Heating Oil vs. Kerosene

Heating oil and kerosene are different fuel products that can both be used to heat residential homes. While they have some similarities, they also have distinct differences that are important to note. In this article, we will compare the different fuel products and discuss the best uses for each.

Are Kerosene and Home Heating Oil the Same?

Kerosene and home heating oil are two different fueling products.

Kerosene has been used as a household fuel since the mid-19th century. You may have heard kerosene sometimes referred to as kerosine, paraffin, paraffin oil, fuel oil no. 1, or lamp oil.

Kerosene has a lower flashpoint than home heating oil due to its higher viscosity and lower density.

A flashpoint is the temperature at which a substance gives off flammable gasses that increase the risk of fire or explosion. Kerosene’s flashpoint is around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, while home heating oil’s flashpoint is around 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Home heating oil, also called fuel oil or no. 2 heating oil, is less explosive than kerosene due to its higher flashpoint. Because of this, home heating oil is considered safer for residential use. Home heating oil tends to be more widely available too, so it costs less than kerosene.

Can You Mix Heating Oil and Kerosene?

Whereas heating oil is less expensive and less explosive than kerosene, it can sometimes gel during the colder winter months. This can become a nuisance for homes with outdoor fuel storage tanks as the gel-like texture can cause clogs.

Kerosene, on the other hand, does not gel during the cold winter months. Because of this, you may have heard of some people using kerosene as an anti-gel agent in other oils.

We wouldn’t recommend mixing heating oil and kerosene.

Here are a few reasons why:

• Explosion risks – both these components can ignite when mixed in your heating system. That can create fires and explosions.
• Dangerous emissions – Adding heating oil and kerosene together can produce toxic fumes.
• Damage to your system – fire can cause serious damage. Mixing the fuels could mean ruining your heater all together.
• Unpredictability – lastly but not least, when kerosene and heating oil mix, they have a less predictable heat output.

Is Mixing Kerosene and Heating Oil Dangerous?

It can be. Their different ignition temperatures and heat outputs can cause fires or lead to excessive, toxic fumes in your home. It is not uncommon for carbon monoxide alarms to go off very often when the two fuel types are mixed together in a heating system.

All in all, we don’t recommend mixing heating oil and kerosene if you can avoid it. In dire situations of survival, it might be ok but it should be an absolute last resort and only done if no other options are available.

If you are in a dire situation and cannot get heating oil, we would recommend using diesel fuel as a much safer, temporary alternative.

You can learn more about how to use diesel fuel in your home heating oil system safely here.

Is Home Heating Oil Better Than Kerosene?

The answer to this question really comes down to your priorities and preferences.

One may be better suited to you than the other. If your tank is located in a very frigid cold, outdoor location, you may feel inclined toward kerosene due to its anti-gelling properties.

On the other hand, if safety is a top priority for you, you may feel inclined to choose heating oil due to its higher flashpoint, which results in fewer fire hazards.

Book Your Heating Oil Delivery Online with Star Home Heat

With Star Home Heat, you can take advantage of easy online ordering and quick delivery of heating oil to your home.

We offer low prices every day and accommodate the majority of internet users who would rather buy heating oil online than pick up the phone to call around. Our website shows our prices and availability in real time, with most deliveries available within 48 hours or less.

Ready to schedule your next heating oil delivery? Choose Star Home Heat today.