Your Go-To Choice in Sussex, Bergen, Passaic, and Bergen Counties!

There’s a reason that homeowners in northern New Jersey and western Orange and Rockland Counties in New York choose Bolkema as their heating oil provider. They know they can trust Bolkema for dependable deliveries, professional and courteous service, and transparent pricing all year long.

Personal, Professional Heating Oil Service is Our Specialty

Sure, national chains have slick advertising, but the headquarters are often several states away—as is the person answering the phone. You can also choose to go with a discounter and get a rock-bottom price, but you won’t get much else—and good luck getting anything more than voicemail when you call in times of need.

When you call Bolkema—whether it’s for a routine delivery or emergency service—we are here for you. We’re on call every day, any time of the day or night~

We’ve got a fleet of trucks, with drivers who know where they’re going, whether it’s Newark or Newburgh. Our technicians are trained and committed to quality workmanship—and they’re your neighbors, too! They do good work because they care.

Full-Service Capabilities That Other Local Dealers Cannot Match

We want to make it easy to do business with us. That’s why we offer our residential customers a broad range of services designed to make life easier. In addition to reliable delivery service, we offer a budget plan and price protection options to help keep costs manageable even as prices fluctuate.

And we don’t just fill your tank—we offer oil tank insurance, as well as replacement oil tanks—and expert removal of your old tank. Bolkema also offers expert installation, maintenance, and repair of the full range of home heating equipment including furnaces, boilers, water heaters—and more!

Local, Dependable Heating Oil Services

When you need fuel to fill your tank and keep your family warm, you want to know that your fuel dealer will deliver. But every year, we get calls from people who couldn’t get a heating oil delivery because their regular provider couldn’t get enough oil. With one of the largest storage terminals in northern Bergen County, that will never happen to Bolkema’s customers. We can store more than 200,000 gallons of heating oil—not too many other companies have that kind of capacity.

Need a Fuel Delivery? Give Bolkema a Call Today!

As a fourth-generation family-run business that was founded in 1929, Bolkema knows what’s important to your family and your business. It’s a responsive service that you can count on—no matter what. We deliver real value by offering the highest-quality fuels—always backed up by great, responsive service.

Ready to become a Bolkema customer? Contact us today!

Get Familiar with Two Popular Home Heating Fuels

Choosing the fuel that you use to heat your home is an important one—and unlike switching your internet or mobile phone service provider, you can’t flip back and forth easily between heating oil and natural gas.

So, if you have the choice between heating oil delivery and connecting to natural gas in your area, you might be asking yourself if one is a better choice. It’s a good question! To understand your options, you should consider efficiency, environmental impact, safety, and convenience. You’ll see in most of these cases, heating oil comes out far ahead.

Here are the answers to questions you should be asking:

What’s More Efficient: Heating Oil or Natural Gas?

While gallon for gallon, natural gas may cost less than heating oil, heating oil generates a very high number of BTUs of heat energy per gallon. That means heating oil gets your home warmer, faster than natural gas—or any other fuel, so you use less fuel to get, and stay, comfortable.

There are more costs to consider, though. A heating oil-fired furnace can last 28 years, while a heating oil-fired boiler can last 25 years. The life expectancy of a natural gas furnace or boiler can be as little as 10 years.

What’s more? Making the switch to natural gas can be expensive. Usually, you need to cover the cost of the connection from your house to the main gas line, which can require excavation, and you need to replace your heating equipment, and possibly some of your appliances, too.

What’s Greener: Heating Oil or Natural Gas?

For a long time, the story was that natural gas was better for the environment than heating oil. But today’s heating oil is different.

Most states in the Northeast, including New York, have committed to only using ultra-low sulfur heating oil, which reduces sulfur content in the fuel by 99 percent. That means it burns extremely clean, reducing emissions by more than 70% compared to the “old” type of heating oil. And there are other benefits, too! Because it’s so clean-burning, ultra-low sulfur heating oil improves the efficiency of your heating system—saving you money. It also helps your system last longer and reduces breakdowns.

On the other hand, natural gas, which itself is also fossil fuel, is mostly made of methane, a greenhouse gas that traps 20 times more heat in the atmosphere than the low levels of carbon dioxide released by modern oil equipment. Additionally, the pipelines used to deliver natural gas are largely old and poorly maintained. They are prone to leaks—releasing methane and other hydrocarbons that degrade the environment.

Which Is Safer: Heating Oil or Natural Gas?

Oil is one of the safest fuels you can use to heat your home. Heating oil doesn’t ignite until it vaporizes. As a result, it’s much harder to ignite accidentally. And heating oil doesn’t release flammable vapors in its liquid state. If you drop a lit match into heating oil, the flame extinguishes on contact.

