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I know lots of people still use kerosene in their Monitor but thought I'd share my experience with using ULSD. I've been using ULSD since 2012 and have had no problems with it's use. Kerosene got so hard to obtain in this area I was having to drive about a 70 mile round trip just to buy it. Last time I bought any kerosene was 2024 I think and it was for a portable kerosene heater that I use for emergency during power outages. The kerosene at that time was $4.999 per gallon and I'm currently buying ULSD for $3.149. ULSD isn't only easier to obtain but is also much cheaper per gallon. I'm not trying to persuade anyone into changing fuels but thought I'd share my experience over the last 14 years using ULSD. ULSD also has more BTU per gallon than kerosene.
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Makes sense, thanks for posting your experience.
Below is the response from Google Gemini AI, which draws from other web sources:
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AI Overview Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel
(ULSD) can often substitute for kerosene in modern forced-air heaters and heating oil systems, acting as a viable, cleaner-burning alternative (15 ppm sulfur or less). While it burns hotter and is generally more accessible, it may produce more soot, requiring more frequent maintenance and cleaning of the heater. It is crucial to check the equipment manual, as some, especially older wick-type heaters, may not operate properly.
Key Considerations for Using ULSD instead of Kerosene:- Performance & Maintenance: ULSD (often Dyed/Off-Road Diesel) can be used in most kerosene heaters and heating oil equipment. However, it may lead to faster soot buildup, requiring more frequent cleaning.
- Cold Weather Operation: Kerosene has a lower gel point than diesel. In extremely cold temperatures, ULSD may thicken or "gel," which can clog filters, whereas kerosene remains liquid.
- Burn Quality: While ULSD burns efficiently, it is slightly heavier than kerosene, which may affect the odor and, in some cases, require adjustments to the fuel-to-air ratio.
- Safety: ULSD is safe for indoor use, similar to kerosene, provided the equipment is designed for it and properly ventilated.
- Cost: Diesel is often more readily available and sometimes cheaper than specialized kerosene, depending on the region.
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