Posted: March 16, 2026
Because kerosene is more stable than heating oil under colder conditions—conditions that we see pretty regularly here in Vermont—it’s a smarter heating fuel for mobile homes and other homes and buildings with outside storage tanks.
What does “more stable” mean? It means unlike typical heating oil, kerosene will not freeze or gel until the thermometer reaches around -40 degrees Fahrenheit. So you will never have to worry about your kerosene freezing or turning into sludge in the middle of a cold snap.
Outside of areas and climates like ours, kerosene is mainly used in industrial appliacations and as jet fuel. But for homes and businesses across Vermont, kerosene is a smart choice to heat spaces that rely on outdoor storage tanks. It can also be a smart fuel to have on hand for backup heating.
Here are a few common ways kerosene is used.
Having a whole-house generator is a great option when the power goes out, but if you don’t use propane—or if you have a second home—it might be more than you need. Portable kerosene heaters are an excellent backup heating source during power outages. They will quickly warm specific rooms or even an entire small home. And, The carbon monoxide emissions produced by kerosene heating system are considered very low, so the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning affecting your family is low, as well.
Having kerosene lamps on hand is another great option for homes that experience frequent power outages.
Construction may slow down during the coldest months, but it doesn’t stop. But diesel starts to wax up at just 32 degrees. Kerosene effectively powers a wide range of machinery including:
Specialized equipment such as tar kettles, asphalt heaters, and industrial cleaning systems can also use kerosene, which has consistent burn characteristics and clean combustion that makes it ideal for applications requiring precise temperature control and minimal residue formation.
Warehouses, workshops, construction sites, and farms rely on kerosene heating systems for powerful, consistent heat output.
They heat large spaces quickly, operate in areas without natural gas access, and provide precise temperature control. The superior additives in our kerosene keep nozzles, screens, and electrodes clean, resulting in better equipment performance and more efficient fuel burning.
In addition to general barn heating, farms use kerosene for a variety of uses, such as crop drying, greenhouse heating systems also commonly use kerosene to maintain optimal growing temperatures during our extended cold season.
With offices in Brattleboro, Bridport, Fairfax, Grand Isle and other Vermont communities, Roberts is standing by for 24/7 deliveries and service. Whether you need kerosene or a fifty-fifty blend of kerosene and heating oil, we’re ready to help, with reliable delivery, transparent pricing, equipment service and more to keep your family comfortable year-round.
Contact us today.
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