Waste-oil burner environmentally friendly

Dropping temperatures usually mean more than snow on the horizon. They are also a sign that higher utility bills may be on the way. What about an environmentally friendly alternative heat source to help keep those utility bills down?

North Spokane resident Bob Hutchinson said, “I was looking at what’s going on with energy costs.” He decided to purchase a multifuel system, commonly known as a waste-oil burner.

Used motor oil, waste cooking oils and hydraulic fluids can be run through the system. The oils are combined with pressurized air and then ignited. The heat chamber is surrounded by water. In Hutchinson’s case, the heated water is then pumped through a radiator in his gas furnace.

The two-tank system is housed outside his home. In addition to heating the house, Hutchinson said it heats his hot water tank and in the summer his pool and hot tub as well.

“Most of the time the waste oil is free,” Hutchinson said, “People want to get rid of it.” He notes that because it’s a multifuel system, if he runs out of waste oil, he can burn wood, coal or propane instead. He’s not too concerned about that, though, because the 1,000-gallon tank should hold enough to last about six months.

“It’s basically recycling what can be discarded and possibly harm the environment,” Hutchinson said.

Dwight Hamilton, owner of Turbo Burn, a local company that sells multifuel burners said, “This gives you more options, and it’s more economical.”

Hutchinson said these systems burn cleanly and are a safe alternative to traditional heat sources. “Their popularity is going through the roof,” added Hamilton.