Can generators run on heating oil? In short, the answer is YES. Generators (diesel ones) can run on heating oil.
Heating oil, also known as kerosene is somewhat similar to diesel, although there is some variation in their chemical composition, the properties are kinda similar.
Generators are a great source of home back up power and are like our best companion during power outages. With the introduction of portable ones, things have become even much more convenient as they can be easily taken from one place to another.
Now we even have the flexibility to choose between the type of fuel we want our generator to run on after the dual-fuel generators came in the market. Not just only that, some generator brands have also released the tri-fuel generators that allow you to choose between three different types of fuels.
But, some people might be living in areas where there is the unavailability of one fuel or the other because of some reason. So, if you are wondering can generators run on heating oil or not?, the answer is Yes, like we already mentioned in the very beginning.
Since we know that diesel and heating oil have some similar properties, you can replace the fuel sometimes if one or the other isn’t available to you at the moment.
Although during winter seasons, losing power for a long period can be a strain on your fuel reserve, so we would recommend you to have a propane generator as they tend to be quieter and require much less maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use heating oil as diesel?
Yes, you can use heating oil as a substitute for diesel as they have some similar properties. However, diesel contains some additives that enhance its fuel efficiency. On the other hand, heating oil is not refined and is not the best for vehicle use as it contains contaminants.
What is the most efficient fuel for a generator?
Diesel is considered to be the most efficient fuel for a generator because they use less fuel as compared to the gas-powered ones and allow them to run for longer hours on the same amount of fuel.
What type of fuel do generators use?
Generators can be operated on a variety of fuels like gasoline, diesel, propane and natural gas. Usually smaller engines run on gasoline and the larger ones can be operated on diesel, natural gas or propane. There are certain generators that can run on both gas or propane and also the tri-fuel ones that can be operated on any of the three fuel types.