Archive for the ‘petroleum products’ Category.

Wednesday 16 September, 2020

Off-Road Diesel vs On-Road Diesel

Off-road diesel

Off-Road Diesel Delivery

There are two different types of diesel fuel. There is on-road diesel fuel and there is off-read diesel fuel. So what’s the difference? We will take a look in this post.

On-road diesel fuel is for cars and vehicles that typically drive on the paved roads and highways as well as byways. The type of fuel they require can be found at most any commercial gas stations.

Off-road diesel is for vehicles that spend most of their time in dirt. Vehicles like tractors, construction equipment and even generators use off-road diesel fuel.

The reason these two have become separated is simply because of tax laws. The off road diesel is not taxed whereas on road diesel is taxed. The on-road diesel taxes help pay to maintain the very roads which they use. Since off-road vehicles don’t use paved roads, they are exempt from this particular tax.

Dye

The off-road variety has a red dye added to it and is often called red diesel. This helps inspectors hold everyone accountable and make sure no funny business is going on with their operation. Regular on-road diesel is clear and is often referred to as just “clear diesel”.

Essentially they are the same exact product and burn the same way. The red dye is not harmful to your engine and is completely inert.

Delivery

We can deliver your fuel today. We deliver to the Greater Lynchburg area and surrounding counties.
Call today at 434-845-0971 we will be happy to serve you.

 
 

Friday 03 April, 2020

Now May Be the Best Time to Buy Heating Oil

With the U.S. and most of the world’s economy at almost a standstill, the use of petroleum has naturally decreased. And it has decreased by quite a lot. Since the oil market is “supply and demand” based, the slow down has affected prices. The lack of demand has stifled the supply and now oil companies need to move the product.

petroleum price April 2020

Crude oil by the barrel

Take a look at this graph below. You can see what I’m talking about.

The point of this blog post is that now may be the best time to buy your heating oil. It seems counter-intuitive to buy heating oil when things are getting warm and we have a full summer ahead of us. But, we may never see these prices again. And the prices are sure to rise as demand returns once the economy starts flowing again.

Heating oil doesn’t evaporate. So, if you fill up your tank now, it will be the same when it is time to use it again in the fall. In fact, heating oil is good for ten years. It is a very stable liquid.

Call the staff at Sterling Oil to get prices to fill your tank now and save some money, They will be happy to serve you in the greater Lynchburg Area and Surrounding Counties.  We can also take payment over the phone so you there is no need to come by the office.

 

 

 
 

Thursday 21 November, 2019

Interesting Facts About Heating Oil

oil refinery

Oil refinery

Heating and cooling are our specialty. We serve Lynchburg Virginia and surrounding areas. A major part of our business is providing heating oil for those households that require this type of fuel source. In this article we would like to share some facts about heating oil which the reader may not already know.

Production

Heating oil comes from the same petroleum used for automobile oil and to make gasoline. The raw (or crude) oil is heated from between 250 to 350 degrees Celsius. The oil that condenses at this temperature is then used as heating oil.

By Any Other Name

Heating oil can be called by any other name but it is always heating oil. Some of these names are:

  • Gas Oil
  • Paraffin
  • Fuel Oil
  • Kersosene
  • 28 second heating oil

These nomenclatures aren’t always 100% accurate but they get the message across.

Best Time to Buy

Just like with any commodity, the best time to buy heating oil is when the use or demand is low. So, buying heating oil in the summer is when you are most likely to receive the best price and the service will be fast as well. Usually the price tends to be lower in summer months too.

Safety of Heating Oil

We have gone over the safety of heating oil in other articles. But, let us do so again because we cannot stress how safe heating oil actually is.

Heating oil only burns when done so in a special heating oil burning unit. Therefore, having a tank of heating oil in or around your house is very safe.

Supply and Demand

When refining a barrel of oil, a good portion of it results in heating oil. Every drop of each barrel of oil is used for a purpose. About 20% is used for gasoline and the rest is divided up between petrochemical and oil uses. There is plenty of supply to meet the demand of customers.

 
 

Tuesday 02 January, 2018

Why So Many People Use Heating Oil

According to statistics, around 6 million households in the United States currently use heating oil as their main heating fuel source. Some of these households also use heating oil to warm up their water. This is done in much smaller batches than what you would find with other sources of heat for a water heater. Commercial and industrial buildings are also known to use heating oil for many things.

Benefits of Using Heating Oil

There are many benefits that come from using this heating source. If you currently use it, or you’re thinking of making the switch to it then it is important to think about the many benefits that come with this type of heating source.

  1. It is one of the most popular choices to go with when it comes to heating your home, making it a great product to get anywhere that you live.
  2. It is much safer to use than many of the other heating sources out there. It can only work within a specific burner and it will not explode.
  3. It is more effective at heating a home, making the home much more warm and comfortable for those living within it. This is a plus during those really cold nights.
  4. It is more cost effective. The system does not have to work as hard to put heat throughout the home. This benefits everyone.
  5. It is better for the environment. Since it is so effective at heating homes, this is one of the best sources of heat that doesn’t put too many emissions into the atmosphere.

