Kerosene and Paraffin are terms that are often used interchangeably however, can have very different meanings. In this blog post, we take a look at the difference between these two words and their uses.
Kerosene
When you need heating oil to power your boiler and provide heating and hot water, kerosene is the go-to fuel. Also known as “28-second oil” or “heating oil” this is a clean, light efficient fuel and is most commonly used to heat rural homes in the UK. From the lack of fumes it produces, kerosene is seen as a more environmentally fuel than wood or coal. Despite this kerosene does emit some poisonous gases which can be harmful if breathed in. This is why storage tanks are best kept outside. It also has a high flash point, which is the temperature at which it creates a flammable vapour near its surface. This makes it a very safe option for domestic heating systems.
Kerosene comes in the form of a flammable liquid that’s typically pale yellow or colourless and has a distinctive but not unpleasant smell. Initially, it was made from shale oils and coal tar, but after the drilling of the first oil well in America, petroleum rapidly became the main source. Kerosene has a number of uses in addition to being a popular heating oil. For example, it can be burned in oil lamps to provide lighting. In fact, before the emergence of gas and electricity as power sources, kerosene was the world’s dominant fuel for lighting and heating. It’s also used as a fuel component or fuel for jet engines.
Premium Kerosene
Premium kerosene is another type of heating oil that has been treated with a number of different additives to provide a more efficient fuel whilst cleaning up boiler systems. Premium kerosene contains components that reduce the build-up of carbon and soot deposits in your central heating boiler. This means that your boiler stays cleaner for longer resulting in increased boiler efficiency, in turn, this lowers your carbon footprint and you can achieve a more complete burn of your fuel which can save you money. For more information click here
Paraffin Oil
Kerosene is often referred to as kerosene so, while there is an overlap between the terms paraffin and kerosene, paraffin has a broader meaning and a wider range of applications.
Paraffin is the word used to describe a group of hydrocarbons that have the chemical formula CnH2n+2. As well as a liquid fuel (kerosene), paraffin is used in a number of different forms, including paraffin wax (which can create everything from crayons to candles) and petroleum jelly. It can also be used as a lubricant for machinery and a coolant for electrical systems, as well as a hydraulic fluid and even an insecticide. Paraffin can also refer to a more refined version of the oil, which ensures that it will produce a lot less soot when it’s burnt. This is important for those who would have stoves and lamps to light their homes.
What Is The Difference?
Ultimately, Kerosene is a type of paraffin however, paraffin products can cover more than kerosene or heating oil. whether you choose premium kerosene. or premium paraffin you can be certain that the heating oil will be perfect for powering your boiler.
