Rajan Wilcox
If you're looking to use off-road diesel fuel for your heat pump, there are a few things you should know. Off-road diesel, also known as dyed diesel, is typically used for non-highway vehicles and equipment, like tractors and agricultural machinery. It's chemically similar to home heating oil and can be used as an alternative fuel source for your furnace in a pinch. However, it should only be used as a short-term solution as it burns hotter than traditional heating fuel, which can damage your heating system over time. When using off-road diesel, it's important to let the fuel settle for about 10 minutes to allow any sediments and impurities to settle at the bottom of the tank. Additionally, you may need to bleed the lines to release any air caught in the system. Keep in mind that off-road diesel is taxed differently and tends to be more expensive than heating oil. It's also important to stabilise the fuel if you're storing it for longer than six months to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and algae.
Using Off-Road Diesel Fuel in a Heat Pump
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Off-road diesel is used for heating oil, construction fueling, agricultural use, and other off-road equipment not used on the highway system. |
| Colour | Off-road diesel is dyed red to denote that it has not paid road tax. On-road diesel is clear or slightly green due to the green dye placed by refineries. |
| Availability | Off-road diesel can be obtained from select rural gas stations or directly from fuel companies like Star Oilco. |
| Storage | If storing for longer than six months, use a fuel additive like Valvtect Plus Six to prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and algae. |
| Cost | Off-road diesel is typically more expensive due to road taxes. |
| Safety | Diesel burns hotter than traditional heating fuel, making it suitable only for short-term use to avoid damaging the heating system. |
| Procedure | Turn off the thermostat, fill the tank with diesel, wait for 10 minutes for sediments to settle, then restart the heating system. |
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What You'll Learn
Off-road diesel fuel is more expensive than heating oil
Off-road diesel fuel, also known as ORD, is primarily used for non-highway applications such as construction machinery, agricultural vehicles, and off-road vehicles. It is taxed differently from heating oil, which is considered an essential fuel and is therefore untaxed. This tax difference contributes to off-road diesel being more expensive than heating oil.
The taxation status of off-road diesel fuel varies based on its intended use. When used for on-road purposes, diesel fuel is typically untinted and has a light green or slight green colour. On the other hand, off-road diesel is dyed red to indicate that it has not paid road tax. This dye distinguishes it from on-road diesel and signifies its intended use for off-road applications.
The price difference between off-road diesel and heating oil can be significant. In some cases, off-road diesel may be only slightly more expensive than heating oil, while at other times, the price gap can be more substantial. For instance, in one example, a consumer paid approximately $180 more for a 300-gallon delivery of heating oil compared to the price of off-road diesel on the same day.
It is important to note that while off-road diesel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in emergencies, it is not recommended for long-term use. Heating oil is generally considered the better option for heating systems as it burns at a lower temperature and has a higher flashpoint, making it safer. Additionally, heating oil contains additives that prevent sludge formation during extreme cold weather, further enhancing its suitability for heating applications.
To summarise, off-road diesel fuel is typically more expensive than heating oil due to the difference in taxation. However, the price difference can vary, and off-road diesel should only be used as a temporary heating solution due to its higher burning temperature and lower flashpoint.
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It can be used as a substitute for heating oil
Off-road diesel, also known as dyed diesel, is primarily used in off-road vehicles and equipment that are not intended for highway or road use. This includes tractors, heavy equipment, and other vehicles used in farming or agriculture. It is dyed red to indicate that it is exempt from most road taxes.
Heating oil, on the other hand, is produced mainly from crude oil and is also dyed red. It is commonly used in residential settings to fuel heating systems and can also be used in generators. While off-road diesel and heating oil share some similarities, it is important to note that they have distinct purposes and properties.
In certain cases, off-road diesel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in home heating systems. This is typically done when there is a shortage of heating oil or in situations where cost savings are desired. However, it is important to understand the differences and considerations when using off-road diesel as a substitute for heating oil.
Firstly, off-road diesel burns hotter than traditional heating oil. While this may not be a significant issue for short-term use, prolonged use can potentially damage your heating system, as it may not be designed to withstand higher temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to limit the daily usage of off-road diesel to 5-10 gallons and only use it for a few days at a time.
Secondly, off-road diesel has a lower flashpoint than heating oil, making it more prone to catching fire. This emphasizes the importance of always following proper safety procedures when using off-road diesel as a substitute. Additionally, it is important to note that using off-road diesel as a substitute for heating oil may not be allowed in all locations due to regulatory and tax differences.
When considering the use of off-road diesel as a substitute for heating oil, it is crucial to prioritize safety and compliance with local regulations. While off-road diesel can be used as a temporary solution, it should be done cautiously and with the understanding that it may not be suitable for long-term or frequent use in heating oil systems.
