Types of Heating Oil in the UK: What You Need to Know
Heating oil is an essential fuel source for many homes and businesses in the UK, especially in areas where mains gas is not available. It is stored in tanks and used in oil-fired boilers or furnaces to provide warmth during colder months. Understanding the types of heating oil available can help consumers choose the best option for their needs, balancing cost, efficiency, and environmental impact. This article explores the main types of heating oil commonly used in the UK.
What Is Heating Oil?
Heating oil is a refined petroleum product used to fuel heating systems. Its similar to diesel but specifically refined for burning in domestic and commercial heating systems. Typically, heating oil is stored in tanks on the property and delivered by suppliers when needed.
Main Types of Heating Oil in the UK
The UK mainly uses two types of heating oil: Kerosene (28-second oil) and Gas Oil (35-second oil or red diesel). Each type differs in viscosity, price, and intended use.
1. Kerosene (28-Second Oil)
Kerosene is the most popular heating oil type for domestic use in the UK. The term 28-second oil refers to its viscosity, which means it takes around 28 seconds to flow through a specific size nozzle at 20C.
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Usage: Kerosene is commonly used in domestic oil-fired boilers for heating and hot water.
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Benefits: It burns relatively cleanly, producing fewer particulates and emissions than heavier oils. This makes it suitable for indoor use and home heating systems.
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Cost: Kerosene is generally more expensive than gas oil due to taxes but offers efficient and reliable heating.
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Environmental Impact: While still a fossil fuel, kerosene produces fewer harmful emissions compared to heavier fuel oils, making it a cleaner option for home heating.
2. Gas Oil (35-Second Oil or Red Diesel)
Gas oil, also known as red diesel due to its red dye, is thicker and less refined than kerosene. It has a higher viscosity and flows more slowlyabout 35 seconds in the same test used for kerosene.
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Usage: Gas oil is mostly used for commercial heating, agricultural machinery, and industrial applications. It is not generally permitted for domestic heating because of tax regulations.
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Benefits: Gas oil is cheaper than kerosene because it attracts lower fuel duty. Its suitable for heavy-duty use where cost savings are critical.
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Cost: Its lower taxation makes gas oil a cost-effective choice for approved commercial uses.
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Environmental Impact: Gas oil produces more soot and particulate emissions than kerosene, which can affect equipment longevity and air quality.
Emerging Alternatives: Bioheating Oil
With increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions, bioheating oil has gained traction. This fuel is a blend of traditional heating oil with renewable biofuels derived from vegetable oils or animal fats.
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Advantages: Bioheating oil helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions without requiring changes to existing boilers.
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Availability: Suppliers offer blends with up to 30% biofuel, supporting the UKs environmental goals.
Important Considerations
When choosing heating oil, its crucial to ensure fuel quality and compliance with UK regulations. Domestic systems typically require kerosene, while gas oil use is restricted. Proper storage and regular maintenance of oil tanks and boilers are essential for safety and efficiency.
Conclusion
In the UK, kerosene remains the preferred heating oil for homes due to its clean-burning properties and regulatory approval. Gas oil serves commercial and agricultural needs where cost savings are a priority. As environmental awareness grows, bioheating oil blends offer a greener alternative compatible with existing systems. Knowing the differences between these oils enables consumers to make better choices for comfort, cost, and sustainability.
