Pocono News Section

Tire Stores Go Green

Tire Stores Go Green - Friday, January 8, 2010 at 6:02PM EST

Reported by: Eva Mastromatteo
Friday, Jan 8, 2010 @ 06:02pm EST
The cold snap this season will surely mean higher heating bills for some. But there are businesses that have found a way to heat their buildings using your car's old oil.
Orloski's Car Wash and Lube Shop uses waste oil from oil changes. Its pumped to a special furnace and used to heat the facility, and floors.
Owner Jerry Orloski says he doesn't pay for fuel, rather maintenance on the equipment that burns the waste oil.
The furnaces are manufactured in Lancaster County and used intrnationally. Orloski has had the system in place since he opened four years ago in Wilkes-Barre Township.
It's EPA approved, as long as the waste oil is generated on site. It saves him around $5,000 in a year in heating costs.

Jack Williams Tire and Auto SAles also uses oil from changes at most of their 30 Pennsylvania locations, for heating.
President, Scott Williams says it's about a $10,000-$12,000 investment for reach store.
Jack Williams also is saving money for the consumer by shooting nitrogen into the tires of customers when tire work is done. It provides a longer life span for the tires.
Executivfe Vice President, Jason Williams, says studies have shown 3 to 4% savings in fuel and milage and tire wear. Less tires are being thrown away.
The company also has another green effort in place. Light censors at the Jack Williams company warehouse in Moosic are installed to light aisles when someone is present. It saves 60 % of energy usage and $1500 a month at that facility.