Kerosene is a versatile, petroleum-based fuel that is commonly used in households and industrial applications. Before electricity became prevalent, the oil was one of the first chemicals to be commercially extracted on a large scale. Take a look at some of the fascinating facts about kerosene to see how much you didn’t know about this diverse oil.

4 Amazing Facts About Kerosene

1. Discovery

While the process of crude oil distillation dates back to the ninth century, the invention of kerosene oil is credited to a British geologist named Abraham Gesner. He patented a process to extract the flammable liquid from a petroleum byproduct called bitumen. Kerosene can also be extracted from oil shale, coal, and wood.

2. Worldwide Use

In the early 20^th century, use of household kerosene lighting was reduced as electricity became more accessible in the Western world. In some of the developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, kerosene remains commonly used for cooking and lighting.

3. Clean & Efficient Heating Oil

Fuel oil furnaces provide an efficient method to heat homes. Kerosene heating oil is a relatively clean-burning fuel compared to other petroleum-based products. It produces fewer particulate pollutants and less dangerous vapors when used in central heating systems and other applications.

4. Future Use

There is an increasingly high demand for kerosene in commercial and military applications, especially for jet fuel. The goal is to replace diesel with a low-misting kerosene that provides greater protection from jet fuel explosion. In household use, new heaters that offer better protection against fires are being manufactured.

When you need home heating oil, trust the professionals at State Fuel Company in Rochester, NY. Since 1939, their experienced team has provided oil delivery services to homes and businesses in Monroe County. Whether you need kerosene or diesel fuel, you can count on their experts to provide safe, economical oil heating solutions. To schedule an appointment, call (585) 308-0169 or visit them online to learn more about the company.