When you’re looking for a heating oil for your property, two different options you probably come across quite frequently are paraffin and kerosene. But how can you choose between these two options? And what are the differences between the two heating oils? Well, here at Compass Fuel Oils, we are the UK’s leading provider of fuel oils like red diesel and kerosene, as well as lubricants and greases. And this is our guide to everything you should know about paraffin and kerosene and the difference between them.
What is paraffin?
Paraffin are a major component of petrol and natural gas. As a heating fuel for homes and residential settings, paraffin is available in a liquid form, but it also takes the form of petroleum jelly, and paraffin wax. It can also be used as a lubricant for machinery and as a coolant for electrical systems, as well as a hydraulic fluid.
Refined or distilled paraffin is a high quality heating fluid that is specifically designed for interior use, with additives that reduce the smell. This can be used safely within the home, for stoves and lamps.
What is kerosene?
Kerosene is a specific type of paraffin. In fact, general paraffin for use as a heating fluid is often called kerosene, and the terms can be used interchangeably. So whether you opt for kerosene or paraffin for home use, you are essentially using the same product.
As a light or colourless liquid, kerosene is also referred to as heating oil. With a high flash point, kerosene can be a great option for your domestic boiler.
So, what is the difference?
Ultimately, kerosene is a type of paraffin, but paraffin products can encompass more than simply kerosene, or liquid heating oil. But whether you choose a premium paraffin, or a premium kerosene, you can be sure that this heating oil is perfect for powering boilers in both domestic and commercial properties.
What are the advantages of premium kerosene?
Although these two fuels are one and the same, premium kerosene is probably the best option for heating your property and for use with your heating system. There are a number of advantages to premium kerosene, including:
- reducing or preventing the build up of sludge
- longer lasting
- can be more cost effective in the long term
Premium kerosene is also perfect for anyone with a Rayburn cooker or AGA.
Choose Compass Fuel Oils for your heating oils
Here at Compass Fuel Oils we supply and deliver both C1 paraffin and kerosene to all locations across the UK in just 1-3 days. For C1 paraffin, we can deliver both 200 litre barrels and 1000 litre IBCs nationwide. For kerosene heating oil, we can offer you anything from a single 205 litre barrel up to 36,500 litres on an articulated tanker!
For high quality fuel oils like paraffin and kerosene, get in touch with the team here at Compass Fuel Oils today.