Is Fuel Oil The Same As Kerosene?
September 20, 2023
When it comes to heating homes or workplaces, common oil-based heating systems are normally used for heat generation. At times, you may wonder what heating oil to use and what the difference is between the different oils.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the different heating fuels and explore the similarities and differences between fuel oil and kerosene.
Understanding Fuel Oil
Fuel oil is a term used to describe a range of liquid fuels derived from petroleum. It is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial heating systems, as well as in some diesel engines.
Fuel oil is graded based on its viscosity and sulfur content, with lower viscosity and sulfur content typically associated with higher-quality fuel.
What Is Fuel Oil Used For?
Its primary use is as an energy source for heating purposes in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It fuels heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, to generate heat and maintain comfortable temperatures during winter months.
There is no specific use for fuel oil – and it can vary depending on different properties – but below are some of the most common applications.
However, given its flammable nature, it requires careful handling, storage, and use, following strict safety regulations and precautions to mitigate potential hazards.
Heating
Fuel oil is commonly used as a heating fuel in residential and commercial buildings. It is burned in furnaces or boilers to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the building to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Electricity Generation
In some power plants, particularly where natural gas or coal may not be readily available, fuel oil is used as a backup or primary fuel for electricity generation.
To obtain a reliable source of electricity at your home or workplace fuel oil is a vital product that is required to ensure you have high-quality electricity on a day-to-day basis.
Emergency Generators
Fuel Oil is also found to be used for emergency generators. If your home or workplace has suffered a power outage, an emergency generator can help resolve the situation by eliminating key factors that may be causing this to occur.
The use of fuel oil will allow your emergency generator to function on a regular basis, providing heating and other power supplies that may have been lost.
What Is Kerosene Oil?
Kerosene oil, often simply referred to as “kerosene,” is a type of flammable hydrocarbon liquid that is derived from petroleum and is used to power everything from space heaters and heating systems to jet engines.
It is a versatile and widely used fuel and is known for its clean-burning properties and adaptability during cold temperatures.
What Is Kerosene Oil Used For?
Regarding heating, kerosene is a commonly employed fuel source in residential and commercial buildings. It serves as the fuel for space heaters, oil furnaces, and central heating systems, ensuring warmth during colder temperatures.
In industrial workplaces, kerosene serves as a heat source in various manufacturing and chemical processes. Its cleaning and degreasing properties make it an effective machinery and equipment maintenance solvent.
Examining The Differences
Now that we have explored and defined fuel oil and kerosene, let’s identify the key differences between the two fuels.
Viscosity
The term viscosity refers to the thickness or the consistency of the liquid being accessed. A stand-out difference between fuel oil and kerosene is their viscosity. Kerosene is known to have a lower viscosity compared to fuel oil. Having a lower viscosity level allows kerosene to flow more efficiently through heating systems and burners.
Sulfur Content
Another critical difference is the sulfur content. Kerosene has a significantly lower sulfur content than fuel oil. Lower sulfur content translates to reduced emissions when burning kerosene, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option.
Applications
While fuel oil and kerosene are often used for heating purposes, kerosene is compatible with many more applications and can help provide the best results in your business.
Kerosene’s preferred applications are portable heaters, space heaters, and outdoor equipment because of its more transportable nature.
Storage
The storage requirements for both fuels differ as they both have different purposes. Fuel oil is stored in large tanks above or below ground. Kerosene, on the other hand, is typically stored in smaller containers. This makes it convenient for portable heating and appliances.
Availability
It is well known that regular fuel oil is more popular and more often used for heating appliances in the UK. Kerosene, on the other hand, maybe less common and more expensive in some areas, making heating oil the practical choice for homeowners.
Fuel And Kerosene Oil At Pleavin Petroleum
If you are looking to purchase fuel and kerosene oil, Pleavin Petroleum can provide you with a same-day delivery service ensuring your business can continue to run smoothly.
Here at Pleavin Petroleum, we aim to ensure that your business has a high-quality oil delivery service to depend on to avoid disruption in your workplace.
We have a 24/7 emergency delivery service in place allowing access to high-quality fuels and oils to all customers who are in urgent need in order for their business to continue to run smoothly.
Jack is the founder of Pleavin Petroleum. He has years of experience in dealing with generators and from this, has developed a strong desire in the fuel and fuel services. His dedication to providing a top service to people looking for fuel solutions across the UK has led him to start Pleavin Petroleum.