Whatever the reason is for switching, this can be an ideal switch for you to make. You do not have to worry about not being able to get the heat that is needed since you’re using an efficient heating source that is getting the job done and making everyone comfortable in the end.

A local heating oil company can come out and provide the system, as well as the oil to your home. This provides you with a way to keep the system running, but not having to do any of the maintenance or filling of the oil system on your own.

Contact a local heating oil company to find out how they’re able to help you make the switch. You may be surprised to find all of the cost savings, as well as efficient benefits that come with the system when you do!

 
 

Tuesday 09 August, 2016

The Perks of Using Heating Oil to Heat Your Home

When you are building a home, or looking around to buy a home, knowing how your home will function is imperative. You need to know where the electrical source comes from, what type of water you are going to be dealing with, and how you are going to keep your home warm when the cold weather hits. If you are given the option of building or looking at a home that has heating oil, there are some really good perks to using this type of heating source.

Heating Oil Warms Your House Very Quickly
When you are talking about how fast a house can get to a warm, comfortable temperature when you get up in the morning, nothing can compete with heating oil. It burns hotter than any other heating substance. This means that heating oil is going to be able to heat the air, if you use a furnace, or the water, if you use a boiler, much more quickly, and get that heat circulating around your home in a matter of just a couple of minutes. That means, waking up on a chilly morning won’t require you to walk around the house in a snowmobile suit until the house finally warms up.

Heating Oil is Also Very Safe
When you have heating oil left in a liquid state, you do not have the worry of it going up in flames on you. It simply will not burn. That means that you can safely store your heating oil in a location near to your home. When heating oil is used, a fine mist of the oil is combined with oxygen and put in front of the burner to ignite the necessary oil to warm up your home. Without the oil being separated into that fine mist, it will not go up in flames, even if exposed to an open flame.

If you are looking for a new home, you may seriously want to give heating oil a consideration. It is safe, cost-effective, and it will last a very long time. The perks that you get, especially in areas that get hit with really cold temperatures, make it one of the best options available to homeowners today. To find out more about heating oil in your area, contact your local heating oil delivery company and find out what you would need in order to get your home set up to accept heating oil.

 
 

Wednesday 03 August, 2016

Keeping Kerosene Properly Allows It to Remain Useable Indefinitely

Kerosene is a great way to provide light and heat to your home when the electricity goes out, or if you are trying to live off the grid in a more sustainable manner. However, many people are a bit unsure of how to store kerosene to keep it usable for years. If you go through and keep your kerosene in an area where it cannot get contaminated, and you keep it off the ground and out of the elements, your kerosene could easily last you 5-15 years, if not longer.
Storing Your Kerosene After Delivery

You need to have a way to store your kerosene set up before it can be delivered. Most people use large drums, typically 55 gallon drums, that are quite thick and able to remain airtight when closed. These drums should not be set directly on the floor, but instead, propped up on a few two by fours so that they do not have any issues with anything burrowing up under the drum and chewing on the plastic. The drum needs a tight-fitting lid that will allow you to open it for filling, and a pump to allow you to take out small portions for lamps or other small items.

Your drum should also be blue, much as it would be if you were storing it in a small can, and be made of heavy-duty plastic. Red is easily identifiable as a gasoline can, but should anyone come into your home, barn, or garage, such as a fire official, they will instantly be able to recognize a small blue can, or a large blue drum, as a container for kerosene. Using a metal can has the potential of rusting should any water enter the container with the kerosene, which could leak your kerosene out and cause a contamination of your land, water, and potentially make you sick.

The only thing you need to do is make sure that you are keeping all water away from your kerosene, as this is going to cause it to become unusable after a very short amount of time.

If you are looking for more information about kerosene and its many uses, give your local kerosene delivery company a call. They can help you set up a system to hold your kerosene, so should you experience a power outage, you have the means to at least keep the lights on in your home.

 
 

Friday 29 July, 2016

Know How to Keep Your Diesel Fuel Fresh

Refilling fuel view from inside of gas tank of a carDiesel fuel can be used for a lot of different things, but you do not have the same longevity with diesel fuel that you do with other types of fuel products. Typically, your diesel fuel is only going to remain useable for anywhere from six months up to a year. The lifespan goes down if you are not able to keep the diesel fuel dry and stored in a cool spot. If you want to be able to get the most out of your diesel fuel, then you need to learn how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips on doing just that.

