Lämmitysöljynä

Lämmitysöljynä, often referred to as heating oil in English, is a type of fuel oil used for heating purposes in residential and commercial buildings. It is a liquid petroleum product derived from crude oil refining. Its primary function is to combust in a furnace or boiler to generate heat, which is then distributed throughout a building via radiators or forced air systems.

The composition of heating oil can vary slightly depending on the refining process and intended use. It is generally a heavier oil than gasoline or diesel fuel, with a higher boiling point and viscosity. This characteristic makes it suitable for storage in tanks and for gradual combustion. Two common types of heating oil are No. 2 heating oil and No. 4 heating oil, with No. 2 being the most prevalent for residential use due to its cleaner burning properties and lower viscosity.

The use of lämmitysöljynä has been a traditional and widespread method of heating in many regions, particularly where natural gas infrastructure is less developed or unavailable. Its advantages include reliable heat generation, relatively easy storage, and a well-established supply chain. However, it is also a fossil fuel, and its combustion releases greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air quality concerns and climate change. Due to these environmental factors, there has been a growing trend towards alternative heating methods, such as natural gas, electricity, and renewable energy sources, in many countries.