Do Kerosene Additives Work?

Date Published: 18/11/2024

Are Kerosene Additives Worth it? Do They Work?

As utility prices continue to rise in the UK, we’re all searching for ways to make energy savings. While many of those connected to the national grid may be attempting to reduce their gas consumption, for those of us who are reliant on heating oil, just what can be done to cut long-term costs? Kerosene additives are often hailed as a simple, cost saving solution for homes that have oil-powered central heating systems. But do fuel additives actually work? We answer this question and more in this helpful additive guide.

What do heating oil additives do?

Kerosene additives help to prevent or treat the common problems associated with oil central heating systems by removing sludge, inhibiting microbe growth and preventing corrosion. By removing impurities and helping to keep your system clean, additives can boost the efficiency of your home heating oil, reduce wear and tear, and extend the life of your central heating system.

Do kerosene additives work?

Yes, kerosene fuel additives do work. Like many other types of fuel, kerosene is created by refining crude oil. As fuel is refined and transported, its specifications continue to alter, resulting in impurities such as bacteria and sludge. This is where additives can be used to restore kerosene to its refined state and keep your appliance in good working order.

Do oil tank additives work?

Yes, oil tank additives do work. Kerosene additives can benefit and help to protect your oil tank by reducing wear and tear. This is because additives can prevent corrosion, improve the burning efficiency of home heating oil and remove sludge and impurities.

Essentially, additives can help to keep your oil tank clean. This is important because sludge can block the nozzle in your oil tank and prevent it from working properly. This can cause your tank to work harder and in turn, shorten its lifespan. However, kerosene additives can remove impurities and carbon, resulting in a cleaner and healthier central heating system. As such, additives can reduce breakdowns and improve the efficiency of your tank.

Are fuel additives a waste of money?

There are many debates about whether additives can help homeowners save money. Kerosene additives are effective when used in oil central heating systems and range-cookers, helping to prevent some of the most common central heating problems and keep your system in good working order. All of this could add up to long-term energy savings.

Water, sludge and oxidation can be problematic for oil-powered central heating systems. The presence of water in your oil tank can cause rust and lead to bacteria growth; a build-up of sludge and dirt can result in clogs and reduce your tank’s heating ability; and oxidation can impact your fuel’s burning efficiency by making it less combustible. Additives can help by, separating and removing water that would otherwise cause rust and damage your tank, removing sludge that could clog your tank’s components and lead to wear and tear, as well as stabilising heating oil, preventing oxidation and boosting its efficiency. 

How do you keep heating oil from gelling?

Oil gelling can be damaging to your appliance, as gelling changes the consistency of heating oil and prevents it from being able to flow smoothly through the tank nozzle and filter. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way of preventing kerosene heating oil gelling: anti-gelling additives. Kerosene oil is more likely to start gelling at temperatures below 2°C and as such, anti-gelling additives are more commonly used during the winter months. These additives can help to keep your heating oil flowing smoothly and prevent blockages, even during colder temperatures.

Heating oil additives from Your NRG

To benefit from a cleaner, healthier and more efficient central heating system, contact the your NRG team or get a quote online. Our specially formulated additives have been designed to deliver long-term savings by reducing maintenance costs and improving the efficiency of your home appliances. With no hidden fees and affordable prices, we can help you save on your domestic heating. This includes our exclusive Savings Plan to help you spread the cost of your heating oil, as well as advice on the benefits of home heating oil and making energy savings.