Understanding the Problems with Diesel Fuel Helps You Keep It Longer
The moment that diesel fuel leaves the fuel refinery, it is already starting to degrade. That is why storing it properly is so important. The longer the diesel fuel exists beyond being refined, the more gunk you are liable to have floating around your fuel. If you have the opportunity to use your diesel fuel quickly, then that is the best option in terms of it being clear and safe. Thankfully, when most companies deliver diesel fuel, it already has the additives in it that are going to slow down this process, allowing your diesel fuel to last beyond approximately a month. Continue reading ‘Know How to Keep Your Diesel Fuel Fresh’ »

 
 

Monday 25 July, 2016

Many Engines Aside from Cars Use Diesel Fuel

Diesel Generator for Office BuildingIf you have a wide variety of vehicles on your property, having your own small supply of diesel fuel may be necessary. Diesel fuel powers a lot of different vehicles, aside from cars and small trucks on the road. Should you have large trucks or farming equipment, then diesel fuel is likely an important part of your existence. Here are some of the things you need to know about using diesel fuel.

What Makes Diesel Fuel Different

Diesel fuel engines are created slightly different than gasoline engines. They do not need to have spark plugs because diesel fuel ignites differently, and diesel fuel is also thicker than gasoline. That is what makes diesel an ideal option for larger engines, such as those in trains, combines, boats, buses, and heavy-duty generators.
Over recent years, the levels of sulfur that has been allowed to remain in diesel fuel has been drastically reduced, with the current maximum being 15ppm, or parts per million. This means that no matter what engine you are putting diesel fuel in, it is now burning cleaner than it was ever required to do before. Continue reading ‘Many Engines Aside from Cars Use Diesel Fuel’ »

 
 

Tuesday 19 July, 2016

Learning How to Safely Store Gasoline

There are many reasons to store gasoline at your home or on your property. It can be used to power your tools, such as snow blowers and lawnmowers, you can add a little to your vehicle should you get low or should you be doing repairs on a vehicle that is not running yet, and it can also be used to power smaller vehicles such as snowmobiles and ATVs. If you are going to store any bit of gasoline on your property, there are a few things to keep in mind.

You Must Store Gasoline Properly In Order to Be Safe

Since gasoline is so highly flammable, it must be kept under specific conditions to keep you, your family, and those around you safe. Here are some tips to ensure that you are keeping your gasoline safely stored so everyone remains protected.

Tip One: Find out how much you are legally allowed to store first. Most municipalities have a limit as to how much you can keep on your property, so before you bring any home, make sure you are keeping yourself under your limit.

Tip Two: The tank or container you store your gasoline in must be certified for gasoline, and should be the color red. This is something that can be easily identified by everyone, making it safer simply by having it in the right colored container.

Tip Three: Your gasoline must be kept at a consistent room temperature and kept away from things like the sun or any type of heat source. Even the fumes coming off the gasoline can ignite, so you need to make sure that there is no heat that could light the gasoline up.

Tip Four: Only add gasoline to your tools or outdoor toys when everything is cool. If you add gasoline to a hot engine, it could be warm enough to light it up and cause a fire.

Tip Five: Should there be any type of spill, rags, paper, or sawdust is the best option for soaking up the spill.
Make sure that you take the right precautions when storing gasoline for home use. If you are not sure how to properly store it, then you should either ask your local gasoline delivery company or gas station for assistance, or not store it to be on the safe side. Protect yourself and those around you by making sure to only store gasoline the right way.

 
 

Monday 18 July, 2016

Unusual Things You Likely Never Knew About Gasoline

Gasoline is a refined form of crude oil, which most people know, but there are a lot of aspects of gasoline that most people are blissfully unaware of. There are some really interesting facts about gasoline that most people don’t have any idea of. In fact, some of the myths about gasoline are actually completely inaccurate, but the truths can be just as fascinating, if not more so. Here are some unusual things that you can learn, that you can then stump your friends with, at your next trivia night.

Things You Should Know About Gasoline

A lot of people think crude oil comes from fossilized dinosaurs. This is completely inaccurate. One of the biggest sources of crude oil is actually from pond scum. The oil that bubbled up from beneath the surface of the earth was later eaten by the bacteria that formed pond scum. In order to get the oil out of it, the pond scum must be pressure cooked. Bet you never look at your mother’s pressure cooker the same.

Evening is the best time of the day to buy gasoline. It’s true! Gas pumps measure how much a gallon is by volume, and since gasoline becomes a bit denser as it cools, you will actually get a bit more gas if you head to the pump during the nighttime hours.

When Americans first found crude oil, they didn’t know what it was for, so they industriously bottled it and sold it to the unsuspecting public as a health tonic. Yum! If your gas cap is old and loose, you can lose as much as a whopping 30 gallons of gas a year simply from the vapors that escape the cap. That’s a lot of gas to just let go of.

Having your windows open when you are driving at a high speed can cause so much drag, you can lose as much as 10% of your vehicle’s total fuel economy. Next time, stop waving your hand in the breeze and kick on the vents. Gasoline is not an easy recipe to put together. Depending on which brand you buy, you are buying anywhere between 150 and 1,000 different ingredients mixed in with your gas.

There are enough pipelines for fuel within the United States to make it halfway to the moon.
Now that your mind has been filled with useful, interesting, and confusing facts about gasoline, go stump your friends and see which facts they get right!

 

 
 
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