Solar Heating System
Choosing a
solar heating system can be kind of overwhelming.
To avoid heat loss, it should be implemented only after a very good
insulation of the home is made. It is important to keep the
generated heat concealed into the house. Double glazed
windows, curtains and thermal materials for floors and walls
will help. By using solar energy to heat your home, keep in
mind that you will still need electricity or gas as a backup
heating source.
There are several ways to capture solar energy for heating
purposes. All systems gather the energy from the sun through solar
collectors. The heat obtained can be transferred to the interior of
a house of building. Basically there are two types of active solar
heating system and there is a similarity with solar water heating
systems in the way they both work. Some systems will provide both
functions, heating water and space.
Depending on the configuration, air or
water can be the heating medium. In case of hot air, fans can be
used to push the hot air inside the structure and warm the space.
With water, the hot water coming out of the solar collectors is
pushed by a pump through a distribution system and flows inside
radiators (hydronic) located inside the house. Another way to
circulate hot water for heating spaces inside a house is by using
floor coil heating systems. In this case, hot water flows inside
tubes located under the floor of the house. A solar heating system
can be used for whole buildings and individual houses.
Due to the
always increasing costs of gas and electricity, a lot of people are
choosing to be less dependant on fossil energy and be more
involved in alternative sources of energy. Designing a home
heated by solar energy can be costly initially, but the long term
benefits are certain. When installing a solar heating system,
savings and cleaner environment are the main rewards.
The use of solar energy is not a new thing; solar water heaters
for example are commercialized and used since the 1800’s. But
today’s solar energy technology is more efficient and the
production and prices are going down every year. As long as the
demand keeps growing and production increases, prices will continue
to decrease. By using a solar heating system, you can reduce your
electricity or gas bills. Such heating method will also add value
to your property. With all the tax incentives and rebates offered
on solar powered installations the timing is ideal for considering
moving to solar energy.
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