Can I Use Diesel Fuel In My Oil Furnace?

closeup of diesel fuel pump at gas station

When heavy snowfalls hit the Cincinnati area, homeowners waiting on a delayed oil delivery might wonder, “Can I put diesel fuel in my oil tank?” or “Can you use diesel as heating oil?” The answer is yes on both parts.

If your heating oil is running low or empty, diesel fuel is safe to use as a substitute in unexpected circumstances like severe weather that prevents your oil delivery, but you can ALWAYS count on us.

With 24/7 emergency service and online specials, Rick’s Heating & Cooling provides top-notch residential HVAC services in Warren, Butler, Hamilton, Clinton, Clermont, and Brown County.

If your oil furnace is still not working after adding diesel fuel, schedule emergency HVAC repair in Mason or Lebanon today by contacting Rick’s Heating & Cooling.

Can Diesel Fuel Heat My Home in an Emergency?

Yes, diesel fuel is similar to heating oil and can be used as a substitute to heat your home in an emergency. Though it’s best to plan ahead for Ohio’s wintry weather that can shut down roads and delay deliveries, substituting diesel for home heating oil is not uncommon. Diesel is refined and used in vehicles but doesn’t have dye like heating oil does.

If you have no hot water and your house is cold, reset the burner. Signs you might need furnace repair include a clogged filter from excess sludge or air in your feed lines.

To confirm if you have heating oil:

  • Unscrew the plastic cover on your oil tank to expose the float-style gauge. If it’s above the 1/8 marker, you may still have oil.
  • Press or lift the red disk gently. When you release it, it should float on the oil in the tank but if it drops to the bottom, there’s no oil.
  • You can purchase diesel fuel at a gas station and add it to your fill pipe.

How to Use Diesel Fuel to Heat Your Home

As a safety precaution, keep your heater well-ventilated as diesel can create more soot than standard heating oil. After adding diesel fuel, monitor your oil furnace performance to ensure it operates correctly.

To use diesel fuel, follow the steps below.

How to purchase the correct type of fuel from a gas station

  • At a gas station, buy a yellow container or generic version that can hold 5-10 gallons; red is reserved for gasoline.
  • The amount of diesel you need can vary by home size and weather conditions if you expect further delays from snow/ice.
  • If you have a used container, rinse it to eliminate contaminants that could damage your heating system. 

How to fill your oil tank

  • To add diesel fuel, first, turn off your furnace to prevent an accident.
  • DO NOT remove the plug in the oil tank located in your basement. Instead, go outside and open the fill cap where your oil truck hooks its hose.
  • Carefully pour the diesel into the fill pipe, and it will flow into the oil tank.

Restart your furnace

  • Wait 10 minutes after adding diesel fuel for the sediment to fall back into the tank’s base.
  • Press the fuel oil burner’s red reset button to restart your system.
  • If your furnace does not come on, the lines may need bleeding to release air, and we can help.

Long-Term Issues of Heating Your Home with Diesel Fuel

Running out of heating oil is unsafe in frigid weather. The good news is diesel fuel is a short-term substitute during a heating emergency. However, extended usage can shorten your furnace’s lifespan, increase soot buildup, and cause it to need more routine heating service. Diesel is also more expensive than standard heating oil. In a pinch, you can simply pour the diesel into the fill cap outside your home, where you receive oil deliveries. If your furnace is still not powering on, contact us for service.

In business since 1986, Rick’s Heating & Cooling is a BBB-accredited business that provides professional and prompt service, especially for heating emergencies.

With background-checked technicians, quick response times, and free estimates on replacement HVACs, we offer honest pricing and a discounted maintenance plan to keep your home toasty warm all winter.

We treat customers like family. Find an HVAC technician in Morrow or Cincinnati or book same-day furnace repair with Rick’s Heating & Cooling.

