You may be surprised how many homes here in Central Maine use kerosene for home heating or space heating. Many people think kerosene use died out sometime around when Sputnik was launched.
But it offers advantages that other heating fuels such as heating oil, propane, natural gas, and electricity cannot provide. That’s why Murray-Heutz continues to provide kerosene delivery. Our kerosene is of top quality and includes a special additive that improves the fuel’s stability while preventing the buildup of water, algae, and sludge inside your fuel tank.
Here’s some information about kerosene and why it’s still being used today.
Kerosene is a type of light fuel oil that comes from distilling petroleum. In 1846, Canadian physician and geologist Abraham Gesner was the first to distill it from bituminous coal and oil shale. Although it’s commonly used for home heating or lighting, kerosene can also power jet engines or be used as a cleaning solvent.
Heating your mobile home or basement-less house doesn’t have to be a worry thanks to kerosene. Unlike other heating options, you don’t need an indoor tank, making it perfect for those without basements.
In areas with generally cold weather, such as Central Maine, heating oil sometimes becomes thicker, a process called gelling. If the oil gets too thick it can be prevented from entering your heating system which then leads to a shutdown and costly repairs. However, kerosene doesn’t gel in colder weather so it’s not a problem.
Not only can kerosene be used to heat your home, but it can also fuel a stove top and lanterns. This is increasingly useful in extreme weather conditions that often result in power outages. With kerosene, you won’t have to worry about being left without heat or light.
Lifespan. Under the right conditions (stored in a secure container, at a consistent temperature away from moisture and sunlight), kerosene will stay usable for up to 10 years. Gasoline or heating oil unfortunately do not last as long as kerosene. And, unlike heating oil, kerosene doesn’t gel in very cold weather.
Versatility. Heating oil can just do one thing: heat your home. Kerosene, on the other hand, can be used for various purposes like cooking with kerosene stoves or lighting kerosene lamps. It’ll come in handy whether the power’s out or if you arere living off the grid.
Heating efficiency. Kerosene gives 135,000 BTUs per gallon, making it one of the most effective fuels for home use. Propane provides 91,330 BTUs per gallon while electricity only offers 3,412 BTUs per kilowatt hour. With kerosene, you get 90% efficiency as opposed to a measly 31% for electric power.
Cost. Like heating oil, the cost of kerosene is tied to crude oil pricing. While kerosene may be close to the same price as heating oil, its hotter burning and heating efficiency may make heating with kerosene a cost-effective option.
Environmental friendliness. Many people use kerosene for space heating because it burns much cleaner than other common fuels, like wood or coal. Therefore, using kerosene is better for the environment.
Safety. Kerosene is a much safer choice for heating than wood or coal because it produces less carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is dangerous and can be deadly if it builds up in your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that prevents oxygen from entering red blood cells. This deprives vital organs, such as the brain, lungs, and heart, of the oxygen they need to function properly. Wood smoke contains harmful fine particulates that increase your risk of a heart attack, respiratory problems, and more.
Get the most reliable kerosene delivery in Central Maine. Become a Murray-Heutz customer today!
