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Butler Fuels

A Home Heating Oil Comparison

In the UK, there are approximately four million households which are not connected to the national gas grid and rely on heating oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), electricity or renewable sources to heat their homes during the colder months.

Types of home heating oil

  • Gas Oil: This is a heavier oil generally used in older boilers, in agriculture or commercially.
  • Kerosene: This is a lighter, cleaner fuel and the most common type used in homes in the UK.
  • Premium Kerosene: Kerosene with enhanced additives.

What is the difference between kerosene and gas oil?

Kerosene, which is also known as 28-second oil (or more commonly home heating oil), is used in most domestic heating systems. It provides a clean and efficient form of heating for your home.

Gas oil, also known as red diesel, is more commonly used in business and agriculture.

Does Premium Kerosene improve the efficiency of my boiler?

Premium Kerosene is an additive which stabilises the fuel, keeping it fresher for longer. It reduces the carbon and sludge build-up and in turn, will help to improve overall efficiency.

Prices of Heating Oil

As Premium Kerosene attains a much greater boiler efficiency, using the fuel as opposed to other forms of home heating oil will lower your carbon emissions. On the other hand, Gas Oil isn’t taxable, however the prices of home heating oil are fluctuating and have been falling over the last year.

Heating oil prices also depend on where you live in the UK, the time of year you buy and the amount you buy.