Why Do I Smell Heating Oil in My House?
Smelling heating oil in your house usually means a spill, leak, or poor ventilation. While a faint odour after delivery can be normal, persistent smells may indicate a leaking oil boiler, faulty pipework, or fumes escaping into living spaces. Oil fumes can be dangerous if inhaled over time, so it is important to ventilate the […]
Crude Oil and Fractional Distillation: Complete Guide
Crude oil is separated by fractional distillation, where it is heated and its vapours rise through a distillation column. The lighter hydrocarbons, such as LPG, petrol and naphtha, condense at the top, while middle fractions like kerosene and diesel condense further down. Heavier products, including lubricating oils, heavy fuel oils and bitumen, remain at the […]
What Is Fuel Oil Used For in the UK? Applications, Types & Uses
If you’ve ever heard someone mention “fuel oil,” you might wonder: what exactly is it? What is it used for, especially here in the UK? The truth is, fuel oil plays a lot of roles—some obvious, others less so—and its uses are shaped by laws, costs, and energy needs. Let’s explore. What Exactly Is “Fuel […]
What Is Oil Central Heating and How It Works
If your home isn’t connected to the gas mains (as many rural homes aren’t), oil central heating is often a reliable choice. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and what should you know before deciding if it’s right for your home? Let’s walk through everything in clear, human terms. What You Actually […]
How to Dispose of a Heating Oil Tank in the UK
If you’ve upgraded your heating system or simply don’t need oil anymore, you might be left wondering: “What do I do with my old heating oil tank?” It’s not as simple as just scrapping it, because in the UK there are rules to follow. Heating oil tanks need to be disposed of properly to avoid […]
What Colour Is Diesel in the UK?
If you’ve ever stood at a petrol station wondering “what colour is diesel?” you’re not the only one. In the UK, diesel isn’t just one shade, and the colour has nothing to do with quality. Instead, it’s all about tax, legality, and usage rules. Understanding the difference between red and white diesel could save you […]
What Temperature Does Diesel Freeze
If you’ve ever struggled to start your diesel vehicle on a frosty winter morning, you may have wondered: Does diesel actually freeze? The short answer is yes — diesel can become thick, waxy, and difficult to use when temperatures drop low enough. But unlike water, which freezes solid at 0°C, diesel behaves a little differently. […]
What is Heating Oil?
Heating oil is a petroleum-based fuel commonly used in the UK for off-grid heating. The main types are kerosene (28-second oil), typically used for homes, and red diesel (35-second oil), mainly for agriculture and commercial machinery. It’s mostly used in areas that are not connected to the national gas grid. Winter can be very difficult […]
How to Check Heating Oil Level in Your Tank
The quickest way to check your heating oil level is by using your tank’s built-in gauge. If you don’t have one, you can dip a stick (dipstick method) into the tank to measure the remaining fuel. For more accuracy and convenience, many UK households now use electronic or smart monitoring systems that track levels in […]
What is the Price of Heating Oil (500/200/1000 Litres) in the UK?
Heating oil (also called kerosene) is one of the most popular fuels for home heating across the UK, particularly in rural areas not connected to the gas grid. With fluctuating energy markets, many homeowners are asking the same question: What is the price of heating oil in the UK today? In this guide, we’ll […]