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Kerosene smell in home — causes & solutions

 Noticing a kerosene smell in your home can be alarming. The scent is strong, oily, and unmistakable, and it often triggers immediate concern about safety. While kerosene itself is less common in modern UK homes than it once was, many older properties, rural areas, and off-grid households still rely on it — especially for heating. Even in homes without kerosene appliances, similar petrochemical smells can appear and should never be ignored. This guide will walk you through the possible causes, risks, and most effective solutions to eliminate kerosene smell indoors. Why Does My Home Smell Like Kerosene? A kerosene smell could come from several sources. Understanding the cause is the first step to solving it. 1. Kerosene Heater or Boiler in Use Many rural UK homes still use kerosene for heating. If the smell is new or stronger than usual, a few problems may be developing: Poor ventilation Incomplete combustion Fuel spillage during refilling Faulty burner or seals ...

How to Store Home Heating Oil Long-Term Without Degradation

  For many households across the United Kingdom, home heating oil remains a reliable and efficient fuel source, especially in rural areas where mains gas isn’t available. Whether you rely on heating oil for your central heating system, hot water, or even backup generators, storing it properly is crucial to maintaining its quality over the long term. Degraded heating oil can lead to clogged filters, inefficient combustion, and expensive system repairs. This guide will provide practical, expert-backed strategies for storing home heating oil long-term without degradation. Understanding Home Heating Oil and Its Vulnerabilities Home heating oil, commonly known as kerosene in the UK, is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons derived from crude oil. While it is a stable fuel compared to petrol or diesel, it is not immune to chemical and physical degradation over time. Key Factors That Cause Heating Oil Degradation: Oxidation: When oil comes into contact with air, it oxidises, forming s...

Domestic Heating Oil Price Comparison Tools: Are They Reliable?

 In the UK, over 1.5 million households rely on heating oil to keep warm during the colder months. With fluctuating prices and numerous suppliers, finding the best deal can be challenging. Enter heating oil price comparison tools—websites designed to help consumers compare prices and find the most cost-effective options. But how reliable are these tools? Let's delve into their effectiveness and limitations. What Are Heating Oil Price Comparison Tools? Heating oil price comparison tools are online platforms that aggregate pricing information from various suppliers based on your location and desired quantity. By entering your postcode and the amount of oil you need, these tools provide a list of suppliers offering the best rates. Some notable platforms include: Fuel Tool : An independent website offering real-time price comparisons across the UK.  Fuelz : A commission-free platform that checks local suppliers to provide the cheapest prices.  ValueOils : An indep...

How to Prime a Kerosene Heating System

  Kerosene heating systems have long been a reliable source of warmth for homes across the United Kingdom—particularly in rural or off-grid locations where access to natural gas is limited. However, if you’ve ever found yourself with an air-locked system or just changed your kerosene tank, you may have encountered the need to “prime” the system. This step is crucial to ensure the burner receives a steady flow of fuel. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to prime a kerosene heating system —safely, efficiently, and with confidence. What Does "Priming" Mean? Priming a kerosene heating system involves removing trapped air from the fuel lines and allowing kerosene to flow freely into the burner. Without proper priming, your boiler or stove may fail to ignite, run inconsistently, or even suffer from long-term damage. Air can enter the system when: The kerosene tank runs dry You perform maintenance or change the filter Fuel lines are disconnected or replace...

The Best Ways to Store Domestic Fuel Safely

For the best usage of fuel in the different residential and commercial buildings there is a need to properly store it. Proper domestic fuel storage is a must especially in those few remote areas of the UK where other sources of heating are not available. Proper storage also reduces the risks of various incidents of spills and leaks that can lead to fire and even financial losses. You have to be sure that your fuel use is concerned with efficiency and safety. There are various methods to store the fuel for homes or businesses. For this, you have to choose the right kind of location and the right kind of fuel container. The location you will choose should be properly ventilated and should be away from the direct rays of sunlight. You also need to cheque the fuel container within a particular time frame whether it needs any repair or change. In this blog-post increase your awareness about the safe and easy-to-access process of fuel storage. Types Of Fuel Storage Containers In The UK Let’s...

How to Transition from Coal to Industrial Fuel Oil

 The industrial world is changing. What once powered the heart of industry—coal—is now becoming a relic of the past. Tightened environmental regulations, rising operational costs, and growing demands for cleaner alternatives are pushing industries to explore more sustainable energy sources. One increasingly viable option? Industrial fuel oil . Transitioning from coal to industrial fuel oil isn’t a simple switch of fuel types; it’s a strategic transformation. For manufacturers, plant operators, and facility managers, this change involves rethinking infrastructure, economics, safety, and future-proofing. This guide is crafted to give you a unique and practical path forward—grounded in decades of industry evolution. The Case for Moving Away from Coal Coal has powered industrial revolutions, but it now struggles to keep pace with the demands of a greener and more efficient future. Here's why industries are actively shifting: Coal is carbon-heavy : It’s one of the highest emitters...

Choosing the Right Kerosene Oil for Your Needs

 When it comes to reliable and efficient fuel, kerosene oil continues to be a trusted choice across the UK—especially in rural and off-grid locations. Whether you're heating your home, powering agricultural equipment, or using it for commercial machinery, choosing the correct type of kerosene oil can make a significant difference in performance, fuel economy, and system longevity. With various kerosene grades and formulations available, the decision isn’t always straightforward. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right kerosene oil for your specific needs—helping you make an informed, cost-effective, and efficient choice. Understanding the Basics: What is Kerosene Oil? Kerosene is a clear, combustible liquid distilled from petroleum. It’s long been used as a multi-purpose fuel, valued for its clean-burning properties and versatility. In the UK, it is most commonly used for: Domestic heating (in oil-fired boilers...