Natural gas is highly explosive, so a leak could trigger something as large as an explosion. Gas is also a leading cause of death from carbon monoxide poisoning in the U.S.

What’s the Best Choice for Me: Heating Oil or Natural Gas?

When you weigh your options, don’t forget that heating oil gives you more convenience and flexibility than natural gas. When you opt to heat your home with oil, you can choose from many suppliers—including local companies like Bolkema, who have built up a reputation in the community over nearly a century, and who understand your needs. Natural gas gives you no choice. It comes from a utility that has a monopoly on the business, and no competition.

Bolkema has the experience and the supply to always ensure you have fuel when you need it. We own one of the largest storage terminals in northern Bergen County. We can hold more than 200,000 gallons of heating oil!

Natural gas customers don’t enjoy security like that. Especially during periods of extreme cold, there are reports of interruptions in natural gas service because of pipeline deterioration, cold weather, or accidents. When underground natural gas pipelines are damaged, hundreds and even thousands of customers may lose their supply until repairs are finished. You could be hours, or even days, without the gas you need to heat your home.

Looking for a Local, Reliable Heating Oil Supplier? Choose Bolkema!

The bottom line? When you have natural gas, you’re dealing with a utility company. A monopoly with no competition. Usually, that means you’re just an account number in a database. Bolkema is a family-owned and operated company that specializes in outstanding service. We offer safe, reliable heating oil delivery with personalized service.

Learn more about the benefits of heating your home with ultra-low sulfur heating oil from Bolkema. Contact us today to get started.

Don’t Lose Your Cool This Summer Season!

Summer can be gorgeous in northern New Jersey, but when the humidity kicks in, it can be brutal. If your air conditioning system just isn’t doing the job, follow these troubleshooting steps.

Solutions to Home Cooling Failure

Some common problems are easy to fix yourself, others may require a qualified technician.

1. It won’t turn on. Start by checking that you haven’t blown a fuse or tripped the circuit breaker. If that isn’t the problem, it could be your thermostat is not set correctly or it may not be calibrated properly. Consult the manual for your thermostat and try setting your thermostat to the lowest setting. If your AC doesn’t kick on, you’ll need to call in the pros.
2. Low flow. If the flow of air from your A/C vents feels weak or irregular, there may be something obstructing the airflow. Have you changed your filters lately? If new filters don’t help, give us a call.
3. Constant system cycling. If your system is constantly turning on and off, it means its having trouble keeping up. One cause could be that your cooling system isn’t big enough for your home. Another cause could be a mechanical problem. Either way, constant cycling on and off will wear the system out quickly and lead to a breakdown. You’ll need to have a service technician take a look.
4. Noticeably higher bills. With energy prices on the rise this season, your bills may be higher no matter what the circumstances. But older equipment that’s less energy efficient will have to work harder to do the same level work as newer systems—and that will knock energy costs up even more.
5. Clicking or humming sounds. This can be a sign of a capacitor problem. Capacitors are help start and run your A/C, and when they malfunction, it can result in damage to your compressor or other parts. Checking and replacing capacitors is a job for the pros.
6. Leaking compressor. Drain lines can become clogged with dirt and algae, resulting in water backing up and damaging internal parts of your cooling system. If you notice water leaking from your compressor, call us right away!
7. Warm air coming from your vents. If the air flowing from your vents is warm, check for ice crystals on your A/C’s evaporator coils, it’s a sure sign of a refrigerant leak. Miniscule leaks are not unusual, and our technicians check for and repair them when they do seasonal maintenance. A leak resulting in in warm air and ice crystals indicates a bigger problem and we need to check it out.

Local, Professional A/C Services Right Nearby in NJ & NY

Of course, the best way to avoid a major A/C meltdown is to schedule seasonal maintenance. Regular maintenance keeps your system running at peak efficiency, so your home stays cooler while saving you money. Our technicians are skilled at catching small problems and fixing them before they lead to an expensive system breakdown. Ask about our cooling system service plans: They include seasonal maintenance, priority service if you do need a repair, plus a discount on parts and labor.

And, if you do have a problem, you can’t—or don’t want to—tackle yourself, we’re at your service. Our trained, in-house technicians will find the root of the issue and address it completely the first time. Contact Bolkema Fuels for more information today.

Need Oils or Lubricants? We’ve Got It All!

There are countless reasons Bolkema is considered the go-to resource for industrial and commercial lubricants in New Jersey and lower New York State.

