Before we hit you with the facts, let us first give you a brief introduction to heating oil. What is heating oil, what is heating oil used for and how is heating oil produced?
What is heating oil?
Heating oil is a fuel which is burnt in oil-fired boilers and furnaces. It’s similar to kerosene and is often used as an alternative. The only major difference is that it condenses at a higher temperature during production.
What is heating oil used for?
Depending on your requirements, you can use heating oil for homes and domestic properties as well as industrial heating oil for business premises.
The majority of domestic users live in areas which have no connection to national gas lines. Therefore, heating oil is used as a fuel for heating in their boilers.
Within industrial settings, heating oil is known as industrial heating oil (IHO). It is used to heat the large open spaces of factories and warehouses as well as schools and colleges.
IHO is not to be used as fuel for a road vehicle, off-road vehicle, vessel or any other machinery that is not an excepted machine and is intended for heating purposes only.
How is heating oil produced?
Heating oil is produced from petroleum. Through a process of heating crude oil to high temperatures in a fractionating column, many fuels can be made. Heating oil condenses around 250 °C and 350 °C.
How many people use heating oil in the UK?
Over 1.5 million homes in the UK rely on heating oil. Given an average of 4 people per home, it means that approximately 6 million people require heating oil for warm water and central heating.
When was heating oil first used?
Heating oil has been used for decades. It’s reliability and low-cost have both contributed to the longevity of this fuel product. It was first used around 1900 but exact dates for its introduction aren’t readily available.
Does heating oil have any other names?
Heating oil has several names that all mean the same thing. These names include:
- Fuel Oil
- Gas Oil
- 28 Second Heating Oil
- Kerosene
- Paraffin
Can you use heating oil instead of gas oil?
Depending on your type of boiler, you may be able to use heating oil instead of your current fuel and save money. Or, if you’re ever unable to order gas oil or have lost access to the fuel following the April 2022 regulation changes, then you may be able to order heating oil instead. This is because many of these fuels have very similar characteristics.
It can be cheaper than gas!
Gas prices have always been famous for being over-priced and rising when it’s least expected. Heating oil can also change in price, however, you’ll typically pay a reasonable price for it at any time of year. Depending on your area in the country and the size of your home or building, heating oil can work out cheaper than gas.
Industrial heating oil can clean systems
Some industrial heating oil is manufactured very well. Some of the higher-end industrial heating oil on the market contain a range of additives which can actually improve the performance of equipment and clean them.
Home heating oil can come in premium forms too! Premium kerosene which is used for heating burns cleaner than ordinary kerosene and also has no odour (or very little).
Heating oil is cheaper in summer
Heating oil is a relatively cheap fuel to start with, but it can cost more in times of great need. These times are usually the colder months around winter and an emergency delivery can sometimes feel expensive with all the other costs which a family incur around this period.
Saying that heating oil can be purchased in warmer months when demand is lower and the buyer can save a huge amount compared to those emergency situations.
Want to order your heating oil today?
Now you know more of the facts about heating oil, hopefully, we’ve answered some of your questions regarding this type of oil. Of course, you’ll also know that you don’t need to wait until the cold winter months kick in to place an order.
You can place an order any time of the year, just ensure you don’t run low on heating oil by the time those bitterly cold winter nights begin to draw in.
You can call our knowledgeable heating oil experts if you still have any questions, as well as request a quote and place your orders by calling us on 0330 678 0880.
