Katerina Swanson
If you're running low on heating oil, you may be wondering if diesel fuel can be used as a substitute. The good news is that diesel fuel and heating oil are nearly identical, and diesel can be used in your heating oil tank. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Diesel fuel is taxed differently than heating oil, so it tends to be more expensive. It also burns hotter than traditional heating fuel, so it should only be used as a temporary solution, as prolonged use can damage your heating system. If you do use diesel, make sure to locate the fill pipe on the outside of your house and pour the diesel into that, adding up to 10 gallons or as needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of diesel fuel in oil heaters | Can be used as a substitute for heating oil |
| Diesel fuel as a heating oil substitute | It is safe to use as a short-term substitute |
| How to use diesel fuel in an oil heater | Locate the fill pipe on the outside of the house, remove the cap and pour in the diesel fuel |
| How much diesel fuel to use | 5-10 gallons per day |
| How often to use diesel fuel | Once a day or every two days until you get a heating oil refill |
| How long does diesel fuel last | Can be safely stored for up to six months |
| Cost of diesel fuel | More expensive than heating oil due to higher taxes |
| Disposal of diesel fuel | Contact local municipality for proper disposal via recycling centers or hazardous waste collection |
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What You'll Learn
Diesel is a safe, short-term alternative to heating oil
If you're running low on heating oil, diesel fuel can be used as a substitute. Diesel and heating oil are chemically similar, and diesel can be safely added to a heating oil system. However, diesel is taxed differently from heating oil, making it more expensive. Therefore, it is recommended to check that you actually require an alternative before opting for diesel.
To check if you're out of heating oil, examine your floating oil tank gauge. If the float moves freely, isn't visible, or sinks to the bottom of the tank, you are low on oil or have run out completely. Another way to verify this is by manually checking the oil level using a yardstick. Each tank will have a different critical level, so refer to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Once you've confirmed that you're out of heating oil, you can start adding diesel to your furnace tank. First, locate your oil tank's fill pipe on the outside of your house. Remove the cap and pour in 5 to 10 gallons of diesel fuel. It is okay to mix diesel with any leftover heating oil, as this indicates that your tank didn't run fully dry. If your tank was completely empty, you may need to bleed the lines to release any air in the system.
While diesel is a safe short-term alternative to heating oil, it should not be used as a long-term solution. Diesel burns hotter than traditional heating fuel, and prolonged use can cause damage to your heating system. Therefore, it is recommended to use diesel only until your heating oil delivery arrives.
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Diesel is more expensive than heating oil
Although diesel fuel can be used as an emergency substitute for heating oil, it is not recommended for long-term use. This is because diesel is typically more expensive than heating oil due to several factors.
Firstly, diesel and heating oil are taxed differently. Diesel fuel used for public road vehicles is untinted and taxed at a higher rate than heating oil, which is tinted with red dye to distinguish it from higher-taxed diesel. This reduced tax status is due to heating oil's essential role in providing warmth to homes and businesses, particularly in colder regions.
Secondly, the demand for heating oil typically increases during the winter, which can affect its availability and price. In contrast, diesel fuel is in high demand year-round for use in transportation, construction machinery, agricultural vehicles, and off-road vehicles. This consistent demand for diesel can contribute to higher prices compared to heating oil.
Additionally, diesel burns hotter than traditional heating oil. While this is not a major issue for short-term use, prolonged use of diesel in a heating system designed for heating oil can cause lasting damage due to the higher temperatures. Therefore, while diesel can be a temporary solution, it is not a cost-effective or sustainable long-term alternative to heating oil.
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Heating oil delivery can take up to three business days
If you're running low on heating oil, diesel fuel can be used as a substitute. Diesel and heating oil are nearly identical, and diesel can be used as a short-term alternative when you're waiting for your heating oil delivery. However, it's important to note that diesel is taxed differently and tends to be more expensive than heating oil. It also burns hotter than traditional heating oil, which can cause damage to your heating system with prolonged use. Therefore, it is recommended to use diesel only as a temporary solution until your heating oil delivery arrives.
Heating oil delivery times can vary, but typically, standard deliveries take up to three business days. Some companies offer faster options, such as same-day or 24-hour emergency deliveries, for an additional cost. To avoid costly emergency deliveries, it's recommended to regularly check your heating oil tank's gauge and order before completely running out. Monitoring your tank levels is crucial, especially during winter, when demand is high and you may have to wait longer for deliveries due to weather and road conditions.
