So, I ran out of heating oil what can I use? This is a common question that most of us have had to ask ourselves at one point or another. And the answer can seem complicated, given how similar home heating oil, diesel, kerosene, and other fuels can be. While similar, they are not the same, however, and mixing them can lead to some interesting and sometimes undesirable effects.
So, can you mix diesel oil, kerosene, and/or home heating oil? Additionally, can you use one in a heater designed for another? Let’s take a look.
Can I mix diesel with heating oil?
If you run out of heating oil for your home’s furnace at some point and you have diesel or you’re close to a gas station, you can use diesel fuel in your oil tank. The reason this is ok is that heating oil is essentially the same as diesel fuel. Heating oil is dyed differently – typically red – because it’s illegal to use heating oil in diesel vehicles. That’s not because of any risks or dangers, however, but simply because no road taxes are paid for heating oil.
So, if you want/have to use diesel instead of or together with heating oil, you can.
Can you mix kerosene and home heating oil?
Most homes’ heating systems can operate in both kerosene and heating oil. These two fuels are similar but not identical, however, and it’s generally not a good idea to mix them. You can, there are no laws against it, but additing too much kerosene to your home’s heating oil can start releasing dangerous fumes in your home and even pose a fire hazard.
Kerosene can be used as a heating oil anti gel additive in the winter and has been used this way for a long time. However, as the kerosene prices have been hiking up for quite some time, it’s no longer worth it to do so. Instead, it’s much better to buy a dedicated anti gel fuel treatment. Add the fact that kerosene and heating oil are not a good mix and it’s best to not mix them at all.
Can you mix diesel with kerosene?
Kerosene and diesel are so similar that they are both technically types of diesel fuel. Kerosene is called #1 diesel fuel oil while diesel is #2 diesel fuel oil. The difference between the two is that kerosene is lighter and contains less energy (~135,000 BTU per gallon of kerosene vs. 139,000 BTU for a gallon of diesel). Kerosene also contains fewer aromatic additives. So, it burns drier than diesel.
Can you mix the two, however?
You can. There are even some benefits to doing so. In the winter, cutting some kerosene into your diesel fuel can improve the cold temperature handling of diesel. It’s even believed that adding kerosene can lower the diesel’s emissions because kerosene “burns cleaner.” Doing so also reduces the energy output, however, as kerosene is lighter, so you’ll get less from your fuel.
Nick StokesLast Updated: 08/02/2021
10,443 2 minutes read
FAQs
If you're looking to reduce gelling in your diesel during the winter months, it is often not recommended to use kerosene. Although you may have heard suggestions of mixing small amounts of kerosene (or even 50/50) into your diesel when it's cold out, it's not recommended by professionals in the diesel industry.
Can you mix kerosene and home heating oil? ›
While it is best not to mix kerosene and home heating oil, heating systems can typically work with either type. If you need to switch over, this is possible without any additional dangers. Even one-off uses of a different kind of oil may be fine. However, regularly doing this could ruin your appliance.
What happens if you mix kerosene and diesel? ›
It is a common practice for diesel fuel to be blended with kerosene to improve performance characteristics (particularly during cold weather), or other substances, such as used oil to dispose of waste products.
Can you put diesel in to a kerosene oil tank? ›
Once you are sure that you have an oil tank that is at least below critical levels or out of heating oil, you can temporarily use diesel. This alternative is an excellent fuel option but remember that it should only be used for a short period.
Can you mix diesel fuel and heating oil? ›
Don't add fuel while the heater is running. Now that the system is static, remove the oil cap and add just the right amount of fuel to cover your temporary deficiency. Don't worry about leftover fuel. Heating oil and diesel can mix without any problems.
How much kerosene do I mix with diesel? ›
Kerosene is frequently blended with diesel fuel to improve winter cold flow operability. Kerosene-blended diesel fuel is a combination of #1 diesel fuel (kerosene) and #2 diesel fuel. The ratio of diesel fuel to kerosene is typically found in the range of 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, or 50/50.
Can I burn diesel in my oil furnace? ›
Yes, you can. While waiting for your oil supply delivery, you can substitute diesel for heating oil. Diesel and heating oil can also be mixed if you're running low on oil and are worried about running out. Both are midweight distillations of petroleum.
Can I burn kerosene in my oil furnace? ›
Heating oil and kerosene undergo a similar refinement process after distillation, but kerosene is refined further, which makes it have slightly different properties than heating oil. Many residential and commercial oil furnaces are capable of burning either kerosene or heating oil.
Can I use kerosene in my home furnace? ›
Using heating oil or kerosene
If your tank is inside of your home or business, you should use heating oil. If your tank is built on the outside of your home or business, then you should use kerosene (or a blend of both fuels) since it will operate better when temperatures are low.
Is number 1 diesel and kerosene the same thing? ›
You may have heard kerosene and “Diesel #1” used interchangeably. While they're not exactly the same thing, they are similar enough that the terms often overlap. Diesel #1 is a product with a lower density and flash point than #2, among other differences.
Kerosene will burn fine in most diesel engines without harming them. In fact, many newer diesel engines list kerosene as an approved fuel. Do not use kerosene in your diesel engine unless your owner's manual lists it as an approved fuel or you have checked with the manufacturer!
What burns hotter kerosene or diesel? ›
The paraffin/wax content is higher in diesel, and it produces more BTUs (heat) than Kerosene. Kerosene, however, is often used in very cold temperatures, as it doesn't thicken as easily as diesel under these conditions.
Is kerosene heating oil the same as diesel? ›
There are two types of heating oil – gas oil and kerosene. Gas oil (also known as red diesel and 35-second oil) is generally for commercial and agricultural use. Kerosene (also known as home heating oil or 28-second oil) is a lighter oil that is used in many homes.
Is kerosene or diesel better for oil furnace? ›
Using diesel for your furnace will be significantly more expensive than heating oil. Kerosene is another alternative to heating oil. Like diesel, it should only be used as a short-term solution, as it burns hotter than oil. It also has a lower flashpoint than heating oil, making it easier to catch fire.
Are kerosene and diesel interchangeable? ›
Generally yes. Kerosene is also called #1 diesel fuel oil, whereas regular diesel is designated as #2 diesel fuel oil. Kerosene is a lighter diesel oil than #2, hence why it is designated as #1 diesel. The lighter weight means it contains slightly less energy – about 135,000 BTU per gallon vs.
