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    Tommyp!972's Avatar
    Tommyp!972 Posts: 300, Reputation: 36
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    #1

    Apr 29, 2006, 08:49 PM
    Heating Oil Question
    Heating oil here is OUTRAGEOUS... over $3 a gallon for #2 fuel oil... can I run kerosene instead which is only $2.20 a gallon?if so what will the long term damage be to my furnace... im really really short on cash right now but I don't want to blow my furnace up or anything... I've already bought 10 gallons of kerosene which should get me by for a awhile but not sure if I should pour it in the tank... any help will be appreciated
    fredg's Avatar
    fredg Posts: 4,926, Reputation: 674
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 30, 2006, 06:04 AM
    Hi, Tommyp,
    I wouldn't, before checking with a Professional, such as a home furnace repair person. It probably wouldn't cost you anything just to go to one's place of business and ask.
    #1 is Kerosene, and #2 fuel oil is Diesel fuel.
    Kerosene is more volatile, has a different "firing" point than Diesel, and it also is less "dense", meaning your control valve may not handle the correct amount needed for your furnace.
    I use to have a furnace, and used #2 Diesel; but never did put Kerosene in it, and really never thought about it... that was years ago, when prices were not ridiculous. Have since installed a Heat Pump, which is cheaper for the winter months.
    Best of luck.
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Apr 30, 2006, 07:36 AM
    Check with your fuel supplier or the firm that services your furnace. They will be able to suggest the proper nozzle to use for the fuel/furnace combination that you will have.

    Changing the nozzle is fairly easy, must open the burner , the nozzle is inside behind the ignition transformer, pull out the supporting assembly, and you will find the brass nozzle on the end.

    The nozzles have different size openings to allow for the viscosity of the various fuels, and the BTU of each fuel, to allow only a certain amount of fuel into the combustion chamber, measured by GPH, or Gallons per Hour.

    If you have the liturature on your burner, you may find a listing of the available nozzles for the different fuels available.
    Tommyp!972's Avatar
    Tommyp!972 Posts: 300, Reputation: 36
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    #4

    Apr 30, 2006, 07:14 PM
    So you guys are saying that it is unsafe to burn the kerosene?
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #5

    Apr 30, 2006, 08:46 PM
    The heat value for #2 is higher than for #1 or kero. You can burn kero in your burner it will just not run as hot as #2. Kero was always substituted around here during very cold weather since it will not gel up as fast as #2.
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