Advantages and Disadvantages of Kerosene

For most of us, fuel is an essential part of everyday living. We need fuel to keep our homes warm and our cars moving. Likewise, being budget-conscious and environmentally friendly are priorities for many of us. But can you strike a balance between your fuel choice, your carbon footprint and your purse strings? Here, we’re going to take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of kerosene so you can understand if it’s the right choice of fuel for you.

What is Kerosene?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is kerosene? Kerosene, or 28 second burning fuel as it’s also known, is a thin, clear liquid distilled from petroleum and used for a range of purposes across the world. Notably, kerosene is the second most popular choice of home heating oil for property owners.

With so many of us relying on kerosene in our day-to-day life, it’s understandable that consumers want to know the pros and cons of this fuel choice. Is kerosene a cheap source of fuel? Is kerosene bad for the environment? Is kerosene safe? These are just some of the most common questions, so let’s now take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of kerosene.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Kerosene

Advantages

1. Kerosene is a more environmentally friendly fossil fuel

When burnt in its paraffin form, kerosene produces fewer fumes than other fossil fuels, like coal or wood. As a result, as far as fossil fuels go, kerosene is a better option.

2. Kerosene is efficient

As home heating oil burns hotter than other energy, kerosene warms homes quicker so can be used for shorter amounts of time. Not only will this cut back on how much oil you need to use, but it will also keep your costs down. To ensure you’re heating up your home most efficiently, you should ensure your boiler is regularly maintained. 

3. Kerosene is cheap

It’s inexpensive to produce kerosene, making it a more affordable source of home heating oil. You can keep the cost of kerosene even lower by buying at the right time of year and in bulk. 

4. Kerosene is safe

Kerosene is safe to use indoors, clean to burn and safe to store. It doesn’t contain any recognised cancer causing agents.

5. Kerosene is easy to light

If you find yourself in a power cut, kerosene can be used to quickly create a source of light, electricity or heat. This is especially crucial if you live in a remote area or experience harsh weather conditions during winter.

6. Kerosene is adaptable

Unlike some other fuels, kerosene can be modified. Oil suppliers are developing and offering a variety of products that give a cleaner burn and reduced carbon emissions.  

7. Premium Kerosene is cleaner and more efficient

At Rix, we offer a brand of premium kerosene called K+. Although K+ is more pricy on the surface, it will save you money in the long-run. It’s more efficient than standard kerosene and ages more slowly. What’s more, it burns more cleanly than standard kerosene.

Disadvantages

1. Kerosene contributes to greenhouse gas emissions

All fossil fuels, including kerosene, release ‘greenhouse gases’ like carbon monoxide. This is directly attributed to global warming. However, if you still rely on fossil fuels for home heating, kerosene is one of the most environmentally-friendly options.

2. Kerosene is hard to recycle

Non-renewable oil, like kerosene, and used oil is difficult to recycle. Again, this isn’t good for the environment.

3. Kerosene is subject to price fluctuations

Many factors influence the price of heating oil, most of which link back to supply and demand. With high demand and low supply, the price of kerosene can be driven up. However, with the ongoing pandemic and lack of demand, kerosene prices are staying low. 

4. Kerosene incurs maintenance costs

As with any heating system, you need to have it checked and maintained regularly to keep it running efficiently and safely. For example, it’s essential to dispose of partially burnt fuel deposits that build up over time. This maintenance will incur an added yet essential cost.

We hope you now have a solid understanding of the various advantages and disadvantages of kerosene. All in all, kerosene remains a popular home heating oil choice across the UK due to its low price point, accessibility and safety.

Although kerosene, like all fossil fuels, isn’t environmentally-friendly, kerosene is one of the best options as far as fossil fuels are concerned. And, if you keep your heating system maintained and use your heating oil sensibly, you can cut back on your kerosene consumption, saving you money and reducing your carbon footprint.

If you have any more questions about home heating oil, please don’t hesitate to contact us.