Ameer Randolph
Diesel fuel is a short-term alternative to heating oil that can be used to heat homes in cold regions. It is more expensive than heating oil and has a higher burning temperature, which can damage the heating system if used for extended periods. Diesel can be safely stored for up to six months and should be stored in properly coloured containers. Additionally, diesel engines can experience issues with overheating, which can be mitigated by monitoring fuel efficiency and keeping the fuel injectors clean.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use case | Short-term substitute for home heating oil |
| Amount | 5-10 gallons per day |
| Container | Properly coloured containers (yellow) |
| Labelling | Labelled appropriately |
| Storage | Safe to store for six months before degradation |
| Additives | Available to prolong lifespan, but with limitations and required treatments |
| Disposal | Contact local municipality for proper diesel disposal |
| Filling | Locate fill pipe on the outside of the house and pour diesel into the pipe |
| Wait time | Wait 5-10 minutes for any sediment to settle |
| Restart | Press the reset button on the burner to start the system |
| Bleeding | If the system does not start, bleed the lines to release any air |
| Fuel filter | Check and tighten connections in the fuel line |
| Fuel additive | Use anti-gelling additive in sub-freezing temperatures |
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What You'll Learn
Using diesel fuel in home heating oil tanks
Checking Fuel Levels
Before considering diesel as an alternative, it is essential to check the fuel levels in your tank. Each tank has a critical level, and it is recommended to order new heating oil when the tank reaches below one-quarter full. You can inspect the floating gauge to determine the oil level. If the gauge moves freely and sinks to the bottom, you may be out of heating oil.
Obtaining Diesel Fuel
If you are out of heating oil or below critical levels, you can purchase diesel fuel from a gas station. It is important to note that diesel is typically more expensive than heating oil due to different tax structures. You should aim to buy 5 to 10 gallons of diesel fuel per day for a few days to preserve your tank's longevity.
Filling the Tank
Locate the fill pipe on the outside of your house, which will have a distinct cap. Remove the cap and pour the diesel fuel into the fill pipe. Do not attempt to add fuel through any other access points. The tank should not be more than three-quarters full after adding diesel.
Settling and Restarting
After filling the tank, let the tank sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom. Then, you can restart your heating system by pressing the reset button on your burner. If the system does not start, you may need to bleed the lines to release any trapped air, which can be a messy process.
Limitations and Precautions
Diesel fuel should only be used as a temporary solution, as it burns hotter than traditional heating fuel. Prolonged use of diesel can cause damage to your heating system, as it is not designed for higher temperatures. Additionally, ensure that you store and handle diesel fuel in properly coloured and labelled containers, typically yellow. Diesel fuel has a shelf life of about six months before it degrades, and proper disposal methods should be followed if it is no longer needed.
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How to prevent diesel from gelling
Gelled diesel can cause blockages in the fuel lines and fuel filter, preventing fuel from reaching the engine and leading to sluggish acceleration and reduced performance. To prevent diesel from gelling, you can:
Keep the Fuel Tank Full
A full fuel tank generates less condensation, reducing the risk of water entering the fuel system. Water can contribute to fuel gelling in cold temperatures.
Use Winter-Blend Fuel
Winter-blend fuels are designed to have a lower gelling point than regular diesel fuel. They contain additives that can help prevent the fuel from gelling in cold temperatures.
Use Fuel Additives
Fuel additives can help prevent gelling and improve the flow of diesel fuel in cold temperatures. Additives like anti-gel and flow improvers can lower the gelling point and improve the flow of the fuel.
Keep Fuel Tanks Warm
Store your vehicle in a climate-controlled garage or heated environment to protect it from freezing outdoor temperatures. Alternatively, use an engine block heater or fuel tank heater to keep the fuel warm.
Use Kerosene-Blended Fuel
Kerosene has a lower gelling point than diesel fuel, so it can be mixed with diesel fuel to lower the freezing point. However, kerosene may have disadvantages such as reduced fuel mileage and efficiency.
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Using diesel as a short-term substitute for heating oil
If you are running low on heating oil, you run the risk of your system shutting down. This is because some tanks cannot use all of the oil in the bottom of the tank. There may be sludge, or the feed lines may not reach the bottom. If you are low on heating oil and cannot get a delivery right away, you can use diesel as a short-term substitute.
