Definition
Dual-purpose mining leverages the fact that mining hardware produces heat as a byproduct. By capturing and using this heat productively, miners can offset or eliminate their heating costs, dramatically improving mining economics. In cold climates like Canada, heating season can last 6-8 months, providing significant savings.
Applications include: home space heating (the most common), pool or hot tub heating, greenhouse warming, garage heating, and even drying applications. The key insight is that every watt consumed by a miner becomes a watt of heat, making mining 100% efficient as a heater.
In Simple Terms
Mining Bitcoin while using the heat productively for heating spaces, water, or other applications.
Operating a Bitcoin miner for both cryptocurrency earning and a secondary purpose like space heating, water heating, or greenhouse warming.