What To Do If You Run Out of Oil for Your Furnace

Woman shivering under blanket furnace not working

A homeowner’s worst nightmare is running out of heating oil between deliveries, which means your furnace cannot run, leaving you without heat and hot water. If you suspect you’ve run out of oil, follow these steps:

  • Check your oil tank for oil and rule out furnace repair issues (noise, odors, corrosion).
  • Order oil online, confirm the delivery date, and set up monthly service.
  • Buy 5-10 gallons of diesel fuel at a gas station to hold you over until your delivery arrives.

Rick’s Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive HVAC services for homes in counties like Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, and Hamilton. See our online promotions and specials and knowledge center to learn more.

Make Sure Your Oil Tank is Empty

If your heat shuts off and you don’t know how much oil you have, inspect the tank and gauge and troubleshoot repair issues.

To check the gauge, remove the oil tank’s plastic cover and look for the float-style gauge over the 1/8 marker line. That means you have oil. If it’s lower or if you press or lift the disk gently and it sinks to the bottom, you need oil.

Investing in a smart oil gauge lets you conveniently track oil usage in an app and alerts you and your oil provider if levels are low.

Signs you need furnace repair, a replacement, or maintenance:

  • The pilot light will not stay lit. Clean it, firmly press the pilot light button, and confirm the gas valve is open.
  • The burner flame will not light if it’s set too low or is malfunctioning and needs service.
  • The filter is clogged and needs replacing, air is in the feed lines, or the furnace cycles on/off, which might be the blower or motor, or parts that need lubricating.
  • The furnace is over 10 years old, heating bills are increasing, it makes noise, or the burner flame is orange or yellow instead of blue.

Order More Oil

Scheduling regular oil deliveries will help ensure you never run out of oil for your furnace, especially with Ohio’s unpredictable winter weather. Contact your oil supplier and request an oil delivery. Consider setting up a service contract to avoid running out of oil.

Your oil carrier can make routine deliveries even when you are not home, as the fill pipe they need to access is outside your home.

Use Diesel Fuel

While waiting for fuel delivery, you can use diesel fuel as an emergency alternative to keep your home comfortable.

Diesel is a comparable fuel source. It has a refined texture and does not include the dyes found in standard oil. However, diesel is only recommended for short-term use as it produces excess soot, can strain your heating system, and is more expensive than standard oil.

How to use diesel fuel instead of heating oil:

  • Buy diesel fuel from your local gas station and place it in a yellow 5–10-gallon tank.
  • At home, shut off your furnace. Do not remove the oil tank’s cap in your basement.
  • Go outside and remove the hex cap on the fill pipe, carefully pour in the diesel fuel, and screw the cap back on. 

Restart Your Furnace

After adding diesel fuel, you’ll need to restart your oil furnace. Switch on the red on/off button on the fuel burner. If your furnace will not power on, let us know, as your furnace’s lines might need bleeding

Choose Rick’s Heating & Cooling for Furnace Maintenance

Trust the experts to keep your furnace functioning properly and extend its lifespan.

Since 1986, Rick’s Heating & Cooling has provided top-rated HVAC services for Ohio homeowners. Backed by a BBB rating and positive reviews, rely on us for prompt service and free estimates on replacement quotes. With transparent prices and a convenient maintenance plan, keep your rooms comfortable regardless of the forecast.

Experts you can trust. Find an HVAC technician in Cincy or Morrow today by contacting Rick’s Heating & Cooling.

What Is the Best Humidity Level for a Cincinnati Home?

air humidifier

Balancing out your home’s humidity levels is important for a slew of reasons. Unbalanced moisture levels can lead to health issues as well as damage to your home’s structural integrity. Cincinnati sees a lot of humidity throughout the summer and dry, snowy climates in the winter. To combat this, homeowners should consider implementing air quality efforts to counteract the weather outside. Partnering with a professional for expert indoor air quality services is a surefire way for residents to improve their home’s comfort and humidity levels, and it should always be made a priority.

Rick’s Heating & Cooling offers humidifier and dehumidifier services for your benefit, and we are experts you can trust. Set up services with our team today!

