A Guide to Heating Oil Types in the UK
Heating oil is an essential energy source for over one million homes in the UK, especially in rural and remote areas where connection to the mains gas network isnt available. Used to fuel central heating systems and provide hot water, heating oil is a reliable and effective solution for off-grid living. However, not all heating oils are the same. Understanding the different types available can help you make an informed choice for your home or business.
The Two Main Types of Heating Oil
In the UK, the two primary types of heating oil are kerosene and gas oil. These fuels differ in composition, application, efficiency, and cost.
1. Kerosene (28-Second Oil)
Kerosene is the most common type of heating oil used in UK households. It is a refined petroleum product, sometimes referred to as heating oil, kero, or paraffin.
Key features of kerosene:
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Efficient and clean-burning: Kerosene produces fewer emissions and less soot than gas oil, making it suitable for modern condensing boilers and cookers.
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Widely available: Kerosene is the standard choice for domestic heating oil suppliers across the UK.
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Cost-effective: Generally cheaper to purchase than gas oil, partly due to lower duty rates.
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Cold-resistant: With a lower freezing point, kerosene performs well in cold weather.
There is also premium kerosene, a higher-grade version that includes additives to improve efficiency, reduce boiler wear, and keep the fuel system clean. Though slightly more expensive, it can lead to savings in maintenance and energy use over time.
2. Gas Oil (35-Second Oil)
Gas oil, often called red diesel due to the red dye added for tax and regulatory reasons, is a heavier fuel than kerosene. It is more commonly used in agricultural and industrial settings, but some older domestic systems still rely on it.
Key features of gas oil:
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Less refined: It burns less cleanly than kerosene, producing more soot and emissions.
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Mainly for non-domestic use: It is commonly used in machinery, generators, and some commercial heating systems.
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Limited domestic use: While some older boilers can use gas oil, it is not recommended for new heating systems.
Which One Should You Choose?
For nearly all domestic purposes, kerosene is the best option. It is efficient, affordable, and compatible with most modern oil-fired boilers and cookers. If your home currently uses gas oil, it may be worth consulting a heating engineer about switching to kerosene or upgrading your system.
Looking Ahead: Low-Carbon Alternatives
As the UK moves toward net-zero carbon emissions, new renewable heating oil options are being explored. One of the most promising is Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)a low-carbon alternative made from renewable waste materials. HVO can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could play a key role in the future of home heating. However, its still in the early stages of adoption and not widely available yet.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between kerosene and gas oil is crucial for anyone using heating oil in the UK. While kerosene remains the go-to choice for most households, innovations like HVO are on the horizon, offering cleaner, greener alternatives in the years to come.
