Fuel Oil Vs. Heating Oil: What’s The Difference?
All about Heating Oil in Pennsylvania
The terms “fuel oil” and “heating oil” are often used interchangeably, which can be a bit confusing for customers. In general, both fuel oil and heating oil refer to a type of petroleum-based fuel that is used for heating purposes. However, there can be some differences in terminology and usage. Read on to learn more and see a breakdown of the key points about fuel and heating oil in Eastern Pennsylvania.
What is Fuel Oil?
- In Broad Terms: “Fuel oil” is a generic term that encompasses various types of liquid fuels derived from crude oil. It is a broad category that includes different grades or types of oils used for various purposes, not just heating.
- Applications: Fuel oil can be used in power generation, industrial processes, and other non-residential purposes – as well as for commercial and residential heating. It is often categorized into different grades, such as No. 1, No. 2, No. 4, and No. 6 fuel oils, each with specific properties and uses.
- Regulations: Pennsylvania has specific regulations and standards regarding the use, storage, and transportation of fuel oils, including environmental considerations. That’s why it’s so important to work with a heating oil supplier familiar with and local to Eastern Pennsylvania.
- Environmental Considerations: Oehlert Bros. is committed to providing our customers with cleaner-burning, more environmentally friendly heating oil. We began creating our Bioheat Plus® Heating Oil blend on-site in 2007, using refined soybean oil. Over the years, we have delivered more than a million gallons of refined soybean oil, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.
What is Heating Oil?
The common understanding is that when people refer to heating oil in Pennsylvania, they are typically talking about No. 2 heating oil.
- Specific Use: “Heating oil” is a more specific term that typically refers to a specific grade of fuel oil used for residential and commercial heating. In many cases, heating oil is synonymous with No. 2 fuel oil, as mentioned above.
- Home Heating: In some regions, especially in the northeastern United States, No. 2 heating oil is the primary fuel used in residential oil-fired furnaces or boilers for space heating and hot water.
Using Oil Heat Pennsylvania: A Summary
It’s important to note that while terminology can vary, and individuals may use “fuel oil” and “heating oil” interchangeably in everyday conversation, when obtaining heating oil for residential purposes in Pennsylvania, you are likely referring to No. 2 heating oil. This type of heating oil is a widely accepted fuel for home heating systems in the state.
Make Oehlert Bros. your source for dependable heating oil service
At Oehlert Bros., we’ve been keeping our Pennsylvania neighbors warm for over 70 years. In fact, Bob Oehlert made his first heating oil delivery on Christmas Eve in 1948 with his nine-year-old son, Jim. From Knauertown to Norristown, Phoenixville to Pottsgrove, Oehlert Bros. provides reliable, safe and courteous delivery of heating oil.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our services and become an Oehlert Bros. customer.