Diesel is taxed differently from heating oil and tends to be more expensive. It also burns hotter than traditional heating oil, which is not a problem in the short term but can cause damage if used for longer periods. Therefore, it is recommended that you use no more than 5-10 gallons of diesel per day for only a few days to preserve your tank’s longevity.
To use diesel as a substitute for heating oil, first, check that you are out of heating oil by examining your floating oil tank gauge. Remove the plastic cover and gently lift the disc to see if the float is stuck. If it moves freely and the disc sinks, you may be out of heating oil. Then, go to the gas station and buy 5-10 gallons of diesel fuel. Locate your oil tank’s fill pipe on the outside of your house, remove the cap, and pour the diesel down the pipe. Wait 5-10 minutes for any sediment to settle, then press the reset button on your burner to start the system. If it does not start up, you may need to bleed the lines to release any air caught in the system, which can be a messy process.
It is important to note that diesel should only be used as a temporary solution until you can get a heating oil delivery. Standard turnaround times allow for heating oil delivery within three business days, with some companies offering same-day emergency deliveries.
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How to store diesel fuel
Diesel fuel has a limited shelf life and is susceptible to contamination. It can be stored for up to 6 months to a year, sometimes longer under the best conditions, without significant degradation if stored correctly.
Firstly, choose the best location for storing your fuel. Diesel can be stored at a range of temperatures, but extreme temperatures will cause the fuel to degrade faster. Keep the fuel out of direct sunlight and away from any potential heat sources, including heaters and furnaces. The ideal temperature range for storage is between 32° Fahrenheit and 95° Fahrenheit. Consider covered storage areas, or underground storage, to insulate the fuel from temperature-related issues.
Secondly, choose the right container. Only use portable tanks, safety cans, or containers that are approved by the Department of Transportation. The container should be well-constructed and keep the fuel dry. A well-built system will protect against fuel aging and other quality issues. Before filling the tank, clean it thoroughly with detergent and water to avoid any contaminants. Do not fill the container past the 95% mark, as diesel fuel expands and you need to leave room for this.
To prevent contamination, you can use additives and biocides. Additives will increase the shelf life of the diesel and stabilize it. Use multifunctional fuel additives to stabilize the fuel, improve cetane, add lubricity, detergency, and disperse water. Biocides will prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. If your fuel has been in storage for over 30 days, add a fuel stabilizer to stop microbial growth. If your fuel turns black, this indicates an algae infestation, and you will need to use a product like Bio-Kleen to treat it.
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How to check if you're running low on heating oil
If you're concerned that your heating oil tank is running low, there are several ways to check. Many heating oil tanks have a gauge that displays a bar showing how much oil is left. If the gauge reads between 1/4 and 1/3 full, it's time to refill your tank to ensure it never runs dry. If you believe your gauge may be inaccurate, you can remove the largest cap on top of the tank and use a flashlight to look inside. If the tank is filled more than halfway with liquid oil, there's no need to worry. However, if it's empty or contains solid residue, call your fuel supplier for a tank inspection.
If your tank doesn't have a gauge, you can manually check the oil level by using a clean, dry stick or rod that is long enough to reach the bottom of the tank. Lower the stick through the hole until it hits the bottom, then slowly pull it out and measure how much of it is coated with oil residue. You can then use a heating oil tank chart to estimate how many gallons of oil are left in the tank.
To prevent running out of heating oil, you can sign up for automatic delivery services, where the company monitors your fuel tank and sends a delivery driver when the level drops below a certain amount. Alternatively, you can manually check your tank level once a month and schedule deliveries accordingly.
If you do run out of heating oil, stay calm. Contact your local heating oil provider to refill the tank and restart your system. While you wait for the refill, you can use alternative fuels such as diesel or kerosene to keep your home warm.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, diesel is a great short-term alternative for heating oil. It burns hotter than traditional heating fuel, so it can damage your heating system if used for a long period.
It depends on how long it will take for you to get a heating fuel delivery. You should need no more than 10 gallons a day.
First, check your oil tank to see if you actually need an alternative. If you do, locate the fill pipe on the outside of your house and remove the cap. Pour the diesel down the fill pipe and wait 5-10 minutes for any sediment to settle before restarting your system.
You can add a fuel additive to prevent the diesel from gelling in the cold. Alternatively, you can use a 12v heating pad or heating element to keep the diesel warm.
