If your home relies on a fuel oil furnace to produce heat throughout the winter, you have two choices for how you keep the appliance running: kerosene and home heating oil (HHO). Both products are similar in that they have been refined from crude oil, but the staff at State Fuel Company says there are subtle differences between them. If you’re determining which fuel is best for you, this Rochester, NY, oil delivery service highlights a few key factors that set HHO and kerosene apart.

Home Heating Oil vs. Kerosene

Safety

Offering a slightly higher flashpoint, home heating oil is less volatile than kerosene and other fuels. As such, many prefer HHO for its lower fire and explosion risk. Compared to natural gas, both HHO and kerosene present less danger in terms of carbon monoxide poisoning. While it’s still smart to have a carbon monoxide detector installed in the home when using these heat sources, they should not produce harmful fumes as natural gas might.  

Heat Efficiency  

Compared to natural gas, kerosene and HHO can heat up homes at a faster rate. They also allow for better control over the desired temperature, which can improve overall comfort. Kerosene produces higher temperatures than HHO and heats up a space slightly quicker. This higher heat, however, can cause excessive wear on some furnaces, which is why many may prefer HHO.

Viscosity

In very low temperatures, HHO can become more viscous — or turn into a gel that could make it difficult for a furnace to operate. Kerosene, on the other hand, has been refined in such a way that it won’t gel in cold temperatures. For that reason, some may prefer to use kerosene if they use an outdoor fuel storage tank. However, it’s worth noting that you can use additives in HHO to prevent gelling.

Cost

The cost of both fuels can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors impacting the crude oil market. Generally, kerosene is more expensive than home heating oil, as it has undergone a more extensive refining process.

Whatever heat source you use for your home’s furnace, State Fuel Company is Rochester’s trusted resource for dependable kerosene and heating oil delivery. Specializing in fuel delivery for eight decades, this company has an incredible amount of experience helping local homes and businesses keep the heat on throughout winter. Find more information about their services online, and call (585) 247-2380 to set up oil delivery.