Types of Heating Oil: A Guide to Choosing the Right Fuel for Your Needs

When it comes to keeping your home or business warm, understanding the types of heating oil available is essential. Heating oil is widely used in areas where natural gas is not accessible, offering a reliable and efficient way to fuel furnaces and boilers. However, not all heating oils are the same. They come in different grades and blends, each suited to specific applications, climates, and environmental concerns. In this article, we explore the most common types of heating oil, including their properties, uses, and benefits.
No. 2 Heating Oil: The Residential Standard
No. 2 heating oil is the most commonly used fuel for residential heating systems. It is a distillate fuel, similar to diesel, and is known for its high energy content and clean-burning properties. This type of oil is used in most home furnaces and boilers and is delivered by truck to on-site storage tanks.
One of the key advantages of No. 2 heating oil is its efficiency. Modern versions are ultra-low sulfur (ULSHO), meaning they contain less than 15 parts per million (ppm) of sulfur. This drastically reduces harmful emissions and makes the fuel more environmentally friendly. Most homeowners rely on No. 2 heating oil for its balance of affordability, availability, and performance.
No. 1 Heating Oil: Lightweight and Cold-Weather Friendly
No. 1 heating oil is a lighter, more refined type of heating oil that is often compared to kerosene. It has a lower viscosity and a higher resistance to gelling in cold weather, which makes it an excellent choice for outdoor tanks or use in extremely cold climates.
Because it burns cleaner than No. 2 oil, No. 1 heating oil is sometimes used in space heaters, mobile homes, or specialty applications where low emissions and high volatility are desired. However, it is usually more expensive and has slightly less energy per gallon, so it's less common for whole-home heating unless cold weather demands it.
No. 4 Heating Oil: Industrial and Commercial Applications
No. 4 heating oil is a heavier fuel that’s typically used in large commercial or industrial boilers. It is a blend of distillate oil (like No. 2) and residual oil, making it thicker and more energy-dense. This type of oil requires preheating before it can be used efficiently, and it produces more pollutants compared to lighter oils.
Due to its high sulfur content and emissions, No. 4 heating oil is not recommended for residential use and is subject to stricter environmental regulations. However, its cost-effectiveness makes it a popular choice for institutions with large-scale heating needs.
Bioheat® Fuel: The Renewable Solution
Bioheat® fuel is a cleaner, renewable alternative to traditional heating oil. It’s a blend of biodiesel—made from soybean oil, used cooking oil, or animal fats—and either No. 1 or No. 2 heating oil. Bioheat® can be used in existing oil heating systems without modification, making it an easy and eco-friendly upgrade.
This renewable option significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and supports a more sustainable heating solution. Blends range from 5% (B5) to 20% (B20) biodiesel, with higher blends offering greater environmental benefits.
Conclusion
Choosing the right heating fuel starts with understanding the different types of heating oil. No. 2 is ideal for most homes due to its efficiency and availability, while No. 1 is better for colder climates or specific appliances. No. 4 serves industrial needs, and Bioheat® offers a green alternative for environmentally conscious consumers. Each option has its strengths, and knowing the differences helps ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective heating all year round.