Dollarwise

Can You Use Alternatives for Heating Oil?

If you rely on heating oil to keep your home warm, running out can be stressful, especially in the middle of winter. Fortunately, there are several heating oil alternatives that can help you stay comfortable when your supply runs low. 

This guide covers practical options, how they compare to heating oil, and what you can safely use in an emergency.

What Are Alternatives to Heating Oil?

Heating oil is a preferred way to heat homes in the Northeast, but it isn’t the only way to warm your home. Depending on your system and needs, these alternatives can be effective:

  • Propane: A clean-burning fuel often used in tanks similar to heating oil. Propane systems heat quickly and are widely available.

  • Natural Gas: Piped into many homes, natural gas is efficient, safe, and often cheaper per BTU than heating oil.

  • Electric Heating: Options include baseboard heaters, heat pumps, or electric furnaces. Electricity is versatile but can be expensive in areas with high rates.

  • Diesel: Similar to heating oil, diesel can be used in oil burners. It is energy-dense and reliable but can be more expensive and requires proper storage.

  • Biofuels / Biodiesel: Made from renewable resources, biodiesel can sometimes replace heating oil directly in existing oil burners with minimal modification.

  • Wood or Pellet Stoves: Ideal for supplemental heat, these can be cost-effective and renewable but require storage space and maintenance.

And before you ask, no, gasoline is not a safe alternative to heating oil (it will ruin your furnace!)

Why Heating Oil Is One of the Best Heating Solutions

Although alternatives exist, heating oil remains a top choice for many homeowners, thanks to its:

  • High Heat Output: Heating oil delivers more BTUs per gallon than propane or natural gas in many regions.

     

  • Reliable Supply: Delivered directly to your tank, heating oil ensures you have fuel even in remote areas.

     

  • Longevity in Storage: When stored properly, heating oil can last for months without degrading.

     

  • Compatibility: Most modern oil furnaces and boilers are optimized for efficiency with heating oil.

For all these reasons, heating oil is many homeowners’ first choice for home heating.

What You Can Use If You Run Out of Heating Oil

We have a lot of people ask us, “Hey, I ran out of heating oil. What can I use?” If you suddenly find yourself without heating oil, consider these temporary solutions:

  1. Diesel Fuel: The best short-term substitute for heating oil. Available at gas stations and safe to use in most oil furnaces temporarily.
  2. Kerosene: Can be used in some oil burners, but check your system first. Burns hotter and cleaner than heating oil.
  3. Biodiesel (Bioheat®): A renewable fuel that can often be blended with heating oil and used in the same furnace with little or no modification.
  4. Portable Electric Heaters: Safe, easy to use, and effective for small spaces. Follow safety guidelines and don’t leave them unattended.
  5. Propane or Natural Gas Space Heaters: Heat a room quickly but must be properly vented to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
  6. Wood or Pellet Stove: A good short-term solution if you already have fuel on hand. Produces steady, reliable heat.
  7. Emergency Heating Services: Some suppliers offer same-day delivery or temporary emergency fuel options.

For more ideas on what to do if you find yourself without heating oil, read our blog post, What You Should Do If You Run Out of Heating Oil.

How Alternative Fuels Compare to Heating Oil

When it comes to switching from heating oil, feasibility matters as much as cost or efficiency. For example, propane and natural gas are strong alternatives, though both typically require new tanks, lines, or burner conversions. 

Heating Oil Alternatives Comparison

Fuel TypeHeat OutputCostFeasibility / Compatibility
Heating OilVery HighMediumFully compatible with existing systems
Diesel (Emergency Substitute)Very HighHighWorks in most oil furnaces short-term
KeroseneHighHighUsable in some systems — check compatibility
PropaneHighHighRequires new tank and conversion
Natural GasMediumLowOnly available where gas lines exist
Biodiesel (Bioheat®)MediumHighOften compatible with oil furnaces (blend dependent)

If you want to use the same furnace that you use to burn heating oil, diesel, kerosene, and biodiesel can be good emergency fuel options. (However, you should never mix any of these fuels with your remaining heating oil.)

Safety Considerations

The most important consideration to keep in mind when heating your home with alternative methods is your safety. You don’t want your house to get dangerously cold, and you also don’t want to use an unsafe heating method. 

To avoid safety issues that come with running out of heating oil, please make sure that you always have:

  1. a) a reliable supplier so that you don’t run out of heating oil in the first place, and 
  2. b) at least one safe alternative on hand as a backup in case you do run out of oil (or your furnace breaks)

FAQs

Can I replace heating oil with kerosene in my furnace?

In many cases, yes, but check your furnace’s manual. Some oil furnaces are compatible with kerosene, but others may require adjustments.

Are electric heaters a good substitute for heating oil?

Electric heaters work well for small areas but may be expensive for whole-home heating. They’re best used as temporary solutions.

What is the safest way to heat if I run out of heating oil?

Use devices that are designed for indoor use, such as electric heaters or properly vented propane heaters. Avoid improvising with open flames or outdoor-only equipment.

Can biodiesel be used in my oil furnace?

Some oil furnaces can run on biodiesel blends. Always consult your equipment manufacturer before switching fuels.

The Bottom Line on Heating Oil Alternatives

Running out of heating oil doesn’t have to leave you in the cold. Whether you choose propane, biodiesel, or kerosene, there are multiple alternatives to heating oil that can keep you warm until your next oil delivery. Understanding your options ensures you can make a safe and effective choice during an emergency.

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