired boiler permit will result in a Notice of Violation and fines. Owners will be called into a Cease and Desist Hearing if their system continues to run on No. 6 oil after the Notice of Violation. Further non-compliance may lead to boiler shutdown.
If your building is still burning No. 6 oil, please contact RAND at 212-675-8844, info@nullrandpc.com for a proposal to convert your heating system to a cleaner fuel. For more information, please visit Converting From No. 6 Heating Oil on our website.
Peter Varsalona is RAND's Principal and Vice President and the firm's Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Team Leader.
