Homemade Heating Oil
It isn't only cars and trucks that can run on fuel you can make yourself, such as biodiesel. With the right equipment and some common materials, making your own fuel to heat your home can be easy. Referred to as "bioheat," most frequently the fuel people make at home is a form of biodiesel. You can use biodiesel in standard oil furnaces or boilers. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
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Biodiesel Use On the Rise
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More people are relying on biodiesel to run their automobiles and heat their homes. In 2004, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported 1,800 barrels of biodiesel were produced daily, compared with 50,460 barrels produced daily in 2008.
Homemade Heating OIl Materials
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The simple materials required to make your own biodiesel include plastic tubs, glass containers, funnels, oil (such as vegetable, canola, olive, corn or peanut), methanol alcohol (available at automotive stores), and lye. It is essential to avoid using any aluminum.
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Homemade Heating Oil How-to
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The oil goes into its own container. Put the methanol in the glass container. Add the lye to the methanol and close the container quickly, moving the container around until the lye is fully dissolved. Using the funnel, add the lye/methanol mixture to the oil and shake until it is mixed. Let that sit for about an hour. Glycerin will form on the bottom and pure biodiesel is on top.
Note: Making your own biodiesel uses chemicals that can cause blindness and severe chemical burns, and the fumes are toxic. You must use gloves and work in a well-ventilated space, preferably outside. These projects are for adults only.
Heating Oil Made at Home Saves Money
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Unfortunately, at this time bioheat is more expensive than petroleum-based home heating oils costing 10 to 20 cents more per gallon. Making the oil yourself, the fuel can cost as little as $1.25 a gallon when used in your standard oil-fired furnace or boiler.
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