The emergence of new low-sulfur heating oil is welcome news to manufacturers of oil-fired heating products, as well as distributors, contractors, and end users. According to a document published by the National Oilheat Research Alliance (NORA), the benefits of low-sulfur heating oil accrue to the oil heat company, the service department, the image of the fuel industry across the nation, and the environment.
In May 2001, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) adopted Standard D396, which establishes specifications for No. 1 low sulfur and No. 2 low sulfur grades. ASTM D396 is supported by the Oilheat Manufacturers' Association. According to the standard, low-sulfur heating oil has a 0.05 percent sulfur content, compared to standard heating oil, which has a sulfur content of 0.5 percent.