Furnace oil, commonly known as fuel oil or heating oil, is a petroleum-derived liquid fuel widely used for heating and energy generation. It plays a crucial role in residential, commercial, and industrial heating applications where consistent and reliable heat output is required.
Furnace oil is produced through the fractional distillation of crude oil, a refining process that separates components based on boiling points. Classified as a heavy distillate, furnace oil has higher viscosity, making it thicker and less volatile than lighter fuels such as diesel or gasoline. These properties make it safer for storage and transport.
It is primarily used in oil-fired boilers, furnaces, and industrial burners, where it is combusted to generate heat over extended periods. Furnace oil is especially preferred in regions where natural gas infrastructure is limited or unavailable.
Due to its stable combustion characteristics and long-lasting heat output, furnace oil remains a dependable energy solution across various industrial sectors.