Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our energy services? Our frequently asked questions cover everything from fuel delivery to our heating and cooling services, as well as general company questions. Search for your answers, and if you don’t see your question, reach out to our experts. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.
General Blueox Energy FAQ
What services does Blueox Energy offer?
Blueox Energy is a full-service fuel delivery company offering comprehensive heating and cooling services to residential and commercial customers.
What areas do you service?
We provide fuel delivery and HVAC services throughout Central and Southern Tier New York, including Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Otsego, and Tioga counties. To see the full list of towns, please visit our service area page.
How do I become a Blueox customer?
You can get started with Blueox Energy in just a few simple steps:
- Go to our customer portal.
- Create a profile under the “New Customer?” section.
- Schedule your first fuel delivery.
The Blueox Energy team will reach out to you with any additional information we may need to collect prior to your first delivery.
How do I order fuel or request an HVAC service?
To order fuel: Schedule a delivery through the customer portal.
To request HVAC services: Fill out our HVAC service request form.
What types of fuel does Blueox Energy deliver?
Blueox Energy delivers propane, Bioheat® fuel, kerosene, diesel, and gasoline.
How quickly does Blueox Energy deliver fuel?
Blueox Energy is committed to always fast deliveries, and we typically can complete our deliveries in three days or less.*
*Fuel deliveries made within 3 business days or less. Restrictions apply.
I am an Ace-Robbins customer. What does the Blueox Energy acquisition mean for me?
Ace-Robbins has joined the Blueox Energy family. If you are an Ace-Robbins customer, you’ll continue to receive the same dependable service you already know, just backed by Blueox Energy’s expanded resources. For more details, please contact our team.
I have a question that is not on this list. How do I speak with a Blueox Energy representative?
If you have additional questions, you can contact Blueox Energy by filling out the contact form, or by giving us a call at (800) 723-2583.
Propane FAQ
What is propane?
Propane is a nontoxic gas made during natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is naturally colorless and odorless, though an odor is added so leaks are easier to detect. Propane is stored under pressure as a liquid in a tank, then turns into a vapor when released for use. It can power a variety of residential and commercial equipment.
What’s the difference between propane and LPG?
Propane is a type of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). In other words, propane is one fuel within the larger LPG category.
What is propane used for?
Propane can be used for heating, hot water, cooking, generators, fireplaces, clothes drying, pool heating, grilling, and much more.
Why do homeowners choose to use propane?
Homeowners love propane because it is a dependable, efficient fuel that can power multiple essential appliances throughout the home. It is also considered a cleaner-burning fuel compared to many traditional fuel options.
How do I know when to order propane?
Check your gauge on your propane tank to monitor the fuel level. If you are not on automatic delivery, we suggest ordering propane when your tank gauge reads 30% or lower.
Bioheat® Fuel FAQ
What is Bioheat® fuel?
Bioheat® fuel is a blend of ultra-low sulfur heating oil and biodiesel. Biodiesel is made up of renewable resources like recycled cooking oil, animal fats, and vegetable oils, many of which would have otherwise gone to waste. It is designed to give homeowners a cleaner alternative to standard fuel oil.
Why choose Bioheat® fuel?
Bioheat® fuel offers a more environmentally friendly way to heat your home. It burns cleaner than traditional heating oil and can work in the same system.
Do I need to do anything different to use Bioheat® fuel?
No. Bioheat® fuel works in standard oil-fired heating equipment, so you do not need to convert or change out your existing heating equipment.
How does Bioheat® fuel help the environment?
Bioheat® fuel helps reduce emissions compared to traditional heating oil. Because it includes biodiesel, it supports a cleaner blend of energy while still providing the performance you’d expect from heating oil.
Is Bioheat® fuel safe?
Yes. Bioheat® fuel is a safe heating option, as it is non-explosive and has a high flash point.
What is Bioheat® fuel used for?
Bioheat® fuel is mainly used for home heating and hot water and is used in oil-fired furnaces, boilers, and water heaters.
How do I read my heating oil tank gauge?
Your heating oil tank gauge works similarly to how a car’s gas gauge works: Full, ¾, ½, ¼, Empty. It is best to order Bioheat® fuel when your tank gauge reads ¼ full or lower.
How does the weather affect my heating oil use?
In colder weather, your heating system has to work harder, so you will usually use more heating oil. Your thermostat settings, the size of your home, how efficient your system is, and other factors can also impact your heating oil usage.
Heating System FAQ
What types of heating systems does Blueox install?
Blueox Energy installs a number of heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps. We also install direct vent heaters and water heaters.
Which heating system is right for my home?
This answer is unique for each home, your current setup, your fuel source, and your fueling needs. The experts at Blueox Energy can assist you in finding the right equipment for your home and budget.
How can I keep my furnace or boiler running smoothly?
The best way to keep your system running well is to stay on top of fuel deliveries, schedule annual maintenance, and watch for signs that something is wrong, such as unusual smells, noises, or smoke.
What should I do if my heating system stops working?
If your heat stops working, call for service right away. Blueox Energy offers 24/7 emergency repair services through our Service Membership plan, which is an exclusive offering for our fuel customers.
If you believe there is an emergency or unsafe condition, please leave the area immediately and call 911.
How can I save money on my heating bills?
One of the best ways to save money over time is to schedule an annual tune-up, which improves efficiency, reduces wear and tear, and helps prevent expensive breakdowns. A service plan can also add value through included tune-ups and repair discounts.
How often should I have my furnace or boiler serviced?
How long do furnaces and boilers typically last?
Furnaces and boilers typically last between 10 and 15 years, though the lifespan also depends on maintenance, usage, and overall system condition.
Why does my furnace or boiler smell like it's burning when I first turn it on?
At the start of the heating season, dust can collect on your system and burn off when you first turn it on. A brief burning smell can be normal. If the smell persists, schedule a service call to have the system checked by a Blueox professional.
What is an AFUE rating?
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how efficiently a heating system turns fuel into usable heat. In general, a higher AFUE rating means a more efficient heating system, with high-efficiency systems being rated over 90%.
Cooling System FAQ
What types of air conditioning systems are available?
The two main options are central air conditioning systems and ductless mini-split systems.
Should I choose central air or ductless cooling?
Central air is often better if you already have ductwork, while ductless cooling can be a great option for homes without ducts. It truly depends on the individual needs of a property. Our experts can help you determine which is the best option for you.
How can I save on my cooling costs?
Keep up with annual maintenance, address repairs early, and make simple efficiency improvements around your home to keep the cool air in. This may include sealing drafts and using a programmable thermostat. If your system is older, replacing it may help lower energy costs by as much as 30% annually.
What is a SEER rating?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and measures how efficiently an air conditioner operates. In general, the higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the system is.
How often should my A/C be serviced?
Your air conditioning equipment should be serviced once a year. Annual tune-ups help reduce wear, improve efficiency, and catch small issues before they turn into larger repairs.
How long do A/C systems typically last?
Central air conditioning systems usually last 12-20 years, while ductless systems last 15-20 years. The lifespan depends heavily on how well the system has been maintained.
Why is there water around my air conditioner?
Air conditioners remove humidity from the air, which creates condensation. Some moisture is normal, but if water is leaking from the unit, the drain system may not be working properly and should be serviced.