Optimum Home Humidity Levels

For ideal home comfort, humidity levels should be between 30% and 50%. If you achieve this level, you’re better protected against mold and mildew growth that can cause health problems and damage your home. Balanced humidity levels can reduce your allergy symptoms altogether as well as enhance your home’s overall comfort. Professional indoor air quality services are recommended for achieving optimal humidity levels.

Dehumidifiers During the Cincy Summer

Summers in Cincinnati are beautiful, but they can be hot with an average relative humidity of 50% to 70%. With this in mind, it’s important for residents to implement dehumidifying methods to balance out their home’s moisture level. Not only can dehumidifiers reduce the amount of humidity in your home, but they can also improve your HVAC unit’s efficiency. If your humidity levels are high, your AC unit will inevitably work harder to keep up with your cooling needs; a dehumidifier will reduce the strain placed on your unit. Work with a professional for expert dehumidifier services.

Humidifiers in the Winter & Fall

Low, dry temperatures in Cincinnati are prevalent in the fall and winter, and a humidifier may be what you need to improve the atmosphere in your home. If your air is too dry and stuffy, symptoms like dry skin, respiratory issues, and static electricity may be on the rise. A whole-home humidifier is installed directly in your ductwork and works to add moisture back into your home. Having one professionally installed will help to limit the negative impact of low humidity so you can get back to living in comfort and safety.

How To Track Humidity Levels

While the aforementioned symptoms of low or high humidity are a great way to know you need indoor air quality services, there are other ways homeowners can pinpoint the exact levels present in their homes. A great way to monitor humidity in your home is with a hygrometer that’s used to measure the moisture content in your air. Additionally, smart home devices, such as smart thermostats, are used for monitoring and balancing your home’s temperature and humidity.

Maintain Optimal Humidity Levels in Cincinnati With Professional Services

Maintaining ideal humidity levels plays a critical role in achieving a comfortable and safe atmosphere all year long. For best results, scheduling humidifier or dehumidifier services is key for adding moisture to cold winter days or removing excessive humidity in the dead of summer. By working with a professional, you can significantly heighten your home’s comfort and improve your health and well-being. Additionally, implementing these systems can cut back on energy consumption and save you money in the long run.

Since 2005, we have been experts you can trust, and we will always treat our customers like family. Set up indoor air quality services with our BBB-accredited team today and reap the benefits for many years to come!

Fall HVAC Maintenance Checklist

As the brisk autumn air begins to settle in and winter peeks out in Cincinnati and the surrounding area, readying your HVAC system for a change of seasons will keep your home comfortable.

Preparing your heating and cooling system for the colder months with a fall HVAC maintenance checklist not only guarantees a climate-controlled refuge from the intense weather but also offers many cost-saving benefits.

Regular HVAC fall maintenance keeps your system in top shape, saving you money and minimizing the risk of those always inconvenient breakdowns. Of course, we all want our HVAC system to last forever — though that’s not possible, fall heating and cooling maintenance extends the life of your HVAC unit, giving you peace of mind for years to come. In this blog post, we’ll talk you through some essential HVAC tips for fall and provide expert advice from Rick’s Heating & Cooling to get you through the teeth-chattering seasons.

Contact Rick’s Heating & Cooling for all your fall maintenance needs.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

Actively preparing your HVAC system with a fall checklist can make a huge difference for those in the Cincinnati community and the surrounding area. Rick’s Heating & Cooling offers expert HVAC tips for fall and has superior HVAC specialists ready to keep your HVAC system running with ease and efficiency throughout the colder months. Stay ahead of potential stressors and keep your home warm and ready for pumpkin spice season. Here’s the list!

·       Change Your Furnace Filter

A clean furnace filter is crucial for maximum airflow and minimum wear and tear, reducing strain on your system. During weather that requires heat, replace your filter monthly to ensure your HVAC system runs like a top and doesn’t cost you a fortune.

