Solar Home Heating
Solar Home Heating
Up to 70% of a household’s energy is used to heat a home’s space and water, so it isn’t a surprise that so many homeowners’ are trying to find alternative ways to heat their homes at a lesser cost. Not only is heating your home with solar power a great way to save money on heating costs, it is an environmentally responsible choice as it cuts down on the use of fossil fuels to heat the home.
With solar home heating, the radiation from the sun is used to heat water contained in a panel on your roof. The hot water can then be circulated and used for hot water, or used in a central heating system to heat the home.
Although it costs money to get started with solar home heating, there is a very quick payback turnaround. While solar panels can take up to 30 years to payback, solar heating systems take on average 7-15 years, less if your home uses less heat.
If you are considering solar heating, keep in mind that you will likely need a professional to get your system sorted out and installed. Solar home heating requires a level of expertise in order to make sure the system is balanced effectively.
A properly balance solar home heating system can usually meet 40-60% of the home’s hot water and heating demands throughout the year, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 900 pounds. So not only can you expect a significantly reduced heating bill, you can rest easy knowing that your contribution is making the world a cleaner place.
While solar home heating has many advantages, it will likely never fully replace your need for conventional energy to heat your home. This is due to the fact that when demand for heat is at its peak (in winter) there is not enough solar energy to supply the home. However, in the summer you can use solar heating to provide your home with ample hot water, heat if needed and even warm up your swimming pool without having to pay for it.
Solar heating is also great if you spend a lot of time on the road camping or rv-ing as it can give you a consistent source of hot water. Set one up at a cabin and you will never wait for water for showers or dishes, and you won’t get a bill at the end of the month.
It is important to fully research any major change that you wish to make to your home’s energy and heating systems. There are many different types of solar home heating systems and each offer their own advantages and disadvantages. The internet can offer many resources into the types of systems available and their various features, as well as the average cost you can expect to convert to the system. With some homework you can find a solar home heating system that will meet your family’s needs as well as your budget, and soon you will be on your way to having environmentally-friendly heating and hot water.