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It is taxed differently to heating oil
Off-road diesel is used for off-road vehicles and equipment, as well as heating oil, agricultural use, and construction fueling. Because the machinery isn't driven on public roads, the price of off-road diesel does not include road fuel taxes. To distinguish it from on-road diesel, off-road diesel is dyed red. This makes it easier for authorities to identify which fuel has been taxed and which hasn't.
On-road diesel, on the other hand, is clear or slightly green. This colour indicates that the fuel has been taxed for on-road use. The green dye in on-road diesel fades to yellow or darker colours as the fuel ages, but when freshly dispensed, the slight green tint is a good indicator that the diesel is fresh and in good condition.
Heating oil, like off-road diesel, is also dyed red, indicating that it is exempt from on-road taxes. Heating oil is considered an essential fuel and is therefore untaxed. This makes it cheaper than diesel, although the price of both fuels fluctuates depending on the price of crude oil and the season.
While diesel can be used as a substitute for heating oil, it is not recommended as a long-term solution. Diesel burns hotter than traditional heating oil, which can cause damage to a heating system over time. Additionally, diesel has a lower flashpoint than heating oil, making it more susceptible to catching fire.
In summary, off-road diesel and heating oil are taxed differently from on-road diesel, as they are not subject to road fuel taxes. This is indicated by their red dye, as opposed to the clear or green colour of on-road diesel.
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It is available at some rural gas stations
Off-road diesel, also known as red-dyed diesel, is available at some rural gas stations. This type of diesel is intended for off-road use only and is exempt from road taxes, making it a more cost-effective option for certain applications. The Commercial Fueling Network (CFN) is the largest network of commercial fuel stations in the US that carry off-road diesel. To purchase off-road diesel at CFN locations, you will need to sign up for a CFN fuel card.
Some states require a permit to purchase off-road diesel, which is why most fuel stations require a fleet fuel card for the purchase of red-dyed diesel. The fuel card company is responsible for verifying the permits and paperwork for the account. This helps to ensure that off-road diesel is not used for on-road purposes, as authorities will check diesel fuel tanks during traffic stops, DOT checkpoints, and state line weigh station inspections.
In addition to CFN locations, there are other commercial fuel stations, cardlock locations, and truck stops that offer off-road diesel at the pump. You can use the CFN site locator tool to find these locations. It is worth noting that off-road diesel is primarily used for commercial purposes, so retail gas stations typically do not carry it.
If you are unable to find a gas station that offers off-road diesel, you may consider contacting a fuel delivery company that can deliver off-road diesel directly to your equipment, vehicles, or onsite fuel tanks. However, small quantity deliveries may not be cost-effective due to delivery fees and volume pricing.
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It should only be used as a short-term solution
Off-road diesel is a great temporary solution for your heat pump when you're in a pinch. It is chemically similar to home heating oil and can keep your furnace running. It is dyed red to show that it is untaxed and available only for off-road fuel uses such as construction, agriculture, and heating oil.
While off-road diesel is a viable option for your heat pump, it should only be used as a short-term solution. This is because it burns hotter than traditional heating oil, which can cause lasting damage to your heating system over time. Furnaces are made to run on specific oils and are built to accommodate the burning heat, viscosity, and other characteristics of heating oil. Diesel burns slightly hotter, which can be beneficial for extremely cold nights, but this increased heat can damage your system if used for extended periods.
Additionally, off-road diesel has a lower flashpoint than heating oil, making it easier to catch fire. It is important to always follow proper safety procedures to prevent accidents. You should never use gasoline as a substitute for heating oil, as it emits flammable fumes and may result in a fire or explosion.
In terms of pricing, off-road diesel tends to be more expensive than heating oil due to the way it is taxed. Heating oil is considered an essential fuel and is therefore untaxed, while off-road diesel has a road tax levied on it. This makes buying off-road diesel at the pumps and getting it delivered more costly.
In conclusion, while off-road diesel can be a lifesaver in an emergency, it is not a long-term solution for your heat pump. It is meant to be a temporary fix until you can obtain heating oil, which is the preferred fuel for your heating system.
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Frequently asked questions
Off-road diesel fuel, also known as dyed diesel, is used for off-road vehicles and equipment not intended for highway use. It is chemically similar to home heating oil and can be used as an alternative fuel source for your heat pump in emergencies. To use off-road diesel fuel in your heat pump, first turn off your home thermostat. Then, fill up your oil tank with the diesel fuel and wait 10 minutes to let any sediments settle at the bottom of the tank. Finally, restart your furnace.
Off-road diesel fuel can be purchased at a few rural gas stations, as well as through fuel companies such as Star Oilco.
The average home uses 7 gallons of diesel in a 24-hour period. It is recommended to buy either 5 or 10 gallons of diesel fuel, depending on how long you need to run the furnace before getting heating oil.
