Winter can be quite a challenge for some US states. Therefore, they need dependable heating to achieve safe, warm, and comfortable homes. The system needs to be maintained annually, and you need to fill your fuel oil tank with heating oil.
There are a few types of heating oil, and each has various characteristics and uses. Some of these include #1 heating oil, kerosene, and diesel fuel. Among these, #2 heating oil is arguably the most vital fuel for a homeowner’s heating needs.
The Different Types Of Heating Oils
Fuel oils are made from crude oil. Crude oil undergoes a distillation process, and its byproducts are taken from different stages. Fuel oils emit large amounts of heat during combustion. These distillates weigh differently as it goes through the various stages of refinement. Here are the different kinds of heating oils, from lightest to heaviest.
1. Kerosene
The lightest fuel oil is generated through the refinement of #1 fuel oil and filtration of its impurities. Therefore, it provides a cleaner burn that’s safe to use inside homes. This fuel oil has a lower boiling point and viscosity. This liquid is also the usual fuel of choice for portable outdoor heat sources. It can also be an option for indoor use if there is no furnace, like when the structure is a new construction site. Kerosene is also highly dependable when there are power blackouts or during camping trips. After all, kerosene lamps can light up a space for a long time. They also come in beautiful designs and are equipped with odor suppressors.
2. #1 Fuel Oil
As kerosene is a derivative of #1 fuel oil, there are many similarities between them. Number 1 fuel oil is processed less, so it is a bit heavier and has a higher viscosity. It also contains more impurities. This fuel oil is typically used in outdoor stoves and portable heaters. This is because it does not have a clean burn, so it is not recommended for indoor use. Its exhaust can be toxic when inhaled, so it is best to use it outside where the impurities can be diluted in the air.
3. Diesel Fuel
This is the most familiar type of fuel oil because it is available in fuel pumps across the US. Untaxed diesel fuel is dyed red and is usually used in construction machines and off-road vehicles. It contains low sulfur and is known to be eco-friendly. Taxed diesel is undyed, so it has a natural light green color. This liquid is used to power our cars. The only difference between these two is that the latter has a higher price. If you want to use diesel for your home heating, you can mix it with #1 fuel oil to reduce sludge formation during the winter season. Make sure to consult with an HVAC expert to know more about your options.
4. #2 Fuel Oil
Diesel and #2 fuel oil have the same chemical composition. What makes them different from one another is where they are used. #2 fuel oil remains tax-free, so it has a low price. After all, it is a vital component for people to heat their homes during the winter. It is used to power furnaces and boilers instead of cars and trucks. It is even dyed red like untaxed diesel. Therefore, this fuel oil is often called home heating oil because of its intended application.
#2 fuel oil can be mixed with #1 fuel oil to achieve higher furnace efficiency and lower viscosity. Some delivery companies call this the home heating oil winter blend or the kerosene mix.
As diesel and #2 fuel oil are very similar, they are likely to be used interchangeably in theory. However, this is not generally practiced due to a few reasons. If you run out of furnace fuel and can’t get it delivered on time, you can use diesel as an alternative. It is not advisable to do this long-term because diesel is costlier than home heatin oil. However, it is a good option in case of emergencies.
However, keep in mind that you should never put #2 fuel oil in a diesel car. This is an illegal practice due to tax regulations. You will face charges when the police pull you over and see the red-dyed fuel. Make sure to follow the law and utilize these fuels for their intended use.
# 2 Fuel Oil For Home Heating
Among these four heating oil options, #2 fuel oil is what’s most widely used. It has a high British thermal unit (BTU) rating. Therefore, it can produce the highest amount of heat. When you call an oil delivery company, they will send out a truck filled with this type of fuel. Otherwise, they will inform you if they have other blends that might be more fitting with the oil tank you have or the current temperatures in your area. For instance, an aboveground tank that is located outside is more vulnerable to the cold. Therefore, it is best to use a blend of #1 and #2 fuel oils in different ratios to have fuel oil that is less likely to form sludge. You could also have a combination of #2 fuel oil and kerosene to have a cleaner burn.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. Also, we assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click the button below. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.