by 
The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Diesel Can be Used in a Home Furnace
Petroleum is refined into many different products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, two- and four-cycle motor oil, and numbers 1 and 2 fuel oil. The standard product for a home furnace is number 2 fuel oil. Its viscosity and burning properties were developed for home furnaces. Diesel has burning properties very similar to those of number 2 fuel oil; however, diesel is more viscous (thicker) than number 2 fuel oil. Diesel will burn safely in a home furnace.
On the Other: Drawbacks to Diesel
Diesel fuel is more viscous than number 2 fuel oil, so it can cause clogs in the fuel lines or your furnace jets. This is especially true during times of cold weather. Also, because of the taxes on diesel, it is actually more expensive than number 2 fuel oil.
Bottom Line
In an emergency, diesel is a good substitute for number 2 fuel oil. It will burn just as cleanly and will not damage your furnace. However, since diesel fuel is actually more expensive and can possibly cause clogs in fuel lines, you are better off using number 2 fuel oil if it is available.
Source:
Bob Is The Oil Guy: Diesel fuel in an oil furnace
Flash Off Road: About Diesel Fuel
Best Way: Can I burn diesel fuel in my furnace?
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