We carry top lines of oil and grease for all types of manufacturing and industrial applications, automotive, aviation, and special equipment needs. Whether you operate a machine shop or manufacturing facility, handle repairs and maintenance for a fleet of vehicles or equipment, or operate an independent repair shop, we’ve got the selection and inventory to meet your needs!

From heavy-duty engine oil to transportation products, from refrigeration and food-grade products, to synthetics, we carry a full range of top-of-the-line products, available in bulk or in package quantities.

Our 90-plus years in the business and long-standing relationships with suppliers allow us to provide competitive pricing and quick delivery, including special orders.

Automotive Oils

Whether you need to keep your fleet on the road or stock your independent repair shop or gas station, we offer competitive pricing on the leading motor oil brands. As the leading local distributor for Citgo Supergard and Shell Formula Shell motor oils, we provide quick delivery and can special order any car oil!

• Citgo Citgard engine oils
• Shell Rotella-T engine oils
• Transmission and heavy-duty engine oil

Aviation Oils & Fluids

Bolkema is your source for aircraft engine oils in Northern New Jersey and lower New York State. We offer competitive pricing and quick delivery on the full AeroShell product line.

• Piston engine oils
• Turbine engine oils
• Hydraulic fluids
• Grease

Vehicle Parts, Supplies, and Supplemental Equipment

Pumps, tanks, reels, hoses, filters, and more: We’re your one-stop resource for a full range of fueling and lubricant supplies and equipment. We proudly distribute several brands, including Liquidynamics’ full range of fuel-handling supplies and equipment, pumps, meters, oil-extractor tanks, hose reels—the list goes on. We also carry a broad range of automotive and engine supplies, including:

• Antifreeze
• Brake fluid
• Aerosols
• Injector cleaner

We’re Nearby and Ready to Serve You!

Bolkema is proud of our commercial and business partnerships. We’re committed to delivering real value that goes beyond competitive prices. Our clients turn to us for advice as well as dependable, on time service.

If you’re looking for a local partner, who understands your needs, contact us today.

Electricity Is Not the Greenest Choice Available

There’s a lot of talk about energy these days. Right now, news about the cost of fuel—whether it’s to run your car or heat your home—is drowning out a lot of other conversations. But cutting greenhouse gasses remains important. And proponents of a drive to make homes and businesses in New Jersey to convert their homes to electric-powered heating systems to achieve this are hoping to hide behind the skyrocketing cost of fuel.

But if you follow the headlines, you know that electric bills are going up just as much as other sources of energy. Electric prices went up more than 10% in January compared to last year.

What’s more, electricity isn’t as clean as it’s made out to be. One of the selling points of electricity is that it has “zero” emissions. Did you know that the generation of electricity is the second-largest creator of greenhouse gases in the United States? That’s because most of our electricity supply is generated by coal-fired power plants. Only the transportation sector creates more greenhouse gases.

In fact, more than 63% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas. Hence the soaring electric rates.

Electricity Always Costs More

Even without geopolitics driving energy costs up, electricity costs you more. Electricity is far less efficient at heating, so it will cost you more to keep your family comfortable, especially on the coldest nights.

Heating oil, however, generates a far higher number of BTUs of heat energy per gallon, so it will warm your home reliably—and more evenly. Modern, efficient heating-oil systems in well-insulated homes can help homeowners achieve the same amount of warmth while using much less fuel!

So What Are Some Cleaner, Greener Options?

Heating oil traditionally gets a bad connotation. But thanks to advancements in recent years, the heating oil we deliver is a much cleaner product than in the past. One of the biggest changes has been the development of ultra-low sulfur heating oil that’s blended with biofuels. The result is a cleaner-burning heating fuel that emits up to 80% less sulfur dioxide as well as 20% less carbon dioxide than traditional heating oils. Fewer greenhouse gases mean cleaner air and a more sustainable future for everyone.

The Green Line

We’re all in favor of combatting climate change. New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050 is laudable. But we question the method and the cost to New Jersey homeowners and businesses. The plan will require whole-house conversions to electric heat that will cost most families $20,000 or more. Making the switch to all-electric will put serious strain on New Jersey’s already strained electric grid. Increased demand during extreme cold will lead to higher prices and more outages.

Don’t confuse the short-term high cost of energy with the long-term cost of converting to electricity. Bolkema is committed to delivering of cleaner-burning, efficient heating oil, with plenty of ways to help you save and manage fuel costs. 

Become a Bolkema customer today and experience the difference we can make for your northern New Jersey or lower New York state home or business.

Diagnose Heating Issues Before They Happen!

