People rely on different sources of energy to heat their homes and stay warm during the winter season. We all know about electricity, LPG, and renewable energy sources, but one source that typically stands out is residential heating oil.   One of the most outstanding attributes of home heating oil companies is that they deliver it, so it can be stored in a tank. However, contrary to popular belief, not all residential heating oils are the same.

They may serve the same function and look alike, but they are different. Below, we will address them and familiarize you with heating oil prices, types, and grades.

Types of heating oil

Kerosene
It is one of the lightest fuels for residential warming. Kerosene is made by refining the #1 fuel oil and eliminating all the impurities. Hence, it is a safer and cleaner oil to use at home. It has a lower boiling point and viscosity and is often used outdoors to power portable heat sources. It can be used indoors as well if the new construction sites don’t have furnaces installed. Typically, people rely on it during camping trips and blackouts since kerosene lamps give out light for a long time. Some kerosene lamps come in beautiful designs with odor suppressors.  

Gas oil

Also known as the red diesel or the 35-second oil, gas oil is relatively heavier than kerosene. However, it is not as clean as kerosene. Older generation boilers, typically the agricultural and commercial units, utilize gas oil. 

The kind of heating oil you use depends on your home’s heating system. Typically, you can spot a label on the boiler in the heating system, which will notify you about the kind of oil needed. However, if there is no label, you can contact the heating system technician or an expert to know which oil you must use.   

Heating oil grades

There are also different grades in heating oils. Broadly, there are two primary and three intermediary grades. Each has its distinctive attributes and quality. However, if you opt for a higher grade oil, the home heating oil prices   would be more. Although expensive, they also burn efficiently, are cleaner, and have a lower impact on the environment.  

Heating oil grades 1 and 2

These are two of the most prevalent kinds of residential heating oils. There is a difference in these heating oil prices,   and grade 1 is relatively less costly than grade 2.

Grade 2 oil has a similar classification as diesel fuel. Hence, most people misunderstand them to be the same although there is a difference. Grade 2 oil is formed by crude oil’s heating and condensing. It is also more efficient than other home heating sources like electricity, propane, and natural gas. 

Intermediary

It is an amalgamated blend of lower and higher grades, employed for commercial and industrial burners with better efficiency. The heating oil prices   for intermediary grades are on the higher end of the spectrum. 

Number 6

It is the last heating oil grade, and it’s priced the lowest among the others. But it is also the dirtiest. Using home heating oils demands more frequent cleaning and maintenance of the heating system and furnace. Because of the higher concentration of sulfur and pollutants, Number 6 is gradually phasing out.  

Costs of heating oil  

As stated above, the home heating oil prices vary, and the price corresponds to the quality. Broadly, three significant factors decide how much you will spend on heating oil.  

Size of the house

The bigger the size of your house, the more you will pay for the residential heating oil. Typically, a 2500 square feet house will require 550 gallons to 1200 gallons of residential heating oil, priced at $30 per gallon. As a result, you will pay approximately $1650 to $3600. 

Automatic delivery and will-call delivery

There are two ways to call for heating oil at home: automatic and will-call delivery. If you instruct the heating oil company to deliver the oil after a set period, it makes you an automatic delivery customer. If you require the delivery on-demand, you are a will-call customer. 

The former saves around $.5 for every gallon, more than the latter. But if you seek flexible delivery, will-call is the way to go. You can accordingly choose what you prefer.  

Home’s insulation

People residing in well-insulated homes do not have to spend much on heating oil. Such homes automatically retain most of the heat. Hence, heating oil wouldn’t be needed so frequently. Studies suggest that a well-insulated home can lower its heating oil cost by fifty percent. 

Now that you know the different types and grades of heating oil and their prices, you can decide which one best suits your needs.