About Fuel: Propane and Heating Oil

Illustration created by Rohith M S

Propane

Propane (molecular formula C3H8) is normally a gas, but compressible to a transportable liquid. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining, it is commonly used as a fuel for residential central heating, engines, oxy-gas torches and portable stoves.

Propane is a clean-burning nonrenewable fossil fuel. Like natural gas (methane), propane is colorless and odorless. Although propane is nontoxic and odorless, foul-smelling mercaptan is added to it to make gas leaks easy to detect.

In North America, local delivery trucks with an average cylinder size of 3,000 US gallons (11,000 L), fill up large cylinders that are permanently installed on the property, or other service trucks exchange empty cylinders of propane with filled cylinders.

Heating oil

Heating oil is a low viscosity, liquid petroleum product used as a fuel for furnaces or boilers in buildings. Home heating oil is often abbreviated as HHO.
Heating oil is known in the United States as No. 2 heating oil. In the U.S., it must conform to ASTM standard D396.

Have questions about heating oil or propane, choosing the right vendor, or heating your home economically?
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Find a better deal on heating oil or propane from local vendors in 30 seconds or less:

Fuelwonk recommends comparing local vendor propane and heating oil prices before you make the decision to fill up your home tank - use our online comparison tool to find the best offers in your area.