It’s not made clear what “untruths about oil” Jamie Py refers to in an Associated Press article, July 24, “Study: Pellets burn dirtier than oil.” However, that the Maine Oil Dealers’ Association used a comparison between a central oil heating system and a space-heating pellet stove as the basis for combustion cleanliness comparison makes it evident that clarification was not their intent. The headline misses the inapt comparison. If space heaters were to be compared, the emissions comparisons between kerosene space heaters and pellet stoves would have been relevant.

Emissions data for pellet-fired boilers are available and could have been provided for relevant comparisons between central home heating fuels for public consideration.

According to U.S. and Swedish government information, gas furnaces produce .0083 pounds of particulates per one million BTUs (MBTUs). Oil boilers produce .013 pounds of particulates/MBTUs, and pellet-fired boilers .040 pounds of particulates/MBTUs.

For reference, pellet stoves produce .49 pounds of particulates/MBTUs, and certified woodstoves produce 1.4 pounds of particulates/MBTUs. Older woodstoves and fireplaces produce much larger quantities of particulates than any of these devices.

The data show particulate emissions from various fuel sources burned in properly functioning appliances. It is responsible to discuss various home heating fuels and their merits, particularly in a time of volatile and escalating fuel prices. That announcements are made based on inappropriate comparisons is an insult to the intelligence of the public and an embarrassment to those who conducted the study.

Harry H. Dresser Jr., Bethel

Director, Maine Energy Systems, LLC