Waste Oil Heater First Time Buyer Questions

We are seeing an increase in interest in DIY and first time waste oil heater buyers. With the increase in cost of energy and disposal, waste oil heaters are quicking being recognized as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. They burn used oil from cars, trucks, and other equipment, which would otherwise be discarded or disposed of in a landfill. This helps to reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.

The following section covers some of the most common questions we are asked about waste oil heaters by first time buyers.

Will cooking oil burn in a waste-oil heater?
No. Waste-oil heaters are not designed to operate on cooking oil. Attempting to run your waste-oil heater on cooking oil could damage your unit and will void your warranty. DIY builds and retrofits are possible but require extra equipment to properly filter, dehydrate, and maintain cooking oil or biodiesel as fuel.
Do waste-oil heaters need to be vented?
Yes. Waste-oil heaters produce combustion exhaust that must be vented away from indoor spaces and above outdoor areas. The draft created by these chimney flues is also critical to proper combustion.
Will synthetic oil burn in a waste-oil furnace?
Yes, but only with modern manufactured waste-oil furnaces. DIY drip furnaces and less-advanced fuel-injected burners will not properly convert synthetic waste oil to heat.
How many gallons does a waste-oil heater use?
A waste-oil heater will consume about one (1) gallon (3.8 L) of waste oil per hour of operation per about 3500 square feet (325 square meters) or roughly 56,000 cubic feet (1586 cubic meters).
What temperature should a waste-oil burner be?
Modern waste-oil heaters are designed to safety standards that allow them to be installed in occupied commercial or industrial spaces with reasonable equipment clearances to combustible materials. While the internal temperature is very hot, the temperature of the shell is much cooler. The exhaust gasses in the flue can approach 700°F (371°C) which is why it is important to install a chimney per the manufacturers recommendations.
How clean are waste-oil heaters?
Waste-oil heaters are one of the cleanest ways to dispose of waste oil. On-site recycling of waste oil offsets the impact of extracting, refining, and transporting other fuels while reducing the risk of waste-oil spills while transferring or transporting. Some ingredients in waste oil are not combustible, so ash will be left behind in the combustion chamber, requiring periodic removal and cleaning to ensure that proper function and peak efficiency of the heater is maintained.
How do I vent my oil furnace without a chimney?
Draft is required for proper oil-furnace operation and ventilation. A chimney is the easiest way to accomplish this. If it is not possible to install a chimney directly through the roof of the building, the chimney can go through the wall and up the outside of the building. However, it must end at least three feet above the roof. Actively assisted (power vent) exhaust systems can reduce the size of some exhaust systems or allow longer chimney flues to function, but these systems consume more energy and require more maintenance. Do not attempt to operate an oil furnace that is not properly drafted and ventilated.
Does waste oil burn clean? With old-fashioned drip-style waste-oil heaters? …
No -but with modern manufactured waste-oil heaters? ..YES! Modern manufactured waste-oil heaters operate at very high temperatures to fully consume the combustible elements of waste oil, leaving only a fine, whitish ash behind (due to the calcium, phosphorus, and other non-combustible components of waste oil). A well-maintained waste-oil heater produces very little smoke and a LOT of useful heat.
How many Btus is a gallon of waste oil?
One (1) gallon of waste oil / used oil contains about 140,000 Btus.
Do waste-oil burners smoke?
Modern manufactured waste-oil heaters produce very little smoke, similar to traditional oil furnaces.
How much oil does a waste-oil heater burn per hour?
A waste-oil heater will consume about one (1) gallon (3.8 L) of waste oil per hour of operation per about 3500 square feet (325 square meters) or roughly 56,000 cubic feet (1586 cubic meters).
How to build a waste-oil-burning heater
There are many resources available online regarding how to build a waste-oil heater, but this is a potentially dangerous and dirty undertaking. Instead, look into purchasing a modern manufactured waste-oil heater. These furnaces do a much better job of converting your waste oil into useful heat, have been designed with numerous safety features and quality controls, and carry a warranty.
What is the life expectancy of a waste-oil furnace?
The design lifecycle of modern manufactured waste-oil heaters is about ten (10) years, but a well-maintained waste-oil heater can last much longer.
Can you burn brake fluid in a waste-oil heater?
No. Brake fluid does not burn well in a waste-oil heater. Additionally, brake fluid can potentially react to chemicals in your waste oil and foul your stockpile of fuel.
What are the drawbacks of an oil furnace?
The price of heating oil can fluctuate as compared to other energy sources (though a WASTE-OIL heater can offset this if you have access to the resource). Oil heaters require more maintenance than some other furnace platforms (i.e.: natural gas)
Are waste-oil burners legal?
Recycling waste oil on-site for heat is legal (and even recommended by the EPA) in many areas, but it is prohibited in some states, provinces, and municipalities. Always check your local laws, codes, and standards when determining if a waste-oil heater is allowed in your area.

If you have any other questions about waste oil heaters, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help you find the right heater for your needs and answer any questions you may have. Contact Us