What type of oil is typically used in residential heating systems?

Heating oil, specifically No. 2 fuel oil, is the standard type of oil used in residential heating systems. It is specifically formulated for use in oil heating systems, providing an efficient and effective means of heating homes. No. 2 fuel oil is a refined product derived from crude oil and has characteristics that make it suitable for combustion in oil burners, such as a proper viscosity and a lower sulfur content compared to other fuels.

In contrast, vegetable oil is primarily used for cooking and biodiesel production rather than for traditional residential heating and is not optimized for heating system combustion. Industrial lubricant oil is designed for machinery and engine lubrication, not for heating purposes, and can contain additives that are not suitable for residential heating applications. Diesel fuel is similar to heating oil but is taxed differently and may not meet the specific requirements or standards set for residential heating. While it can sometimes be used in place of heating oil, it's generally not the primary fuel choice for oil heating systems in homes.