IHO – Industrial Heating Oil
Commonly referred to as IHO, Industrial Heating Oil is a reliable fuel oil that serves as a core energy source across many commercial industries. As a leading name amongst the UK’s industrial heating oil suppliers, Certas Energy has served at the forefront of this versatile fuel oil by providing high-quality, BS 2869-compliant IHO products, at competitive prices, that are delivered nationwide.
Get an IHO QuoteWhat Is Industrial Heating Oil (IHO)?
Industrial Heating Oil – often referred to as IHO – is a type of fuel oil designed for use in commercial and industrial heating applications such as boilers, furnaces, and space heaters. It offers a cost-effective heating solution for premises including warehouses, manufacturing facilities, agricultural buildings, public institutions, and more.
IHO is not a single product but a category that includes different liquid fuel types, such as Red Diesel (also known as gas oil), Kerosene, and Certas Energy’s proprietary blend, Therma35. These fuels are all formulated to meet heating performance demands while complying with BS 2869 standards.
What is an IHO grade?
An IHO grade measures the viscosity of a fuel oil and lets one know about which additives a particular fuel oil has. The grade ascertained by an IHO indicates its suitability for certain purposes.
British Standard
The British standard for fuel oils used in agricultural and industrial fields is BS 2869, with the IHO fuels Certas supplies meeting or exceeding these standards:
Class C1 – Kerosene-type fuel for specialist systems needing lower viscosity.
Class C2 – Gas oil-type fuel for industrial boilers and burners.
Contact our fuel expertsGas Oil, Kerosene, & Therma35
Industrial Heating Oil includes several liquid fuel types designed for different equipment and needs. All meet the BS 2869 quality standards. These include:
Red Diesel
(BS 2869 Class D)
Red Diesel is used in many industrial heating systems like boilers, dryers, and furnaces, often including older equipment.
The red dye indicates a rebated fuel with specific rules regarding its use, primarily intended for eligible off-road vehicles, machinery, and heating applications.
Kerosene
(BS 2869 Class C2)
Also called Heating Oil, Kerosene is a lighter fuel that is more sustainable than Gas Oil.
It is used in domestic and commercial heating, especially in modern boilers and heaters needing lower sulphur fuel for efficiency.
Therma35
(BS 2869 Compliant)
This is our proprietary heating oil blend. It was developed as a cost-effective alternative fuel for industrial and commercial heating.
Therma35 is designed for performance in systems previously using Gas Oil and fully complies with BS 2869 heating fuel standards, offering a cost-effective heating option.
Our IHO fuel specifications are quality assured
All Certas Energy heating oils comply with BS 2869, the recognised standard for middle distillate fuels used in burners, ensuring quality and compatibility for your heating applications. Therma35 is a specially formulated industrial heating oil designed to replace Red Diesel (Gas Oil) in heating systems without modification.
Therma35
Feature
Therma 35
Drop-in replacement
Yes
Optimised for heating use
Yes
Low sulphur (may vary by spec)
Yes
BS 2869 compliant
Yes
Standard Gas Oil
Feature
Standard Gas Oil
Drop-in replacement
Yes
Optimised for heating use
No
Low sulphur (may vary by spec)
Variable
BS 2869 compliant
Yes
Why choose Certas Energy as your IHO supplier?
When you partner with Certas Energy, you’re choosing a reliable supplier backed by decades of industry experience. It means partnering with the UK’s largest independent fuel distributor, dedicated to powering businesses reliably and safely.
With over 80 UK depots, on-time deliveries which minimise operational downtime, over 900 tankers on the UK roads and strict safety standards, we’re one of the most reliable and efficient industrial heating oil suppliers out there.
Nationwide Coverage
On-Time Delivery
Decades of Fuel Expertise
Dedicated Account Management
Safety First, Always
Our Accreditations & Membership Standards
Certas Energy proudly operates to the highest industry benchmarks and all of our deliveries are carried out under rigorous safety protocols.
Hear what our customers have to say
“Working with Certas I am confident that we are provided with the most reliable and expert service from the organisation. They are quick to react to any emergency refuel supplies should we have a failure on site. Steve Smith (Ipswich office) and I have a close working relationship and communicate regularly…”
Who uses our Industrial Heating Oil?
