Heating homes with oil furnaces is a common practice in regions with cold climates. These furnaces are designed to burn heating oil, which is specially formulated to provide steady heat during the winter months. However, there are instances when homeowners may wonder if they can burn diesel fuel in their oil furnaces. This question often arises during emergencies or when heating oil is unavailable.
In this article, we will explore whether diesel can be used as an alternative fuel in oil furnaces. We will examine how diesel compares to heating oil, how safe and effective it is to burn diesel in an oil furnace, and what steps should be taken if you decide to use diesel as a temporary solution.
Understanding Oil Furnaces and Their Fuel Requirements
Oil furnaces are designed to burn a specific type of fuel, commonly referred to as heating oil or fuel oil. Heating oil is a refined petroleum product that is similar to diesel fuel in its chemical composition but is specifically formulated for use in heating systems. It is typically dyed red to differentiate it from diesel fuel, which is used in transportation.
Heating Oil vs. Diesel Fuel: What’s the Difference?
Heating oil and diesel fuel are both derived from crude oil and share many characteristics. Both are liquid fuels that can be used for combustion in engines and furnaces. However, there are some key differences between the two:
Sulfur Content: Heating oil often has a higher sulfur content compared to diesel fuel. While sulfur was once common in both fuels, environmental regulations have led to the reduction of sulfur in diesel fuel, resulting in ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) for vehicles.
Additives: Diesel fuel may contain additives to improve engine performance, reduce emissions, and prevent gelling in cold weather. Heating oil, on the other hand, is specifically designed for burning in furnaces and may contain different additives that optimize it for heat production.
Taxation and Usage: Diesel fuel is subject to taxes because it is used in vehicles, while heating oil is not taxed in the same way. Heating oil is typically dyed red to indicate that it is not intended for use in vehicles, and using it as fuel for road vehicles is illegal in many regions.
Is It Safe to Burn Diesel in an Oil Furnace?
Burning diesel fuel in an oil furnace is generally considered safe for short-term or emergency use. In fact, diesel fuel can serve as an alternative to heating oil because of the similarities in their chemical properties. If your heating oil supply runs out and you are in need of fuel to heat your home, diesel fuel is a viable substitute.
However, there are several factors to consider before using diesel in your furnace:
Short-Term Use:
Diesel fuel should only be used as a temporary solution in oil furnaces. While diesel and heating oil are similar, heating oil is specifically formulated for use in furnaces, making it the ideal fuel for long-term use.
Potential for Residue Build-Up:
Diesel fuel may leave behind more residue than heating oil when burned. This could lead to clogging of the furnace’s filters, nozzles, and other components over time. Regular maintenance and cleaning of your furnace will help mitigate these issues.
Sulfur Content Considerations:
If you are using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the lower sulfur content will be less of an issue in modern oil furnaces, which are designed to handle low-sulfur fuels. However, older furnaces may not be optimized for burning ULSD, and adjustments may need to be made.
How to Use Diesel in an Oil Furnace Safely
If you find yourself needing to use diesel in your oil furnace, it is important to follow certain steps to ensure the safety and efficiency of your furnace. Here is a step-by-step guide to using diesel as a temporary fuel source:
Step 1: Turn Off the Furnace Before Refueling
Before adding diesel fuel to your furnace, make sure to turn it off completely. This prevents any accidental ignition while you are refueling the system. Most oil furnaces have a switch or thermostat that allows you to turn them off easily.
Step 2: Acquire Diesel Fuel in Approved Containers
You will need to purchase diesel fuel from a gas station or other fuel provider. Make sure to use approved fuel containers to transport the diesel safely. Diesel fuel is available at most gas stations, and it is important to use the right type of container to avoid spills and fire hazards.
Step 3: Add Diesel Fuel to the Oil Tank
Once you have obtained the diesel fuel, you can add it to your oil furnace’s fuel tank. Most oil tanks have a fill pipe or opening that allows you to pour in the fuel easily. Be careful to avoid overfilling the tank, and ensure that the fuel is going directly into the tank and not into other parts of the system.
Step 4: Restart the Furnace
After adding diesel to the tank, you can turn the furnace back on and allow it to resume normal operation. It may take a few minutes for the furnace to draw the fuel from the tank and begin burning it, so be patient as the system starts up.
How Diesel Affects Furnace Performance
Diesel fuel, when burned in an oil furnace, will generally provide adequate heat for your home, especially when used in emergencies. However, there are some differences in performance that you should be aware of:
1. Combustion Efficiency
Diesel fuel is slightly more refined than heating oil, and this difference may impact how efficiently it burns in your furnace. While the furnace should be able to burn diesel without issue, it may not operate at the same efficiency level as it would with heating oil.
2. Temperature Control
Since diesel fuel is designed for engines, it may not produce the exact same level of heat as heating oil. This could result in slightly lower or higher indoor temperatures, depending on the furnace and the quality of the diesel fuel.
3. Soot and Residue
Diesel may produce more soot and residue than heating oil, especially if it contains additives that are not intended for furnace use. Over time, this could lead to increased maintenance requirements for your furnace, including more frequent cleaning of the nozzles, filters, and other components.
SEE ALSO: Is It Safe to Use Diesel Instead of Heating Oil?
Advantages of Using Diesel in an Oil Furnace
Although diesel fuel is not the ideal long-term solution for oil furnaces, there are some advantages to using it in emergency situations:
1. Availability
Diesel fuel is widely available at most gas stations, making it a convenient option when heating oil is unavailable. This can be especially important during severe weather events or supply shortages.
2. Similar Composition to Heating Oil
Since diesel and heating oil are chemically similar, your furnace should be able to burn diesel without requiring significant adjustments. This makes diesel a practical alternative to heating oil for short-term use.
3. Safe for Temporary Use
As long as you follow the proper procedures for adding and burning diesel in your furnace, it is generally safe for short-term use. This can provide peace of mind during emergencies when heating oil is not readily available.
Disadvantages of Using Diesel in an Oil Furnace
While diesel can be used in an oil furnace, there are some drawbacks to consider:
1. Increased Maintenance
Diesel fuel may leave behind more residue and soot than heating oil, leading to increased maintenance requirements for your furnace. Over time, this could cause clogging in the system and reduce the efficiency of the furnace.
2. Cost
Diesel fuel is typically more expensive than heating oil, especially when purchased at retail gas stations. This could lead to higher heating costs if you rely on diesel for an extended period.
3. Not Formulated for Heating
While diesel fuel can be burned in an oil furnace, it is not specifically formulated for heating purposes. This means that it may not provide the same level of performance as heating oil, particularly in terms of combustion efficiency and heat output.
Conclusion
Yes, you can burn diesel in an oil furnace, but it should be used as a temporary solution rather than a permanent replacement for heating oil. Diesel fuel and heating oil share many similarities, making diesel a viable alternative in emergencies. However, diesel may leave behind more residue and could require more frequent maintenance of your furnace.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to use diesel, follow the steps outlined above to ensure the safe and efficient operation of your furnace. Remember that while diesel can be a short-term solution, it is best to return to using heating oil as soon as possible to maintain the long-term health and performance of your furnace.