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Solar heating
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As energy sources deplete and prices skyrocket, one thing will always remain free and accessible; the sun’s energy. Solar heating can be used to heat pools, the water for your shower or to heat a room. By using the sun’s rays you can stay warm with safe clean energy. A solar heating system might be expensive to install, but in time it will save money. Most importantly, it will save energy resources and aid in making the home energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
Many homeowners who have pools choose a solar heating system for the pool. Pool heaters are popular because they will extend the swimming season and allow a family to get more use out of the pool. However, the expense of installing and running the system and is often an obstacle for those who are looking to cut costs around the home. A pool solar heating system will benefit from the seasonal warm weather in which people are likely to swim and be available to heat the pool without cost beyond the initial setup. Most of the heaters come with a variety of options for water temperature, shutoff and maintenance.
Another type of solar heating is solar water heaters. There are active and passive solar water heaters. The basic difference is that active water heaters contain electrical components while passive heaters do not. This means that passive water heaters are generally more reliable because they’re less likely to break. A solar water heating system features two main components, a solar collector and a solar tank. The system harnesses the sun’s energy to heat the water. Depending on the day and how hot it is, water temperatures can reach upwards of 100 degrees.
Solar heating for the air instead of water is another option for a solar heating system. Much like solar water heating, solar space heating systems can be passive or active. Passive systems are less expensive because they don’t have electricity costs. They are also less likely to break and thus will last longer. However, if trying to heat a large area such as a building, it might be better to go with an active system which incorporates fans and pumps to help circulate the air.
Demands for a solar heating system will be at their highest during the time of year when the sun is weakest. Therefore, this type of system will likely only contribute to the home's heating system rather than replace it entirely. Most people will agree that even small contributions are welcome when trying to reduce winter heating costs.
When choosing a solar heating system, it is important to be sure the whole system is sized and installed properly. While it can be done as a DIY project, it is not recommended for beginners. Many variables need to be taken into account in regards to home size, heat and plumbing needs, roof placement and balance as well as maintenance. Having the system installed professionally might be the best way to go, especially if the worker is certified with nationally recognized plumbing and heating organizations. Check if the installer has experience with solar system installations.