IHO is trusted by businesses and institutions across a wide range of sectors:
Farmers use IHO for grain drying, greenhouse climate control, poultry housing, and workshop heating. With timely bulk deliveries and on-farm tank support, Certas Energy ensures you maintain optimal growing and storage conditions.
Manufacturing
Factories rely on IHO for process heating, machinery warm-up, and industrial ovens. Certas Energy provides preventative maintenance advice and bulk-buy pricing so production stays consistent and costs stay predictable.
Large storage facilities need steady temperatures to protect inventory. Certas Energy offers remote tank monitoring, just-in-time deliveries, and emergency response, keeping goods safe from frost or overheating.
Leisure & Hospitality
Holiday parks, hotels, and spas choose IHO for central heating, hot water, and poolside systems. Our turnkey service (tank installation, safety inspections, 24/7 support) lets you focus on guests instead of deliveries.
Temporary heating for site offices, concrete curing, and drying tents is critical. Certas Energy’s mobile-friendly fleet delivers directly to remote locations, while short-term contracts fit project budgets and schedules.
Schools, hospitals, and council buildings depend on uninterrupted heat. Certas Energy helps you secure competitive rates through frameworks or spot buys, handles scalable deliveries and offers energy-audit support to lower long-term costs.
Ready for reliable Industrial Heating Oil delivery?
Ensure your business stays warm and operational with high-quality, competitively priced IHO from Certas Energy, the UK’s most dependable liquid fuel supplier. Benefit from our nationwide coverage, expert advice, and commitment to service.
Get Your Industrial Heating Oil in 4 Easy Steps
Request a Quote – Fill in our form or call us.
Confirm Your Requirements – We’ll confirm your grade, address, and price.
Schedule Delivery – Choose a delivery slot that works for your operations.
Receive Your Fuel – Delivered by trained drivers, safely and efficiently.
Your IHO Questions
What exactly is Industrial Heating Oil (IHO)?
IHO is a liquid fuel, typically based on gas oil or kerosene components, specifically blended for use in commercial and industrial heating applications like boilers and furnaces. It meets BS 2869 standards (usually Class C1 or C2).
What is it that makes IHO different from Red Diesel (Gas Oil) or Kerosene?
An IHO is a fuel or oil specifically intended for heating purposes. Red Diesel (Gas Oil) can be used for heating but is also associated with off-road machinery use. Kerosene (BS 2869 Class C2) is primarily used for heating and C1 IHOs are kerosene-based. IHO (especially C2) is generally more cost-effective than Red Diesel for pure heating use. Our Therma35 product is a specific type of heating oil designed as a direct Gas Oil alternative.
What are the BS 2869 C1 and C2 IHO grades?
BS 2869 is the British Standard for heating oils. Class C1 is a kerosene-type fuel, while Class C2 is a gas oil-type fuel. They differ in properties like viscosity and are suited to different types of burners. Check your equipment manual or consult our team if unsure.
How do I order IHO from Certas Energy?
Simply use our online contact form or call us on 0345 600 4040. We’ll discuss your needs, provide a price, and arrange delivery.
What areas does Certas Energy deliver IHO to?
We deliver IHO nationwide across the UK thanks to our extensive network of over 80 depots.
How are industrial heating oil prices determined?
Industrial heating oil prices fluctuate based on global oil markets, refinery costs, distribution expenses, and order volume. We always aim to provide competitive pricing. Request a quote for the latest price.
What is the minimum amount of IHO I can order?
Minimum order quantities can vary by location and delivery logistics. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Is Therma35 the same as IHO?
Therma35 is Certas Energy’s brand of heating oil, specifically designed as a cost-effective, drop-in replacement for Gas Oil used in heating applications. While it’s a type of industrial heating oil, it has specific properties.
Are there specific storage requirements for IHO?
Yes, IHO must be stored in a suitable, bunded tank that complies with UK regulations to prevent leaks and environmental damage. We can advise on storage solutions.
Ready to order IHO
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