Winters in the home stretch here in Lower New York State and Northern New Jersey.

If you take care of your heating equipment with regular maintenance, it should be doing a good job of taking care of you in return—keeping your home and family cozy and warm. But after several months and through some frigid cold snaps, it might be showing signs of wear—especially if it hasn’t had a tune-up in a while. Strange smells coming from your vents can be a sign that your furnace is on the brink of a breakdown.

Here are the three most common furnace odors, and what to do.

1. Dusty, burning smells: A mild burning odor is not uncommon early in the season, when you first turn it on. It’s usually just accumulated dust burning off, and it should go away quickly. If the smell persists, or occurs later in the season, check your furnace’s air filter. It should be changed or cleaned at the start of the season, and monthly through the winter. If a new filter doesn’t resolve the problem, call us to get to the bottom of it.
2. “Electrical” smell: If you smell something like the smell of a burning wire, and notice that your furnace is shutting off more frequently or for no reason, it may be a sign that your equipment is on the verge of overheating. Shut the system down and give us a call right away to have us come check it out.
3. Burning rubber or mechanical smell: This is also a sign your furnace needs professional attention. It usually means rubber and metal parts are burning due to extreme wear and tear. Shut down the system right away and call us for repairs.

If you use gas or propane for any appliances in your home, such as your kitchen stove, clothes dryers, or even gas fireplaces, there’s one other odor you should be aware of. If you smell rotten eggs, it should alert that you may have a gas leak.

Get everyone—including pets—out of the building immediately, and avoid doing anything that could cause a spark, such as turning lights on or off, using any candles, or any gas appliance. Once you are away from the house, call 911 and as well as your propane or gas provider, and do not re-enter until you are told it’s safe by first responders.

How can I best avoid potential system failures?

The best way to avoid furnace problems is to stay on top of seasonal maintenance. Regular tune-ups also keep your equipment working at peak efficiency, which helps keep your fuel costs down. And did you know an annual tune-up is included with our service plans?

Whether you’re having furnace problems or would like to prevent them with a tune-up—or replace your old heating equipment outright with a new, high-efficiency system, the pros at Bolkema Fuels are here for you. Our technicians are trained to perform maintenance and repairs and installations on all types of systems so you can enjoy reliable heating service all season long. Contact us today for more information.

We’re the Top Choice for Commercial Fuels in New Jersey and Lower New York

There are so many reasons Bolkema is the number one choice for commercial fueling solutions here in Northern New Jersey, as well as Orange and Rockland Counties in New York. A lot of them come down to our local roots. As a fourth-generation family business, we’ve built a reputation for reliability. With one of the largest storage terminals in Northern Bergen County, we’re able to deliver even when supplies are limited—including during the current supply chain situation.

We aim to provide the same superb and attentive service to our commercial accounts as to our residential customers. Easy ordering and on-time deliveries let you keep your focus on your business and your fleets on the road.

In addition to heating oil for commercial buildings, here’s some of the ways we can help you with your industrial lubricants, motor fuels and fleet fueling needs:

Fleet Fueling

Our on-road and off-road fleet fueling services are convenient and dependable for trucking, construction, and delivery business needs. On-site fueling and bulk gas and diesel delivery services save time and money. Or stop by and use our fueling station, open daily for your convenience. Additionally, we can provide:

• 87, 89 and 93 Octane Gasoline
• ULSD On-Road Diesel
• Low-Sulphur Off-Road Diesel
• High-sulfur available
• Kerosene
• Wholesale Gasoline

Industrial Lubricants

Our industrial lubricant inventory includes the top lines of oil and grease for all types of manufacturing and industrial applications, automotive, aviation and special equipment needs such as:

• Refrigeration
• Food Grade
• Compressor
• Synthetics
• Turbine
• …and more!

Engine Oils

Our full range of products ranges from heavy duty engine oil to industrial gear oils, are available in bulk or package quantities. Fleet managers, independent repair shops and gas stations count on us for their automotive oil needs. Our long-standing supplier relationships mean we can provide competitive pricing and quick delivery, including special orders. This includes:

• Citgo Citgard engine oils
• Shell Rotella engine oils
• Shell Aviation oil

Filters & Supplies

Few fuel dealers in our area have a supply as large and reliable as ours. When it comes to keeping your machinery and vehicles running, you can count on Bolkema! In addition to oils and lubricants, we carry a full range of filters, supplies and equipment, including:

• Automotive Filters
• Commercial filters
• Fuel-handling supplies
• Automotive engine supplies

We’re Ready to Serve You!

