Types of Heating Oil in the UK: What You Need to Know
Heating oil is an important source of fuel for heating homes and businesses in the UK, especially in rural areas that are not connected to the mains gas network. It is stored in tanks on-site and used in oil-fired boilers or furnaces to provide warmth during colder months. There are different types of heating oil available in the UK, each with specific characteristics, uses, and regulations. Understanding these types can help homeowners and businesses make informed decisions about their heating needs.
What Is Heating Oil?
Heating oil is a petroleum product derived from crude oil and refined for use as a fuel. It is similar to diesel but designed specifically for heating applications. When burned in a boiler or furnace, heating oil generates heat to warm water or air that is circulated through a buildings heating system.
The Main Types of Heating Oil in the UK
In the UK, the most common types of heating oil are Kerosene (28-second oil) and Gas Oil (35-second oil or red diesel). Each type differs in terms of viscosity, taxation, and suitability for domestic or commercial use.
1. Kerosene (28-Second Oil)
Kerosene is the most widely used heating oil for domestic properties in the UK. It is sometimes called 28-second oil because its viscosity (thickness) means it takes approximately 28 seconds to flow through a standardized test nozzle at 20C.
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Usage: Kerosene is primarily used for residential heating, powering oil-fired boilers and heaters.
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Advantages: It burns cleanly with relatively low emissions, making it suitable for home use. Kerosenes combustion produces less soot and residue compared to heavier oils.
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Cost: Kerosene is typically more expensive than gas oil because it carries higher fuel duty (tax).
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Environmental impact: While still a fossil fuel, kerosene is among the cleaner-burning oil fuels available.
2. Gas Oil (35-Second Oil or Red Diesel)
Gas oil, also known as red diesel due to the red dye added for tax reasons, is a heavier oil with a higher viscosity than kerosene. It flows more slowlyabout 35 seconds in the same testand is less refined.
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Usage: Gas oil is mainly used for commercial and agricultural heating, as well as fuel for certain machinery and vehicles.
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Advantages: It is cheaper than kerosene because it benefits from lower fuel duty, but strict regulations limit its use in domestic heating.
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Cost: Lower than kerosene because of tax exemptions on approved uses.
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Environmental impact: Produces more soot and particulate emissions than kerosene, which can affect appliance maintenance and air quality.
Emerging Alternatives: Bioheating Oil
The UK is increasingly focusing on reducing carbon emissions, leading to the development of bioheating oil. This is a renewable fuel blend, where conventional heating oil is mixed with bio-based oils derived from vegetable oils or waste fats.
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Benefits: Bioheating oil reduces greenhouse gas emissions and can often be used without modifying existing oil boilers.
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Availability: Some suppliers offer blends of up to 30% bio-content, supporting the UKs sustainability goals.
Legal and Safety Considerations
Domestic heating oil users must ensure their fuel complies with UK regulations. Kerosene is the only heating oil approved for use in most homes, while gas oil use is restricted. Fuel must be stored safely in approved tanks, and regular maintenance of boilers is essential to ensure safe and efficient operation.
Conclusion
In the UK, kerosene remains the primary heating oil for domestic use due to its clean-burning properties and regulatory approval. Gas oil, or red diesel, is more common in commercial and agricultural settings but is restricted for home heating due to tax laws. As the country moves toward greener energy solutions, bioheating oil blends are gaining popularity as a sustainable alternative. Choosing the right type of heating oil depends on your specific heating needs, cost considerations, and environmental goals.
