What are the three most common fuels used in boilers?

The most common fuels used in boilers include gas, fuel oil, and coal due to their widespread availability, established infrastructure, and energy content that makes them suitable for industrial and residential heating processes.

Natural gas is favored for its efficiency and environmental benefits over other fossil fuels, as it burns cleaner and produces fewer emissions. Fuel oil remains a significant choice, particularly in areas lacking natural gas infrastructure, and it provides high energy density, making it effective for heating. Coal, although less commonly used in newer boiler designs due to environmental regulations, still plays a role in certain applications where low-cost energy sources are prioritized, especially in power plants.

The other options include fuels that are either less prevalent or used in more niche applications. Although wood and biomass are utilized for solid fuel systems, they do not achieve the same level of commonality in large-scale operations as gas, fuel oil, and coal. Similarly, diesel is primarily used in mobile applications or specific industrial contexts rather than as a predominant fuel source for stationary boilers. Electricity and propane are also viable in certain scenarios, but they are not considered among the top three typical fuels in most boiler applications.