Johnny Prescott ensures you always have the heating oil you need
For homeowners in Bow, NH, and the surrounding Greater Concord towns, keeping your home warm through the long New Hampshire winters is a serious business. When you are looking to fill your tank before the first freeze hits, you might encounter a variety of terms: heating oil, fuel oil, diesel, and kerosene.
It is easy to get confused by the jargon. Is the fuel oil listed on a commodities market the same liquid that goes into your basement tank? Generally, the answer is yes—but with some technical nuances. Understanding these differences can help you make smarter decisions about your home heating system, ensuring efficiency and reliability when you need it most.
The short answer: It’s mostly semantics
In the context of residential heating, the terms “fuel oil” and “heating oil” are often used interchangeably.
Think of “fuel oil” as a broad category. It refers to any liquid petroleum product burned in a furnace or boiler to generate heat or used in an engine to generate power. This category includes everything from the heavy sludge used in power plants to the lighter fluids used in home furnaces.
“Heating oil,” specifically home heating oil, is a specific type within that category. Technically known as No. 2 fuel oil, this is the standard product delivered to residential homes. So, while all heating oil is fuel oil, not all fuel oil is heating oil.
Heating oil’s connection to diesel
You may have heard that heating oil is essentially the same as diesel fuel used in trucks. This is largely true. Both are distillates of crude oil and share very similar chemical properties.
The primary difference lies in taxation and sulfur content. Home heating oil is dyed red. This red dye indicates that the fuel is tax-exempt because it is not intended for use on public roads. It is illegal to use this red-dyed fuel in a diesel vehicle. Conversely, while you could technically run your furnace on road diesel in an absolute emergency, it is not cost-effective due to the road taxes added to the pump price.
Where kerosene fits 1n
Another term you might encounter is kerosene, or No. 1 fuel oil. This is a lighter, more refined fuel than standard heating oil.
Why does this distinction matter to a homeowner? It comes down to freezing points. Standard heating oil (No. 2) can “gel” or thicken in extremely cold temperatures, which can clog your fuel lines and shut down your furnace.
If your oil tank is located outside and exposed to the harsh New Hampshire elements, your supplier might recommend a blend of heating oil and kerosene, or straight kerosene, to prevent gelling.
Is today’s heating oil the same as a generation ago?
The short answer is no. It is much better!
The heating oil industry has made significant strides in efficiency and cleanliness over the last few decades. Modern heating oil usually has a much lower sulfur content than it did in the past. Called ultra-low sulfur heating oil, today’s heating oil burns cleaner, produces fewer emissions, and actually helps your heating system run more efficiently.
This evolution means your boiler or furnace requires less maintenance and lasts longer, providing a better return on investment for your property.
Reliable delivery for New Hampshire winters
Whether you need standard heating oil or kerosene, the most important factor is the reliability of your supplier. For more than 80 years, Johnny Prescott Oil & Propane has been the trusted partner for homeowners throughout the Greater Concord area.
We understand that running out of heat in the middle of January isn’t just an inconvenience, it is a safety risk for your family and your home’s plumbing. That is why we offer comprehensive services, from setting up accounts for commercial operations to upgrading residential heating oil tanks.
The advantages of Automatic Delivery
We believe you shouldn’t have to constantly check your tank gauge or worry about scheduling a delivery during a busy work week. That is why we encourage our customers to sign up for our FREE automatic heating oil delivery service.
We utilize advanced technology to track your specific usage history alongside local weather patterns. This allows us to accurately predict exactly when you will need a refill. We schedule the delivery before you run low, ensuring you have a warm home without the hassle.
Benefits of switching to automatic delivery include:
- Peace of mind: Never worry about running out of fuel during a storm.
- Convenience: No need to call and schedule appointments.
- Efficiency: Helps you manage your heating costs more effectively over the season.
Johnny Prescott helps your home stay warm and efficient this winter
Understanding the fuel that powers your home is the first step toward a more efficient, comfortable winter. Whether you call it fuel oil or heating oil, the goal remains the same: safe, reliable heat for your family.
If you are in Bow or the Greater Concord area and want to ensure your home is ready for whatever the season brings, contact the team at Johnny Prescott Oil & Propane. Let us handle the logistics of your heating oil supply so you can enjoy the comfort of your home.