A Quick Guide To The Use Of Common Types Of Heating Oil For Your New Home

Posted on: 18 June 2017

If you have recently or will soon be moving into a new home that requires oil for heating, obtaining that oil might not be as easy as you expect. One reason for that difficulty is often the fact that there are different types of heating oil to choose from. Therefore, before you find yourself in a cold home or one where you cannot cook a meal your first night there, it is a good idea to be aware of the information discussed below.

Understanding Heating Oil

It is first important to note that the description of home heating oil is an all-inclusive term and therefore, describes several different types of fuel that can be used in some homes. However, you might find that some of those types of heating oil are not equally appropriate for continued use in all homes.

While the cost of heating fuel is often going to be a big factor for many homeowners when choosing an oil, other aspects will also play a crucial role. For example, it is best to determine if any additives have made their way into the fuel, as the presence of those extra ingredients are thought to make the oil itself more stable and cleaner to use.

In addition, given the environmental concerns that have occurred in recent years and the concerns about naturally occurring resources like oil running out in the future, it is a good idea to determine whether biofuel or other eco-friendly heating options are available.    

Choosing The Fuel

Once you understand heating oil additives a bit more, it's best to have a clear understanding of the options you can choose from. All heating oil needs to be brought to your home and stored outside in a tank for future use. It is not unusual for delivery companies to have a minimum amount to deliver, so it's best to verify that cost up-front if the cost of obtaining that oil might ever be a concern.      

For instance, you can elect to have gas oil in your home, which is a common aspect seen in many older homes. Often referred to as red diesel, it is similar to the diesel used in some vehicles and is provided with the red dye to identify it as being different from the diesel fuel used in some vehicles. In addition, home heating oil is heavier than diesel, which can impact how long it lasts. 

Kerosene is another oil that can be used for heating your home. It is lighter and cleaner, which allows it to be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Often seen in newer homes, you cannot swap one of those oils out for another, so if you are not sure of what oil you need, it is a good idea to consult with an expert. 

In conclusion, being able to heat a cold home or cook a hot meal in some houses requires the use of the right type of oil. Therefore, if you need to plan now to obtain that oil, you need to be aware of the facts shared above. If you need help choosing a furnace or heating oil, contact a business such as Olympic Energy LLC

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