Can Diesel Fuel Be Used in a Furnace?

Diesel fuel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in a furnace during emergencies when heating oil runs out. Diesel fuel and heating oil are midweight distillations of petroleum, making them similar in burning and heating effects. However, diesel fuel burns slightly hotter than heating oil, which can cause faster wear of furnace components and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, diesel fuel is more expensive than heating oil.

Key Facts

Diesel fuel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in a furnace.
Diesel fuel and heating oil are both midweight distillations of petroleum.
Diesel fuel used in diesel-powered vehicles is essentially the same as No. 2 home heating oil, with the only difference being the dye added to heating oil for tax purposes.
In case of an emergency where you run out of heating oil, diesel fuel can be purchased at a local service station and used as a substitute.
It is recommended to mix diesel fuel with clean diesel or heating oil in a 50/50 ratio.
When using diesel fuel in a furnace, it is important to ensure that it is not mixed with water or heavily infested with algae.
If you need to add diesel fuel to your furnace, it is preferable to do so before the furnace runs completely out of oil. If the furnace runs out completely, you may need to bleed the air out of the oil line before restarting the furnace.

Substituting Diesel Fuel for Heating Oil

In an emergency situation, diesel fuel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in a furnace. Here are the steps to follow:

Contact Your Heating Oil Supplier: Immediately contact your heating oil supplier to schedule a delivery.
Purchase Diesel Fuel: Visit a local gas station and purchase diesel fuel in a suitable container, such as a gas can. Ensure the container can hold at least five gallons of fuel.
Add Diesel Fuel to the Furnace Tank: Add the diesel fuel to the furnace tank before the furnace runs out of oil completely. If the furnace runs out completely, you may need to bleed the air out of the oil line before restarting the furnace.
Restart the Furnace: Turn the thermostat that controls the oil furnace to the “off” position, fill up the oil tank with diesel fuel, and wait 10 minutes for the fuel to settle. This allows sediments and impurities to settle at the bottom of the tank, ensuring the fuel intake line has access to clean fuel. Restart the furnace by pressing the red reset button. You may need to press the reset button several times to bleed the fuel line and restart the furnace.

Precautions When Using Diesel Fuel in a Furnace

Use Diesel Fuel Only as a Temporary Solution: Diesel fuel should only be used as a temporary solution until heating oil is delivered. Prolonged use of diesel fuel can damage the furnace and void the warranty.
Mix Diesel Fuel with Clean Diesel or Heating Oil: It is recommended to mix diesel fuel with clean diesel or heating oil in a 50/50 ratio to reduce the risk of damage to the furnace.
Avoid Using Diesel Fuel with Water or Algae Contamination: Ensure that the diesel fuel is not mixed with water or heavily infested with algae, as this can cause problems with the furnace.
Follow Safety Precautions: Handle and store diesel fuel safely, following all necessary precautions to prevent accidents or spills.

Conclusion

Diesel fuel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in a furnace during emergencies. However, it should only be used as a temporary solution until heating oil is delivered. Mixing diesel fuel with clean diesel or heating oil in a 50/50 ratio is recommended to reduce the risk of damage to the furnace. Additionally, precautions should be taken to avoid using diesel fuel contaminated with water or algae.

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FAQs

Can I use diesel fuel in my furnace?

Yes, diesel fuel can be used as a substitute for heating oil in a furnace during emergencies. However, it should only be used as a temporary solution until heating oil is delivered.

What are the risks of using diesel fuel in my furnace?

Using diesel fuel in a furnace for an extended period can damage the furnace and void the warranty. Diesel fuel burns hotter than heating oil, which can cause faster wear of furnace components and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, diesel fuel is more expensive than heating oil.

How do I use diesel fuel in my furnace?

To use diesel fuel in your furnace, follow these steps:

Contact your heating oil supplier to schedule a delivery.
Purchase diesel fuel in a suitable container, such as a gas can, from a local gas station.
Add the diesel fuel to the furnace tank before the furnace runs out of oil completely.
Restart the furnace by pressing the red reset button several times to bleed the fuel line.

Can I mix diesel fuel with heating oil?

Yes, it is recommended to mix diesel fuel with clean diesel or heating oil in a 50/50 ratio to reduce the risk of damage to the furnace.

What precautions should I take when using diesel fuel in my furnace?

When using diesel fuel in your furnace, take the following precautions:

Use diesel fuel only as a temporary solution until heating oil is delivered.
Mix diesel fuel with clean diesel or heating oil in a 50/50 ratio.
Avoid using diesel fuel with water or algae contamination.
Handle and store diesel fuel safely, following all necessary precautions to prevent accidents or spills.

What should I do if my furnace runs out of oil and I need to use diesel fuel?

If your furnace runs out of oil and you need to use diesel fuel, follow these steps:

Turn off the furnace.
Add diesel fuel to the furnace tank.
Wait 10 minutes for the fuel to settle.
Restart the furnace.

How long can I use diesel fuel in my furnace?

Diesel fuel should only be used in a furnace as a temporary solution until heating oil is delivered. Prolonged use of diesel fuel can damage the furnace and void the warranty.

Should I have my furnace inspected after using diesel fuel?

It is recommended to have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician after using diesel fuel to ensure that it is operating properly and that there is no damage.