Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam 2026 – All-in-One Guide to Passing with Confidence

Oil has a greater heating value per pound compared to other fuels listed. This means when you burn oil, it produces more energy per unit of weight than coal, natural gas, or wood. This is attributed to the chemical composition of oil, which contains a higher percentage of carbon and hydrogen, leading to a more efficient energy release when combusted.

In contrast, coal tends to have lower heating values due to its varying carbon content and the presence of moisture and impurities. Natural gas is generally more efficient in energy release per unit of volume rather than weight, making its comparison to oil slightly less straightforward. Wood, while a renewable resource, has a lower energy density primarily because of its moisture content and organic structure, which translates to less energy produced for the same weight compared to oil.

In practical applications, this means that for the same weight of fuel, oil will provide more heat and energy, making it an advantageous choice in conditions where space or weight may be limiting factors.