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.
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:
And before you ask, no, gasoline is not a safe alternative to heating oil (it will ruin your furnace!)
Although alternatives exist, heating oil remains a top choice for many homeowners, thanks to its:
For all these reasons, heating oil is many homeowners’ first choice for home heating.
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:
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.
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.
| Fuel Type | Heat Output | Cost | Feasibility / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating Oil | Very High | Medium | Fully compatible with existing systems |
| Diesel (Emergency Substitute) | Very High | High | Works in most oil furnaces short-term |
| Kerosene | High | High | Usable in some systems — check compatibility |
| Propane | High | High | Requires new tank and conversion |
| Natural Gas | Medium | Low | Only available where gas lines exist |
| Biodiesel (Bioheat®) | Medium | High | Often 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.)
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:
In many cases, yes, but check your furnace’s manual. Some oil furnaces are compatible with kerosene, but others may require adjustments.
Electric heaters work well for small areas but may be expensive for whole-home heating. They’re best used as temporary solutions.
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.
Some oil furnaces can run on biodiesel blends. Always consult your equipment manufacturer before switching fuels.
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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