What Is No. 4 Heating Oil, and Why Is It Being Phased Out?
No. 4 heating oil is a hybrid fuel created by mixing distillate fuel oil (like No. 2) with heavier residual fuel oil (similar to No. 6). It was historically used in larger buildings due to its availability and price, but it comes with serious drawbacks. No. 4 oil is significantly more polluting than today’s cleaner fuels. It emits high levels of particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—all of which contribute to poor air quality, respiratory illness, and environmental degradation.
The City has been phasing out dirty fuels since Local Law 43 was enacted in 2010, followed by Local Law 38 and now Local Law 32, which sets the hard stop: all buildings must stop using No. 4 oil by July 1, 2027. This law builds on New York City’s broader effort to become carbon-neutral by 2050 and improve public health, especially in neighborhoods disproportionately affected by pollution.
Who Must Comply With the No. 4 Ban?
If your building currently burns No. 4 oil for heat or hot water, you are required to convert to a cleaner fuel. The mandate affects:
- Residential apartment buildings (including co-ops and condos)
- Mixed-use and commercial buildings
- Educational and institutional facilities
Many of these buildings are located in boroughs like the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, where older heating infrastructure is still common. Even if your system has been operating reliably for years, compliance is not optional. The law applies regardless of boiler condition or economic hardship.
Some buildings were previously allowed to extend their use of No. 4 oil under temporary provisions. Those extensions are ending. If your property was granted an extension beyond 2025, you must begin planning your fuel conversion now to meet the final 2027 deadline.
How to Identify Whether Your Building Still Uses No. 4 Oil
Don’t assume you’re in the clear just because your heating system seems modern. Many buildings that have upgraded equipment still burn outdated fuel. To determine if your property uses No. 4 oil:
- Review your fuel delivery invoices for fuel type notations (“No. 4,” “#4 oil,” etc.)
- Look up your building’s boiler permit status with NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) or DEP
- Check your building’s DEP boiler registration certificate
- Ask your current fuel supplier to verify the grade of oil delivered
If you’re unsure, Energo’s compliance team can perform a site assessment and provide documentation to clarify your current status.
What Fuel Options Are Compliant and Available?
NYC buildings are now required to use fuels with significantly lower emissions. Fortunately, there are several options:
✔ No. 2 Heating Oil
- Ultra-low sulfur (15 ppm or less)
- Burns more efficiently and cleanly than No. 4
- Compatible with most modern boilers with minor adjustments
- Readily available and widely supported by oil delivery infrastructure
✔ Bioheat® Fuel
- Blend of No. 2 oil and renewable biodiesel
- Meets all current NYC energy codes and clean fuel mandates
- Reduces carbon emissions by up to 70% depending on blend
- Qualifies for New York State clean heating fuel tax credits (up to 20¢/gallon)
✔ Natural Gas
- Clean-burning, efficient and cost-effective gas
- Requires Con Edison/National Grid access and potentially costly infrastructure upgrades
- Best suited for buildings already connected to the gas grid
✔ Dual-Fuel Systems
- Flexibility to switch between oil and gas systems
- Offers operational resilience during fuel price swings or outages
- Often used in institutional and large commercial properties
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Convert
Delaying your conversion puts your building at serious risk. As the 2027 deadline approaches, demand for licensed technicians, replacement parts, and permitting services will surge. Waiting too long could mean:
- Delayed permits and installations
- Emergency shutdowns during winter
- Fines from DOB or DEP inspectors
- Increased conversion costs due to limited availability
Plus, the longer you stay on No. 4 oil, the more you’re likely overpaying in fuel costs. Cleaner fuels like No. 2 and Bioheat® are more efficient, which means you use less per heating cycle. Upgrading early also increases your property value and improves indoor air quality—a growing concern among tenants and buyers alike.
Energo’s Role in Your Fuel Conversion
Energo is a full-service energy provider with deep expertise in NYC building systems, Local Law compliance, and clean fuel technology. When you partner with us, we provide:
- Free on-site consultation to evaluate your current fuel type, tank size, and heating system
- Custom upgrade plan for switching to No. 2 oil, Bioheat® fuel, or dual-fuel
- Tank cleaning, retrofits, or replacements with full DOB/DEP documentation
- Automatic delivery of Bioheat® blends
- Permit filing and compliance reporting to help you avoid violations
We serve property managers and homeowners across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, as well as Westchester and parts of Nassau County.
FAQs
What is the deadline to stop using No. 4 heating oil in NYC?
The final deadline is July 1, 2027 under Local Law 32.
What if I already converted to No. 2 oil or Bioheat?
You’re in compliance, but it’s still smart to check your permit and tank registration with the DEP.
Does Energo offer Bioheat fuel delivery?
Yes, we deliver B5 to B20 blends of Bioheat® fuel throughout NYC and Westchester.
Can Energo remove or upgrade my existing oil tank?
Absolutely. We handle oil tank removal, installation, cleaning, and monitoring—all in compliance with NYC safety standards.
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