If you live in a rural area or off the gas grid, there’s a good chance your home relies on heating oil for warmth. But what exactly is heating oil, how is it made, and what types are available? At HeatOilCompare.com, we’re here to make understanding (and saving on) heating oil simple.
What Is Heating Oil?
Heating oil is a liquid fuel used in boilers, furnaces, and aga-style cookers to heat homes and buildings that aren’t connected to the mains gas network. It’s a refined petroleum product, similar to diesel, and is stored in a tank outside your property.
When burned in your heating system, it produces energy that heats your water and radiators, keeping your home cosy even on the coldest UK winter days.
The Types of Heating Oil
There is one main heating oil commonly used in the UK:
Kerosene
This is the most common type of heating oil used in domestic homes.
- Cleaner burning than other oils
- More efficient and produces less soot
- Suitable for most modern boilers and range cookers
- Sometimes dyed blue for identification
If you’re ordering for your home, kerosene is almost always the right choice.
How Is Heating Oil Made?
Heating oil comes from crude oil, extracted from underground reservoirs. The production process looks like this:
- Extraction: Crude oil is pumped from oil fields.
- Transportation: It’s sent to refineries via pipeline or ship.
- Refining: The crude oil is heated in a distillation tower. Different components separate based on boiling points.
- Blending & Additives: The kerosene or gas oil fractions are treated and blended with additives to improve efficiency, prevent freezing, and reduce emissions.
- Distribution: Finally, it’s transported to local suppliers who deliver it directly to customers’ tanks.
Grades and Quality
Heating oils are graded by their viscosity and performance, with lighter grades (like kerosene) preferred for domestic use. Some suppliers also offer premium kerosene, which includes extra additives for:
- Better boiler efficiency
- Reduced sludge build-up
- Cleaner burn and lower carbon emissions
These can slightly increase the upfront cost but may save money over time by keeping your boiler running smoothly.
Did You Know?
- Around 1.5 million UK homes use heating oil as their main fuel.
- Kerosene has been used for heating since the 1800s, evolving alongside modern heating technology.
- Newer bio-based heating oils are being developed as part of the move toward low-carbon heating.
Save Money on Heating Oil
At HeatOilCompare.com, we make it easy to find the best price on heating oil in your area.
Just tell us your postcode, and we’ll send you 3 heating oil quotes around your area, focusing on price, reviews and customer service.
👉 Visit www.heatoilcompare.com today to compare prices and keep your tank full for less.
Stay warm. Save money. Compare smarter with HeatOilCompare.com.