CONTACT US REGARDING YOUR FUEL NEEDS
When it comes to heating homes or workplaces, common oil-based heating systems are normally used for heat generation. At times, you may wonder what heating oil to use and what the difference is between the different oils.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the different heating fuels and explore the similarities and differences between fuel oil and kerosene.
Understanding Fuel Oil
Fuel oil is a term used to describe a range of liquid fuels derived from petroleum. It is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial heating systems, as well as in some diesel engines.
Fuel oil is graded based on its viscosity and sulfur content, with lower viscosity and sulfur content typically associated with higher-quality fuel.
What Is Fuel Oil Used For?
Its primary use is as an energy source for heating purposes in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. It fuels heating systems, such as furnaces and boilers, to generate heat and maintain comfortable temperatures during winter months.
There is no specific use for fuel oil – and it can vary depending on different properties – but below are some of the most common applications.
However, given its flammable nature, it requires careful handling, storage, and use, following strict safety regulations and precautions to mitigate potential hazards.
Heating
Fuel oil is commonly used as a heating fuel in residential and commercial buildings. It is burned in furnaces or boilers to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout the building to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Electricity Generation
In some power plants, particularly where natural gas or coal may not be readily available, fuel oil is used as a backup or primary fuel for electricity generation.
To obtain a reliable source of electricity at your home or workplace fuel oil is a vital product that is required to ensure you have high-quality electricity on a day-to-day basis.
Emergency Generators
Fuel Oil is also found to be used for emergency generators. If your home or workplace has suffered a power outage, an emergency generator can help resolve the situation by eliminating key factors that may be causing this to occur.
The use of fuel oil will allow your emergency generator to function on a regular basis, providing heating and other power supplies that may have been lost.
What Is Kerosene Oil?
Kerosene oil, often simply referred to as “kerosene,” is a type of flammable hydrocarbon liquid that is derived from petroleum and is used to power everything from space heaters and heating systems to jet engines.
It is a versatile and widely used fuel and is known for its clean-burning properties and adaptability during cold temperatures.
What Is Kerosene Oil Used For?
Regarding heating, kerosene is a commonly employed fuel source in residential and commercial buildings. It serves as the fuel for space heaters, oil furnaces, and central heating systems, ensuring warmth during colder temperatures.
In industrial workplaces, kerosene serves as a heat source in various manufacturing and chemical processes. Its cleaning and degreasing properties make it an effective machinery and equipment maintenance solvent.
Examining The Differences
Now that we have explored and defined fuel oil and kerosene, let’s identify the key differences between the two fuels.
Viscosity
The term viscosity refers to the thickness or the consistency of the liquid being accessed. A stand-out difference between fuel oil and kerosene is their viscosity. Kerosene is known to have a lower viscosity compared to fuel oil. Having a lower viscosity level allows kerosene to flow more efficiently through heating systems and burners.
Sulfur Content
Another critical difference is the sulfur content. Kerosene has a significantly lower sulfur content than fuel oil. Lower sulfur content translates to reduced emissions when burning kerosene, making it a cleaner and more environmentally friendly option.
Applications
While fuel oil and kerosene are often used for heating purposes, kerosene is compatible with many more applications and can help provide the best results in your business.
Kerosene’s preferred applications are portable heaters, space heaters, and outdoor equipment because of its more transportable nature.
Storage
The storage requirements for both fuels differ as they both have different purposes. Fuel oil is stored in large tanks above or below ground. Kerosene, on the other hand, is typically stored in smaller containers. This makes it convenient for portable heating and appliances.
Availability
It is well known that regular fuel oil is more popular and more often used for heating appliances in the UK. Kerosene, on the other hand, maybe less common and more expensive in some areas, making heating oil the practical choice for homeowners.
Fuel And Kerosene Oil At Pleavin Petroleum
If you are looking to purchase fuel and kerosene oil, Pleavin Petroleum can provide you with a same-day delivery service ensuring your business can continue to run smoothly.
Here at Pleavin Petroleum, we aim to ensure that your business has a high-quality oil delivery service to depend on to avoid disruption in your workplace.
We have a 24/7 emergency delivery service in place allowing access to high-quality fuels and oils to all customers who are in urgent need in order for their business to continue to run smoothly.
To find out more visit our product and service pages to discover how to order and purchase fuel and kerosene oil.