Red Seal Oil Heat System Technician Practice Exam

Which two types of oil are commonly used in heating systems?

1. Number 1 fuel oil and Number 2 fuel oil

2. Propane and Natural Gas

3. Vegetable oil and Diesel oil

4. Kerosene and Biodiesel

The correct answer is: Number 1 fuel oil and Number 2 fuel oil

The two types of oil commonly used in heating systems are Number 1 fuel oil and Number 2 fuel oil. Number 1 fuel oil, also referred to as kerosene, has a lower viscosity and is often used in situations where a quick ignition is essential, such as in certain types of burners during colder temperatures. This makes it suitable for residential heating with a focus on high efficiency and ease of burning. Number 2 fuel oil, on the other hand, is more viscous and is the most common type used for heating oil in residential and commercial applications. It tends to be more economical than Number 1 fuel oil and provides a more stable burn, making it favorable for oil heating systems that operate continuously for extended periods. While the other options include fuels like propane, natural gas, vegetable oil, diesel oil, kerosene, and biodiesel, they are not the primary oils used in conventional heating systems. Propane and natural gas are more commonly utilized in gas heating systems, and options like vegetable oil and biodiesel have niche applications but are not standard in traditional oil heating systems.