Does it cost or pay to heat with waste oil?

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Published: April 2, 2020

Waste oil burners provide a safe method to economically recycle low value used oil while reducing heating costs, according to Thomas Brown from EnergyLogic Canada.

“Waste oil is worth an estimated $0.05 Cdn per gallon hauled. When reclaimed as fuel, it may be worth as much as $0.97 per gallon,” said Brown.

Though it may be useless for its original purpose, waste oil still contains valuable BTUs that can be converted into heat for farm buildings. As technology has progressed, waste oil burning systems have become more sophisticated, lighter, stronger and more efficient. They also yield a good return on investment. You may recoup your expenses in as little as one year.

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“When considering alternative solutions to lower your facility’s operation costs, it’s smart to research which potential solutions can save the most money.… We want to encourage potential customers to use our Waste Oil ROI calculator when considering the financial investment of a waste oil heater or boiler.”

Chart monthly waste oil removal cost.

Consider monthly amount in gallons of used oil collected.

Calculate the facility’s average heat demand based on square footage.

Count how many months per year heating is expected.

Get a firm price on a system that will meet the heating needs.

These values can then be calculated and compared against the average energy cost of a current heating source. Once these options are dialed in, an estimated savings per year and the time it will take for a waste oil heater or boiler to pay for itself is calculated.

About the author

Ron Lyseng

Ron Lyseng

Western Producer

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