Bolkema is proud of our commercial and business partnerships. We’re committed to delivering real value that goes beyond competitive prices. Our clients turn to us for advice as well as dependable, on time service. If you’re looking for a local partner, who understands your needs, contact us today.

Did You Know the Oil in Your Tank Burns Cleaner Than Ever?

What do you picture when you think of heating oil? For a lot of people, an image of thick, black, toxic sludge comes to mind. FYI—That’s an outdated and inaccurate idea of today’s heating oil!

Over the last few decades, technological advances in the way heating oil is refined has resulted in fuel that burns nearly 95% cleaner than it did in the 1970s. As a result, the heating oil in your tank burns so cleanly, producing such negligible emissions that the Federal Clean Air Act doesn’t even regulate it anymore.

These improvements in refining processes have produced ultra-low sulfur heating oil that’s much better for the environment. In fact, ultra-low sulfur heating oil has been mandated in New Jersey since 2010 and in New York since 2012. But this clean-burning fuel offers plenty of benefits for customers, too. The quality of the oil in your tank has a big impact on how efficiently your system runs, how long your equipment lasts—and how much fuel you need to burn to keep your home comfortable.

Improved Efficiency Helps You Save

Heating oil is already more cost-efficient than natural gas in terms of Btu content. You need to burn about 40% more natural gas to receive the heating equivalent of heating oil. Cleaner oil burns even more efficiently—helping to keep heating costs down even more! Ultra-low sulfur heating oil also opens the door to super-efficient heating systems, which can increase the advantages of heating oil over natural gas even further. Research conducted by the Energy Research Council & Brookhaven National Laboratory found fuel savings as high as 48.3% when outdated equipment is replaced with a new, high-efficiency boiler.

With more unpredictable winter weather, it’s one more reason more people are sticking to oil.

Protecting Your Investment

Cleaner fuel also protects your investment in your heating equipment and helps it last longer. Less sulfur means less build-up in your equipment and your storage tank. That translates to fewer breakdowns and lower maintenance costs for you.

The average heating oil-fueled boiler or furnace should last around 30 years if it’s properly maintained—nearly double that of a typical gas furnace. Heating oil-based water heaters also boast faster recovery rates. For example, a unit powered by heating oil will recover up to twice as fast as a water heater powered by natural gas, and more than three times as fast as an electric-powered water heater.

If you’re looking for a full-service company for prompt heating oil delivery, plus expert installation, maintenance and repair services in Northern New Jersey and Lower New York State, look no further than Bolkema! Contact us for more information today. We’re standing by, and ready to help you.

Enrolling in a Heating System Service Plan Can Protect Your Home—and Wallet!

Frigid winter temperatures can really give home heating equipment a workout—and we’re not immune to the polar vortex here in Northern New Jersey and Lower New York State. If you’ve never had your boiler or furnace conk out on a frigid February night, you’ve probably never thought about how much repairs cost.

Heating equipment repairs can be expensive, especially if you need to replace a major part or component.

On average, a furnace or boiler repair can cost between $300 and $400, and repairs to a water heater can run close to $600. With emergency service fees, the charges can really add up fast. That’s why so many Bolkema customers have a heating system service plan to help make sure an unexpected breakdown doesn’t bust your budget!

How Does a Service Plan Help Me Save?

Every year we hear from customers who believe they’re “saving money” by skipping their routine maintenance. “My system is working just fine!”, they’ll say. But the real deal is that a service plan will help you save money—even if you never have a problem with your equipment. In fact, keeping you trouble-free is the main idea of our service plan.

The annual tune-up is the key. In addition to helping prevent breakdowns, regular maintenance by our trained pros helps ensure your system is running at peak efficiency. That means you’ll burn fuel more efficiently and keep heating costs down. Regular maintenance also extends the life of your equipment—a sizable investment you don’t want to have to make too soon.

Annual tune-ups also protect your warranty. Most heating equipment warranties require routine professional service as a precondition; skip your tune-up and your manufacturer’s warranty could be voided, leaving you to pay out of pocket for expenses that otherwise would have been covered.

Bolkema Has Got You Covered!

If you do experience system troubles, our plan has you covered, all for less the cost of most repair jobs. Here’s what you get:

• Savings on heating equipment repair costs
• Annual preventive maintenance
• 24-hour-a-day priority repair service
• No extra fees for after-hours service

Good to know: You can get a similar plan for your air conditioning equipment as well!

As a fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, Bolkema has been taking care of the fuel delivery and heating and cooling equipment needs of homes and businesses in northern New Jersey and lower New York State for more nearly a century. We’re always happy to answer all your questions about our service plan and all the other great services we offer. Contact us today for more information.