Top Wasting Energy: How to Heat Your Home with Bitcoin Mining
Stop Wasting Energy: How to Heat Your Home with Bitcoin Mining
One of the biggest criticisms of Bitcoin mining is energy consumption. But physics tells us something interesting: Energy is never lost, it just changes form.
An ASIC miner is essentially a computer that turns electricity into 100% heat, while processing Bitcoin transactions as a "side effect." An Antminer S19 consuming 3000 Watts produces roughly the same amount of heat as a 3000 Watt space heater.
The difference? The space heater just costs money. The miner produces heat and pays you back in Bitcoin.
The "Cashback" Heating System
Imagine you need to heat your garage or basement in winter.
- Scenario A: You run an electric heater. It costs $100/month in electricity. Result: Warm room, -$100 in wallet.
- Scenario B: You run an older ASIC miner (like an S9 or L3+). It costs $100/month in electricity. It produces the same heat. But it also mines $60 worth of crypto. Result: Warm room, net cost only $40.
In this scenario, you have effectively subsidized your heating bill with crypto.
How to Implement It
- Air Ducting: The simplest method. Use 3D-printed shrouds to connect standard HVAC ducting to the exhaust fan of your miner. Direct the warm air into your living space or greenhouse.
- Immersion Cooling: For the advanced engineer. Submerge the miner in dielectric oil. Pump the hot oil through a radiator or heat exchanger to warm up your home's water supply or underfloor heating.
- Noise Control: If you are heating a living space, you must manage the noise. Replacing stock fans with quiet inline duct fans or using sound-dampening boxes is essential.
Why This Matters for Decentralization
When mining becomes a utility—like a water heater—it becomes unbannable and extremely resilient. "Heat recycling" changes the narrative from "wasting energy" to "using energy twice."
At Gokby, we support home miners who are creative with their setups. Whether you are heating a shed or a greenhouse, every hash counts.
