Certainly! Here's a 500-word article on Types of Heating Oil in the UK

lindaanneuk

Jul 11, 2025 - 10:22

Certainly! Here's a 500-word article on Types of Heating Oil in the UK

Heating oil is a widely used fuel in the UK, especially in rural and off-grid areas where homes and businesses are not connected to the mains gas supply. It provides energy for central heating systems, boilers, and cookers. There are several types of heating oil available, each with its specific properties and uses. The most common types used in the UK include kerosene, premium kerosene, gas oil, and increasingly, bio heating oil.

1. Kerosene (28-Second Oil)

Kerosene, often referred to as 28-second oil, is the most popular heating oil for domestic use in the UK. It is a clear, thin fuel that burns cleanly and efficiently, making it ideal for use in home heating systems.

Key features:

Used in oil-fired boilers, furnaces, and some cookers.
Suitable for indoor and outdoor storage tanks.
Burns more efficiently than heavier oils, reducing carbon build-up.
Lower freezing point, making it suitable for cold weather.

Kerosene is widely available and relatively affordable, which makes it the first choice for most UK households that rely on heating oil.

2. Premium Kerosene

Premium kerosene is an upgraded version of standard kerosene. It contains additives designed to improve combustion, reduce emissions, and protect the heating system from wear and tear.

Benefits:

Enhances boiler efficiency.
Reduces sludge and carbon build-up in tanks and pipes.
Lowers maintenance costs by keeping equipment cleaner.
Minimises the risk of fuel degradation during storage.

Though slightly more expensive than regular kerosene, premium kerosene can save money in the long term by improving system performance and reducing servicing needs.

3. Gas Oil (35-Second Oil / Red Diesel)

Gas oil, also known as 35-second oil or red diesel, is a heavier and less refined fuel. It is dyed red to indicate it is not for use in standard road vehicles, and it is taxed at a lower rate.

Key features:

Used in agricultural machinery, generators, and older heating systems.
More common in commercial and industrial settings.
Not as clean-burning as kerosene, leading to more maintenance.
Typically used in larger heating systems where efficiency is less critical.

Gas oil is generally not recommended for modern domestic heating systems due to its lower efficiency and higher environmental impact.

4. Bio Heating Oil

Bio heating oil is a newer, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fossil-based fuels. It is made from renewable sources like vegetable oils or animal fats and can be blended with kerosene to reduce carbon emissions.

Advantages:

Renewable and sustainable.
Helps lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Supports the UKs goal to reach net-zero carbon targets.
May require system modification for use.

Although not yet mainstream, biofuels are growing in popularity as consumers and suppliers look for greener energy solutions.

Conclusion

The UK heating oil market primarily consists of kerosene, premium kerosene, gas oil, and bio heating oil. Kerosene remains the most common and efficient choice for domestic use, while gas oil is more suited for older or industrial systems. Premium kerosene offers enhanced performance, and biofuels are paving the way toward more sustainable heating solutions. Choosing the right type depends on your system, budget, and environmental priorities.

lindaanneuk Linda Anne is a seasoned entrepreneur, a respected UK-based supplier of heating oil to homes, farms, and businesses across the country. Born and raised in rural Yorkshire, Linda grew up surrounded by farming communities where energy needs were constant, seasonal, and often underserved. Seeing the struggle for reliable fuel delivery in rural areas, she set out to build a company that would change that.