Biodiesel

[skeetshooter]

I was just watching a news story on the price of diesel which is the same as home heating oil. If biodiesel works in a diesel car - would it work in a furnace? (mind working overtime)

[Explorer]

Of course. The BTU's may not be exactly the same, but it will work fine.

Are you aware of the process involved in making biodiesel? The chemistry required is not overly complex, but must be fairly exact and done for each batch because the type of oil probably will change. It also requires a considerable amount of equipment. For each gallon of used cooking oil, you can expect about 2/3 gallon of biodiesel.

[longshadowfarms]

Neither is it rocket science though. A friend started up recently and WITH his startup costs included, his first batch ran $1.50/gal. That's a significant savings if you're willing to do the research and work.

Some good websites:

http://journeytoforever.org/biodiesel_mike.html (Lots of other biodiesel articles here)

http://www.biodieselcommunity.org/appleseedprocessor/

[skeetshooter]

I'll read up on that and store it away in my Rolodex of info. I don't have either a need for diesel or fuel oil at this point - but the vehicle and furnace are getting up there in age.