Oil heat, a.k.a. oil-powered heating systems, are used by 18% of Nassau County homes and 46% of Suffolk County households rely on heating oil to power their home heating system. Yet how much do you know about home heating oil? Do you even know what it looks like? Here’s a primer on this heating source.
What Is Home Heating Oil?
Home heating oil is a petroleum-based fuel used to heat homes with oil furnaces and boilers. It is typically delivered by tanker trucks and stored in on-site tanks, which may be located either above ground or underground.
What Kind of Oil Is Used for Heating Homes?
The most common fuel used for residential heating is #2 fuel oil. Other options include kerosene, gas oil, and newer, environmentally-friendly low-sulfur oils that contain biomaterial. Before choosing a fuel, refer to your furnace’s manual or consult a home heating professional. Our team at Express COD can advise you on choosing the correct home heating oil for your system.
What Are the Main Types of Heating Oil?
The three primary types of traditional heating oil are:
1. Kerosene (28-Second Oil)
A lighter, cleaner-burning fuel with a low boiling point. Ideal for very cold climates and often used in blended fuels.
2. #2 Fuel Oil (Home Heating Oil)
The most common heating oil for homes in the Northeast—especially those with outdoor tanks. It’s a type of diesel fuel that is heavier and more viscous than kerosene.
3. Gas Oil (35-Second Oil or Red Diesel)
A heavier fuel is typically used for commercial or agricultural applications. Some older residential boilers still rely on this type.
Is Furnace Oil the Same as Heating Oil?
Furnace oil and heating oil are both common names for #2 fuel oil. They may be used interchangeably, although “home heating oil” is the most practical, precise term for the oil used in residential furnaces.
Are #2 Fuel Oil and #2 Diesel the Same?
They are chemically similar, but there are key differences:
- Fuel oil is dyed and sold at a lower tax rate for residential use.
- Diesel may include different additives for use in vehicles and machinery.
Diesel typically burns dirtier than traditional home heating fuel oil and is more expensive. It can even increase wear on your furnace. For all of those reasons, it’s not recommended as a substitute for home heating fuel oil.
What Are the New Types of Home Heating Oil?
For those seeking an environmentally-friendly solution to their home heating needs, we offer Bioheat® fuel in addition to traditional oil options. Bioheat® blends traditional oil with biodiesel made from recycled or waste animal and vegetable fats.
Benefits of Bioheat®:
- Burns cleaner with lower emissions
- May extend the life of your heating system
- Requires no equipment modifications
- May qualify for the New York State Clean Heat Fuel Credit
At Express COD, we’re proud to offer Bioheat® to all customers at no additional cost.
Get Ready for Falling Temps with Express COD
Express COD Heating Oil Delivery provides speedy discount home heating oil delivery to keep you warm, from that first cold autumn night until the spring thaw. Get ready for falling temperatures by contacting us or placing an online order 24/7.