All about the new regulations on oil-burning equipment
On November 17, 2021, Quebec passed new regulations aimed at phasing out the use of fuel oil in home heating equipment. But what exactly do these regulations entail?
Fuel oil heating: what are the effects on the environment?
At present, more than 200,000 households in Quebec use fuel oil in their heating equipment. When fuel oil burns, it gives off nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter. Furthermore, fuel oil tanks can be a source of soil contamination in the event of a leak.
Therefore, the Ministry of Environment and Fight Against Climate Change made the decision to pass the new Oil Burning Equipment Regulations. As part of the 2030 Plan for a Green Economy, this measure will help Quebec achieve its target of a 50-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from heating its buildings.
What do the regulations involve?
The new regulations went into effect on December 31, 2021. As of that date, it’s prohibited to install oil-burning heating equipment in new constructions. Additionally, as of December 31, 2023, it will be strictly prohibited to install oil-burning equipment in existing buildings or to replace such equipment with other heating equipment that burns any type of fossil fuel.
Transition away from fuel oil: financial aid for property owners
If you are facing the prospect of having to replace your oil-burning equipment, you may be able to receive financial aid through the Chauffez vert program. This support program has earmarked $134.5 million to help property owners take the necessary measures to make the transition.
Oil-burning equipment: opting for a recent model
Would you like to keep your oil-burning equipment because of the advantages it offers? You may do so; however, it’s advisable to replace it with a more recent model. In comparison with older models, new-generation oil-burning systems offer superior energy efficiency and thus a much smaller ecological footprint.
However, you must replace your equipment before the December 31, 2023 deadline.
Converting to propane
When you need to replace your equipment, converting to propane is an ideal solution for various reasons. Propane gas is a low-carbon energy source that burns clean. More ecological than wood, propane offers the additional advantage of requiring very little effort on your part. You’ll no longer need to stack cords of wood in order to stay warm. All you’ll have to do to enjoy comfortable, uniform heat is turn on your equipment.
Unlike electric heating, propane offers you the security of knowing that you’ll stay warm even in the event of a power outage. What’s more, you can also use this source of energy for your stove, generator, heat pump, pool heater and more!
Do you need to replace your oil-burning equipment?
The team at Pétrole et Propane Bélanger will be happy to assist you with all your heating needs, whether to install, repair or replace your oil-burning equipment with a more recent model or to make the conversion to propane.
For those of you who already have oil-burning equipment, have no fear! We’ll continue to provide you with the same excellent delivery service you’ve come to expect from us. Contact us for more information!
References :
ECOHOME. Oil Heating Ban in New Homes in Canada, is Gas Next?
GOVERNMENT OF QUEBEC. Québec adopte un règlement afin d’éliminer le recours au mazout pour le chauffage résidentiel [Quebec adopts regulations to eliminate the use of fuel oil for residential heating].
LA PRESSE. Québec tournera le dos au mazout à partir de 2024 [Quebec will turn its back on fuel oil as of 2024].
RENOQUOTES. Environmentally Friendly Heating Systems.