Using Biodiesel To Heat Your Home

Science & Technology (alternative energy)

Wired Magazine has an article about biodiesel becoming a popular choice for heating homes this winter. Previously, biodiesel was overlooked as a heating fuel because heating oil was cheaper, but now that prices for conventional heating oil have doubled since 2001, it is looking more attractive. As a result, the National Biodiesel Board's website now lists 19 companies that supply biodiesel-blended heating oil, known as BioHeat, to residential customers, and the list is growing.

Most companies provide BioHeat blends that contain 5 percent, 10 percent or 20 percent of biodiesel (known as B5, B10 or B20, respectively) mixed with conventional heating oil, all of which can be used in existing oil-burning furnaces.

They also mention Jesse Parris, who converted his oil furnace to accept biodiesel that he creates at home. He has started a group
on Yahoo that has grown to almost 2,000 members.

:: Wired Magazine via Groovy Green