·       Clean Your HVAC Ducts and Registers

Ducts and registers circulate air throughout your home. Clogged ducts lead to dust buildup and reduced airflow. Our professional cleaning services help your HVAC maintain its performance and keep the air cleaner for a healthier indoor environment.

·       Clean Your Chimney and Outdoor Vents

Clear chimneys and outdoor vents provide excellent air circulation, essential for proper ventilation and safety. Blocked vents can also cause dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. Rick’s Heating & Cooling recommends professional cleaning for chimneys and outdoor vents, especially those with fireplaces or gas heating systems.

·       Test Your Furnace and Listen for Unusual Noises

The early bird always wins out, so turn your furnace on in early fall in case it needs maintenance or repair. Listen for unusual noises like grinding or clanging, which could indicate mechanical issues or potential system failures. For any concerns, trust Rick’s Heating & Cooling and contact experts you can trust for your furnace tune-up.

·       Replace the Batteries in Your Carbon Monoxide Detector

Regularly check that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly — there is usually a test button or a light signaling it’s working — for home safety. Your detector is there to alert you to dangerous CO levels that can be life-threatening. Replace the batteries twice a year, such as when changing your clocks.

Don’t Let Fall Sneak Up on You

By completing this fall maintenance checklist, you can go into fall with a high-functioning HVAC and peace of mind. Preventative maintenance and tune-ups keep your costs lower and your HVAC in business longer.

As leaves turn and you look forward to time with family and friends in your home, trust Rick’s Heating & Cooling in Cincinnati and the Warren County area to tune up your HVAC for fall and winter fun. Contact us today!

3 Ways To Extend the Life of Your Central Air Conditioner

Your central air conditioner is at the center of your home’s comfort during those hot and humid days, working tirelessly to keep you comfortable when the heat is on. But like with any system, it eventually experiences wear and tear over time. The average lifespan of most air conditioners is 10 years. However, there are ways to keep your AC running efficiently for up to over 15 years. In this blog, you’ll learn the three most effective ways to extend the life of your air conditioner so you can enjoy years of continued cooling comfort.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

Your AC’s outdoor unit plays a vital role in keeping your home cool. However, it can’t do its job if it’s buried under leaves, twigs, and other debris. When anything blocks the airflow, the unit must work harder, ultimately reducing your AC’s efficiency and performance. Plus, dirt and grime can build up over time, clogging the coils and reducing the system’s ability to cool your home. So, give your outdoor unit a little TLC by cleaning it regularly and giving it more years of reliable service.

Change the Air Filter Regularly

The air filter in your AC system is responsible for catching all the dirt, dust, and other airborne particles and preventing them from circulating in your home. But if the filter gets too clogged, it restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder than it should. This can lead to premature wear and tear, reduced efficiency, and eventual system failure. Luckily, all you need to do is make a habit of changing out your air filter once every month. A clean filter means better airflow, less strain on your system, and a cooler, more comfortable home for years to come.

Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance

Even the best-maintained systems need a professional touch now and then. Scheduling regular HVAC maintenance helps catch potential problems before they become costly repairs. A professional technician can perform a thorough inspection, identify any issues that may go under your radar, and take preventative measures to keep your system running efficiently.

While you should always be performing basic maintenance on your AC, it’s recommended to schedule professional air conditioning maintenance at least once a year to help extend the life of your air conditioner. This way, you can be sure your AC is ready to tackle the summer heat without breaking a sweat.

Keep Your AC Running Smoothly With Rick’s Heating & Cooling

By keeping the outdoor unit clean, changing the air filter regularly, and scheduling professional maintenance, you’ll enjoy a cooler home, lower energy bills, and a longer-lasting AC unit. Extend it even longer with air conditioning services with Rick’s Heating & Cooling. With 24/7 emergency service, free estimates on replacement quotes, and a Better Business Bureau accreditation, we’ve been the experts to trust since 1986.

Keep your air conditioner running for longer when you choose Rick’s. Schedule your next AC service with one of our technicians today.