Solar Heating
When discussing solar power, most people think of the traditional solar panels we’ve all seen. However solar energy can be used for more than just electricity. An increasing number of homeowners are now cutting down their home heating bills through the use of solar heating technology.
Heating your home with solar energy is extremely effective and the energy savings can be realized in just a couple years (whereas PV panels would take a decade or more to pay for themselves). Because the technology behind solar heating is much simpler and it can be integrated into your current heating system relatively easily, the installation is less intensive and the benefits are more immediate. Most importantly, the cost of solar heating never increases, whereas your gas or electric heating bills will likely continue to rise.
If you’re interested in ways to save money on your heating bill and you’d like to learn more about solar heating, contact Larry & Sons Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning today. Our Hagerstown, MD area solar heating experts can work closely with you to determine the best solution for your home.
How Solar Heating Works
The core concepts of solar heating are very simple, though there are two different methods used depending on the climate in which you live. The first method is direct solar heating. In this method, a solar collector plate is positioned on your roof facing south. That collector plate acts as a focal point for the sun’s energy, absorbing as much of it as possible.
Water is then circulated through the plate to absorb that energy, heating it and circulating it back into your home’s radiant heating supply. It’s then usually directed to radiators or baseboard heaters for direct heating of your rooms.
The second method is indirect heating and involves a coolant being circulated through the same solar collector. Coolant is used in this method because there is a risk of the water freezing in cooler climates. If you use an indirect method, which most homeowners will, you’ll need a collector tank where the heat can be transferred from the coolant lines to the water.
Solar Heating Saves Money
Solar heating is effective for a number of reasons. First, your only cost is installation and maintenance. With the exception of what you’ll pay for supplemental heat on the coldest winter days, solar heating is self–sustainable. With traditional heating bills reaching upwards of $5,000 per year, there are huge savings to be had. Additionally, in the summer, when heat is not needed, those solar collectors can be used to heat your water supply.
In some cases, you can choose to have a supplemental hot water tank or use a collector tank that has a heating element. In this case you can ensure you have hot water whenever you need it, regardless of how much solar energy has been collected. Either way, one or two solar collectors can save you a tremendous amount of money throughout the year.
One thing to consider is what type of heating you already have. Solar heating requires the same tools as a boiler system with pipes and radiators or baseboards in each room. If you currently use a forced air system, solar heating installation will be more labor intensive.
Solar Heating Contractors
Getting your home outfitted with solar collectors is an incredibly effective way to save money and lower your dependence on traditional energy sources. If you live in the Frederick, Hagerstown and Chambersburg area and you’re interested in learning more about solar heating systems, call Larry & Sons today.
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