To ensure a smooth delivery process, make sure your heating oil tank's fill pipe is easily accessible for the delivery driver. Keep the area around the fill pipe clear, and if you have pets, keep them contained away from the pipe. You can also consider signing up for automatic delivery services, which use software to calculate your heating oil usage and schedule deliveries before you run low, eliminating the need for constant tank level monitoring.
Additionally, maintaining your heating system and taking preventive measures can help reduce the need for emergency deliveries. For example, keeping your tank topped up can prevent condensation, which can cause unplanned downtime and equipment failure. Painting the tank white or placing it in a shady location can also reduce the effects of heat from the sun. Upgrading to a larger tank that can hold a year's worth of oil can further reduce the frequency of deliveries, as heating oil has a shelf life of 1.5 to 2 years.
By being proactive and planning your heating oil deliveries, you can ensure that you don't run out during the cold winter months. While diesel fuel can be a temporary solution, it is not a long-term substitute for heating oil due to its higher cost and potential damage to your heating system.
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Diesel can be safely stored for six months
While diesel fuel can be used as an alternative to heating oil, it is not a simple fill-and-go process. It is important to note that diesel burns hotter than traditional heating oil, which can cause lasting damage to your heating system if used for extended periods. Therefore, diesel should only be used as a temporary solution when you are out of heating oil or awaiting a refill.
When stored under optimal conditions, diesel can indeed be safely stored for up to six months before it degrades and becomes unsafe to use. However, this duration can vary depending on several factors, and with proper maintenance and additives, it can last even longer. Here are some key considerations to ensure the safe storage of diesel for up to six months:
Storage Tank:
Underground storage tanks are ideal as they maintain cooler temperatures and prolong fuel quality. Above-ground tanks should be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture buildup and fuel degradation.
Water Removal and Microbial Control:
Water accumulation in diesel tanks is common, and microbes thrive at the water-diesel interface, leading to sludge formation and fuel contamination. Regularly removing water, at least once a month, and implementing simple housekeeping practices can help control microbial growth and maintain fuel quality.
Additives and Fuel Stabilizers:
Using biocides can prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Additionally, fuel treatments with demulsifying properties can help separate water from fuel, improving fuel quality. Diesel fuel stabilizers are also recommended to extend the lifespan of the fuel beyond six months.
Monitoring and Maintenance:
Establishing a monitoring and maintenance plan is crucial. Regularly check for signs of contamination, such as clogged filters or rust on the filler cap. Keep an eye out for changes in fuel colour or the presence of sludge, rust, or other particulates. Proper maintenance ensures the fuel remains usable and safe for your heating system.
In summary, diesel can be safely stored for six months or even longer with the right conditions and maintenance. However, it is important to be vigilant about fuel quality and regularly inspect your storage setup to avoid any issues that could impact the performance and safety of your heating system.
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Kerosene is another alternative to heating oil
Kerosene, sometimes called "lamp oil", is another alternative to heating oil. It is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid that is used to power everything from space heaters and heating systems to jet engines and rockets. Kerosene burns cleaner and more efficiently than heating oil due to its refining process. It also doesn't gel in the winter, which is a problem with heating oil. However, when it comes to heating a home, kerosene does present several problems compared to heating oil.
Firstly, kerosene has a lower flash point, meaning that it poses a greater risk of fire than heating oil. Burning kerosene also produces more carbon monoxide, which makes adequate ventilation a safety necessity. Secondly, kerosene tends to be slightly more expensive than heating oil. This is because, as a product of crude oil processing, its price is tied to crude oil, a globally traded commodity whose market price and conditions change daily.
Therefore, choosing between heating oil and kerosene depends on your storage tank location and current system. If your oil tank is inside your home or business, use heating oil. If your tank is outside, use kerosene or a blend of heating oil and kerosene to keep your equipment operating in low temperatures. If you have an existing heating system, it is important to choose the fuel it was meant to use, as the wrong one can be harmful to your equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel fuel can be used for your oil heater. Diesel fuel and heating oil are nearly identical, so diesel is a great short-term substitute.
You can check your oil levels by examining the float gauge or float oil tank gauge. If the float moves freely, isn't visible or sinks to the bottom, you are low on oil or have run out.
Most houses use 5-10 gallons of heating oil per day in the colder months, so this should be sufficient. You can also check your usage with a Smart Oil Gauge.
