Choosing the right heating oil grade can save you money, protect your equipment, and help the environment—here’s what every homeowner needs to know
When winter arrives in New York, keeping your home warm becomes a top priority. If you rely on heating oil, understanding the different grades available and their benefits can make a significant difference in your heating costs, system efficiency, and environmental impact. Not all heating oil is created equal, and choosing the right grade for your home is more important than you might think.
Understanding Heating Oil Grades
Heating oil is categorized by weight, since the weight is dependent on its viscosity, boiling point, additives, and more important factors. In general, the higher the grade, the cleaner the oil and the more efficiently it burns. Price usually decreases as the fuel number increases.
The most common heating oil grades for residential use include:
- Heating Oil #1: A light distillate fuel oil often used for outdoor stoves and portable heaters, given its heavy body and impurities.
- Heating Oil #2: A distillate fuel oil that has almost the exact same chemical composition as diesel. Fuel oil #2 is the best choice for residential heating, given its high efficiency and low level of impurities.
- Heating Oil #6: The final, or lowest, grade of fuel oil. It’s the least expensive but the price you pay is that it is also the dirtiest of the fuel oils. It is highest in sulfur so it’s not great for your home, your furnace or the environment.
Why Heating Oil #2 is Best for Most Homes
Heating oil #2 is generally the best option for residential heating. By paying for a more refined heating oil, you’re paying for higher efficiency, less sludge, and easier maintenance down the line. The best attribute of number 2 is that it is more efficient than other fuel sources for home heating like natural gas, propane, kerosene, or even electricity.
Most heating oil companies, including reputable providers serving Home Heating Oil Suffolk County, NY, primarily offer #2 heating oil because of its superior performance characteristics and compatibility with modern heating systems.
The Ultra-Low Sulfur Revolution
The biggest advancement in heating oil quality has been the introduction of Ultra-Low Sulfur Heating Oil (ULSHO). ASTM #2 Fuel Oil with a very high sulfur content has sulfur in the range of 5,780 ppm (parts per million); low sulfur heating oil measures around 322 ppm; and an ULSHO can have around 15 ppm sulfur content.
The benefits of ULSHO are substantial:
- Environmental Benefits: Burning ULSHO also cuts sulfur dioxide emissions by 75 percent and nitrous oxide emissions by 10 percent compared to previous heating oil.
- Equipment Protection: Sulfur buildup is a common cause of equipment breakdowns. Using ULSHO helps your heating equipment last longer and require less maintenance.
- Improved Efficiency: ULSHO has the highest BTU content of any alternative fuel. Plus, it reduces sooting and scaling compared to regular heating oil.
- No Equipment Changes Needed: Ultra-low sulfur heating oil is compatible with current oil heating equipment. Oil heat consumers will not need to make any equipment upgrades or modifications.
Types of Heating Oil: Kerosene vs. Gas Oil
Beyond grades, there are also different types of heating oil to consider:
Kerosene: The most common heating oil type. It’s also known as the 28-second and is lighter and cleaner than its counterpart. This makes it a preferred choice for many homeowners.
Gas Oil: Also known as the 35-second oil or red diesel. It’s much heavier than kerosene and not very clean. Most older generation boilers, especially commercial and agricultural units, use this type of heating oil.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Heating Oil
The type of heating oil you should buy depends on several factors. For instance, your heating system, your budget, or questions like, which heating oil is safe for my furnace. Here are key considerations:
- Your Heating System: Check your system’s specifications or consult with a professional to determine compatibility
- Cost vs. Quality Balance: For the average homeowner, it’s about striking a careful balance between price and oil quality to get the most out of your dollar.
- Long-term Savings: Don’t be afraid to spend on quality heating oil; the long terms benefits make it worth every penny. That’s because you’ll save a bundle on maintenance fees and also do the environment a huge solid.
Suffolk Oil: Your Local Heating Oil Expert
For homeowners in Suffolk County, choosing a reliable heating oil provider is just as important as selecting the right grade of oil. Suffolk Oil understands the unique heating needs of our community. We’re not just a delivery service; we’re your neighbors, committed to providing prompt, friendly, and efficient home heating oil delivery you can depend on. Trust Suffolk Oil for personalized service that goes beyond simply filling your tank.
Suffolk Oil is a leading home heating fuel oil delivery company based in Suffolk County, Long Island, NY. They offer reliable and affordable heating oil delivery services, with convenient online ordering available 24/7. Catering primarily to local residents, Suffolk Oil emphasizes personalized services and building lasting relationships with customers. With over 50 years of experience, they are committed to ensuring homes remain warm and comfortable throughout the heating season.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
When selecting heating oil for your home, prioritize quality over initial cost savings. Cleaner oil burns even more efficiently, helping to keep heating costs down even more. Ultra-low sulfur heating oil also opens the door to super-efficient heating systems, which can increase the advantages of heating oil over natural gas even more.
Remember that heating oil in general has a higher BTU output per gallon than other types of fuels. That means it will warm up your home faster than other types of fuels. Combined with the right grade and a reliable supplier, heating oil remains an excellent choice for keeping your home comfortable throughout the winter months.
Understanding heating oil grades empowers you to make informed decisions that benefit your wallet, your heating system, and the environment. Whether you’re a new homeowner or looking to optimize your current heating setup, choosing the right grade of heating oil is an investment in your home’s comfort and efficiency.