Confused by 28-second oil, kerosene and home heating oil? Here's the plain-English guide for Irish homes, and how to know you're ordering the right fuel.
By MyOil Editor ·
If you heat your home with oil in Ireland, the fuel in your tank is almost certainly kerosene, also called 28-second heating oil. They are the same thing. When you ring a supplier and ask for "home heating oil", that is what you'll get.
So if you've been staring at an invoice or a delivery quote wondering whether 28-second oil, kerosene and home heating oil are different products, relax. For the vast majority of Irish households, it's one fuel under three names.
Kerosene is a light, clean-burning fuel oil refined from crude oil. It's the standard fuel for domestic boilers and oil-fired cookers (like an oil Aga or Stanley) across Ireland.
It's prized for home use because it:
When people say "kerosene", "kero", "home heating oil" or "28-second oil", they almost always mean this same domestic-grade fuel.
The "28-second" part refers to viscosity, basically how thick the oil is and how easily it flows. It comes from an old test where oil is timed flowing through a standard measuring cup. Kerosene takes around 28 seconds, so it picked up the nickname.
The key thing to know is that the number describes how runny the fuel is, not its quality or grade in a way you need to worry about. It's just a handy label.
You may also hear about 35-second oil, which is gas oil (sometimes called green diesel or agricultural diesel). It's thicker than kerosene and is generally used for:
Most modern domestic boilers in Ireland are set up for 28-second kerosene. Putting the wrong oil in can affect how your boiler runs. If you're genuinely unsure which your system needs, check your boiler manual or ask an OFTEC-registered technician rather than guessing.
This is where a lot of buying anxiety comes from, especially if you've just moved into an oil-heated house and have never ordered before. Here's how to stay on the safe side:
If your home has an older or unusual setup and you suspect it uses gas oil, don't take a chance. A quick word with an OFTEC-registered technician will settle it for good.
Knowing your fuel is one thing. Knowing when you'll run dry, and not paying over the odds, is the part that saves real money and real hassle. A run-out is miserable: cold radiators, no hot water, and often a boiler lockout that needs restarting properly afterwards.
A few simple habits go a long way:
Now that you know your boiler almost certainly runs on 28-second kerosene, the smart move is to never order in a panic again. Check your likely run-out date, watch for a price dip, and order your next fill on your terms.
Set a price-drop alert and we'll email you when oil gets cheaper in your county.
Set a price-drop alert →Pop in your tank and last fill, and we'll estimate how many days you've got left.
See when you'll run out →Ordering home heating oil for the first time? Here's how to tell kerosene from gas oil, and how to check before you order so you don't get the wrong fuel.
Read →Confused about bunded oil tanks and the rules in Ireland? Here's the plain-English difference, when you need one, and how to protect your tank.
Read →How long does an oil tank last in Ireland, and what are the signs your old tank is on borrowed time? A plain guide to knowing when to replace.
Read →Tell us your county and we'll watch the price by the fill, not the cent. Add your tank and we'll tell you when you'll run out, and nudge you in good time to order.