Winter is almost here. Temperatures plunge, trees lose their leaves, warm clothes replace summer apparel, and many people are preparing their homes for the cold months ahead. One of the most important aspects in making your winter preparations involves getting your heating system ready.

If you live in a house that uses heating oil, you may benefit from educating yourself on how your system differs from others. There are several key differences between this and other options — for one, heating oil is usually delivered weekly by a fuel delivery business like Monroe Oil Company, located in the Greater Rochester, NY, area. For another, houses that use heating oil usually have older boilers, and the oil is often stored in tanks beneath the building.

Here’s a breakdown of kerosene heating oil and the different grades available for your home.

Different Heating Oil Options

What Is Kerosene?

Kerosene heating oil, also known as 28-second oil, is light and relatively clean compared to other options like red diesel. Because of its efficiency, it may save money for many homeowners. This oil is one of the most commonly used and comes in several quality grades.

Heating Oil Grades

The three heating oil grades differ by quality — the better the grade, the cleaner it will burn, and the more efficient your system will be. There’s a trade-off, however — higher grades naturally cost more than lower, so you’ll have to make the decision about what type is best for your home.

The first grade of heating oil, which includes oil numbers one and two, is the most commonly used in the United States. This oil isn’t as efficient as oil at the intermediary grade, but it’s cheaper and is a more efficient source of heating than options like natural gas or propane.

The second grade of oil, called intermediary, is made by blending higher and lower grades. Although this oil is quite efficient — enough so that it is often used in industrial burners — the high cost will restrict many private homeowners from using it as a source.

The third grade of oil is heating oil number 6. This oil is less expensive than other grades. However, it also may result in higher maintenance costs, since its dirtiness will cause problems for heating systems.

If you’re a homeowner in the Greater Rochester, NY, area searching for a reliable heating oil supplier for your fuel delivery, Monroe Oil Company is the perfect option for you. The company has supplied its customers with heating oil at competitive fuel prices for over 75 years. To get in touch, visit their website or call them at (585) 244-4080.