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Solar Power Heating for Your Home

Solar power heating for your home is an excellent way to both reduce your home's electricity consumption and increase your winter comfort at the same time! Every joule of energy saved makes a difference, and there are many to be saved with effective home heating using solar energy.

There are several key areas in which your home can benefit from cost-cutting solar heating methods. If each of these is employed in a regular home the cost savings in the long term will be huge, as will the reduction of greenhouse gases through lower electricity usage.

Solar Hot Water Systems

Solar hot water services differ from standard domestic hot water systems in that they harvest energy from the sun to reduce your heating bill. Installing a solar hot water system can reduce your hot water expenses by as much as 65% depending on the climate you live in. Given that hot water supply accounts for 20-30% of your total home energy needs, the saving can is significant. While virtually all solar systems also contain a backup burner or heater element, the amount of fuel used by this backup will be much lower than for a regular system. The solar heating component will only function during daylight hours. However, our hot water systems are running continuously and so the fuel usage of the hot water service is reduced as long as the sun is shining.

There are two main varieties of solar hot water systems available. Active solar heating systems for hot water use a pump to drive cold water through heat collecting panels. Solar powered water heaters in frost prone areas require additional equipment in the form of a heat transfer tank, and also use anti-freeze in the heat collector tubes. Passive solar heating hot water systems also use heat collecting panels but do not have a pump.

The bottom line is the benefits these systems provide. Selecting the correct type of system for your needs will ensure maximum savings on your heating bill and therefore the fastest return on your investment.

Some solar hot water installations may also be eligible for government rebates or tax breaks. See that section for details.

Solar Green House Heating

If you have an established home in a cold environment, solar power heating via the greenhouse method may well be a big benefit to you. The basic concept is to add a wall of glass panels to the sunny side of the building and use the heat trapped by the glass to warm your home. The cost of this construction will very from one home to another but it will definitely cut your heating bills, saving you lots of money in the long run.

Solar Pool Heating

Solar power heating for your pool: Unless you live in the tropics it's best to have your pool heated. There are a variety of accessories you can use to keep your pool at the best temperature and reduce evaporation and cleaning requirements at the same time.

Energy Efficient Home Designs

If you are thinking of building your green home from scratch, consider looking into an energy efficient home design. Many building companies now offer designs that make maximum use of house orientation, natural light, current materials and other factors to make your home an excellent long term investment. You will save big dollars on your fuel bills, have a higher resale value as a result, and be making a positive contribution to the environment at the same time.

Insulation

Insulation is a means of preventing heat loss or gain, depending on your situation. Insulation is a factor not only for ceilings, walls and windows but also for plumbing; well insulated hot water systems and plumbing will greatly reduce your heating bill. There are a great many materials used for effective home insulation.

Installing the best insulation is a one-time expense. The insulation itself only needs to sit there; all it does is prevent heat exchange between one location and another. Once installed, the benefits of good home insulation are ongoing and significant. Insulation batts are used for ceilings and walls; some of this work can be done easily and cheaply. Windows that are double glazed are extremely good at preventing heat transfer. Find out how double glazing materials help prevent heat loss.

Double glazing can be done on the cheap or you can have it professionally installed.

Combined with other solar power heating options, effective insulation is a great step towards lower emissions.

Return from Home Solar Power Heating to the Green Planet home page for more Solar Power Facts.