Fuel Oil vs. Heating Oil

Are They The Same Thing?

You should know what fuel heats your home. You might hear the term “fuel oil” from time to time and wonder what it means. Perhaps you already know that heating oil is the fuel that powers a boiler or furnace. But what is fuel oil? How is it different from heating oil? Or is it the same thing?

The Difference Between Fuel Oil and Heating Oil

Heating oil is fuel oil, but not all fuel oil is heating oil. Does that make sense? Fuel oil is a category, not a different type of fuel altogether. Fuel oil is any petroleum product that can power a home heating system or an engine. Strictly speaking, it refers to heavier fuels created from crude oil—heavier than gasoline, for example.

Here are some of the products that fall into the fuel oil category:

1. Kerosene is a fuel that has been around for a long time. It’s made by distilling crude oil at extremely high temperatures. Kerosene has a low “gel point.” Because of kerosene’s low gel point, it continues to function well despite prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures. It is commonly used by people with mobile homes or outdoor fuel tanks.
2. Diesel is a fuel you’re probably used to seeing at your local gas station. Diesel fuel is the fuel used in Diesel engines. It comes in both an on-road and off-road variety. On-road diesel is taxed at a higher rate than off-road diesel and has a lower sulfur content. Some off-road uses include farm equipment and power generators. Off-road diesel is dyed red to distinguish it from on-road diesel. Both versions are essentially the same chemically, but it is illegal to use off-road diesel in an on-road vehicle.
3. Heating oil is a petroleum-based home fuel oil. It’s also called number 2 (No 2) fuel oil and is comparable to off-road diesel. You should also know that today’s heating oil is good for your heating system. With quality heating oil and proper maintenance, your oil-fired boiler or furnace can last 30 years or more. Low-sulfur heating oil helps your heating system run more cleanly. That means your furnace or boiler will require fewer repairs and last longer. Economy Oil delivers the same quality heating oil as our competitors, we simply do it at an unbeatable price. For the power to save on your heating oil delivery, choose Economy Oil as your heating oil provider.

Quality and Affordability

Whenever it’s time to order more heating oil for your home, choose Economy Oil. We offer the same high quality heating oil our competitors do, we just do it for less. Enjoy same-day or next-day delivery as well as no hidden fees, service fees, or contracts.

Our service area includes Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Green, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties.

Economy Oil gives our customers the power to save. Contact us today for quality heating oil in the Hudson Valley at an unbeatable price.