If your home is heated with oil, a little planning before the first cold snap goes a long way. This guide covers what home heating oil is, how it compares with kerosene and Bioheat, when to order, and how to look after your tank so your family stays warm all winter.
What is No. 2 heating oil?
Home heating oil, also called No. 2 fuel oil, is a refined petroleum product burned in an oil furnace or boiler. It is closely related to diesel fuel and is dyed red to show that it is sold for heating and not for road use. It is delivered by truck and stored in a tank at your home, usually in the basement, a garage or outside.
Heating oil, kerosene and Bioheat: which one do I need?
| Fuel | What it is | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| No. 2 heating oil | The standard home heating fuel | Indoor and sheltered tanks |
| Kerosene | A lighter fuel that keeps flowing in very low temperatures | Outdoor above-ground tanks, mobile homes and some space heaters |
| Bioheat | Heating oil blended with renewable biodiesel | A cleaner-burning option for standard oil systems |
Not sure what your system burns? Check the label on your tank or burner, or give us a call and we will help you work it out. Woodford delivers No. 2 fuel oil, kerosene and Bioheat home heating oil.
When should I order heating oil?
Do not wait for the tank to run low. A good rule is to order when the gauge reads about one quarter full. That leaves a cushion for a stretch of bad weather, when roads are slow and every supplier is busy. Running a tank dry can also pull sludge from the bottom into the fuel line, which may mean a service call to restart the burner.
The best time to fill up is early fall, before demand peaks. Topping off in late winter is also worth doing, since a full tank over summer collects less condensation.
How much heating oil will I use?
Usage depends on the size of your home, how well it is insulated, the efficiency of your furnace and how cold the winter is. The simplest way to estimate is to check your gauge at the same time each week during cold weather and note how far it drops. After a few weeks you will know roughly how long a tank lasts and when to place your next order.
Simple ways to make a tank last longer
- Have your furnace or boiler serviced before the season starts
- Change the furnace filter regularly
- Seal drafts around doors and windows
- Lower the thermostat a few degrees overnight and when the house is empty
- Keep vents and radiators clear of furniture
Looking after your oil tank
- Keep the fill pipe and vent clear of snow, ice and leaves so the driver can deliver safely
- Look over the tank, legs and lines for rust, damp spots or drips a couple of times a year
- Make sure the gauge moves freely and is easy to read
- Clear a path to the fill pipe before a delivery in winter
Common questions
Can I use kerosene in place of heating oil?
Many oil systems can burn kerosene, and it is often used in outdoor tanks because it resists gelling in the cold. Check with your service technician before switching fuels.
Is heating oil the same as diesel?
They are very similar. In an emergency, many homeowners add diesel or dyed kerosene from a Woodford Express station to get through until a delivery arrives.
What if I am thinking about propane?
Woodford delivers both. If you are weighing your options, read about our residential propane service.
Order home heating oil from Woodford
Woodford has kept homes warm since 1947, with local offices across our heating oil delivery area. Learn more about home heating oil delivery, request a quote online, or call 1-800-927-3688 to schedule a fill.
