Heating your home with the right fuel and equipment is important to make sure you and your family get through the winter in a warm and cozy environment. If you have a furnace that runs on oils, you might wonder if there is a difference between heating oil and kerosene. Each material has varying benefits and structures, and it can be overwhelming to choose between the two. Below are some of the key differences to help you decide which is best for your home. 

What Are the Molecular Structures?

While both kerosene and heating oil, or diesel fuel, are produced during the refining process of gasoline, there are key molecular features that could make a difference in how much it will cost you to heat your home all winter long. Kerosene doesn’t have a set molecular structure and is a combination of different hydrocarbon chains. It is refined at the early stages of gasoline and has been in use for centuries as both a way to provide heat and light. 

Unlike clear kerosene, heating oil is dyed red to indicate that it’s not meant for engine use and should only be burned in your furnace. It also has a more complex molecular structure that is made up of 16 carbon atoms and 34 hydrogen atoms. It’s generally more expensive to refine but is the most popular type of burning fuel in both residential spaces and commercial buildings. 

What Are the Benefits of Each?

Because of kerosene’s unique molecular structure, the oil burns much hotter when it’s connected with a spark. It also has a lower flashpoint of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which means you’ll be getting a more efficient flame, making it worth the price. It also doesn’t give off a sulfur residue, which can be harmful to your furnace and the environment. 

On the other hand, diesel is considered to be the safest burning fuel and won’t explode or get hot enough to catch fire outside the burner. The flashpoint for diesel is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which means it’s only likely to burn when inside your burning pan. It also gives off enough heat to warm up your home, even in the coldest months. 

How Do You Choose Between Kerosene and Diesel?

Choosing between either oil for heating is up to your budget and what you feel more comfortable with. Prices constantly fluctuate with both, but diesel is typically more expensive. It’s also taxable, unlike kerosene. However, if you’ve been burning one fuel in your burner and then decide to switch, it’s important not to mix the fuels and make sure that all of the fumes from one oil have evaporated before pouring in another. A mixture can create fumes that cause headaches and nausea. 

If you’re looking for a heating oil supplier to fill up your tank before winter begins, the Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY, has you covered. With more than 75 years of experience delivering oils used for heating, these experts are dedicated to providing straightforward and honest pricing when it comes to the cost of heating your home. Give them a call today at (585) 244-4080 for fast and reliable service. You can also visit them online for more fueling information.