Solar hot water heaters are among the latest advancements in water heating technology. Powered by the sun, these systems heat water with solar energy instead of gas or electricity. By harnessing this renewable alternative energy you’ll be able to save a tremendous amount of money over the years by reducing your use of traditional and more expensive forms of energy.
Whether you’re considering purchasing a new solar water heater or you need a professional to service your existing unit, call the Bucks-Mont area solar water heater experts at Carney Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. Our technicians are highly trained and experienced with all solar hot water heater installation, maintenance and repair services.
Solar Water Heater Benefits
Solar water heating has many benefits over traditional water heaters, energy efficiency being chief among them. By using solar energy instead of electricity or gas, these water heaters reduce your impact on the environment.
Of course by reducing your traditional energy use, you will also save money on your energy bills. After the initial investment, solar hot water heaters can drop monthly energy usage by as much as 65% or more. The higher the hot water demand in your home, the more money you save over time.
Solar Water Heater Experts
A solar water heater is one of the best ways to reduce your home’s energy impact and reduce your current water heating costs. If you’re interested in lowering your bills and doing your part to help the environment, call the Bucks and Montgomery County area solar experts at Carney today. We specialize in solar water heater installation and repair. Call us today to discuss your options and find out if going solar is right for your home.
Selecting a Solar Water Heater
There are many factors involved in selecting a solar hot water heater. You will first need to have one of our solar water heater professionals analyze the amount of hot water you expect to use on an average day. Your property type, current water heater and budget will also be important determining factors.
Active & Passive Solar Water Heaters
Solar hot water heaters come in both active and passive varieties. Active hot water heaters circulate cold water through the water heating system and warm it using solar energy. Passive solar hot water heaters use solar energy to heat up water and then distribute to a tank which circulates it through the house as needed.
Solar water heaters may also be part of a closed loop or open loop system. Closed loop systems use an intermediary antifreeze instead of heating the water directly. This is important if your area frequently experiences temperatures that dip below freezing. Instead of circulating water to the roof where it might freeze, coolant is used instead, which can effectively transfer heat to water in a separate tank. Open loop systems warm the water directly by pumping it through the solar collectors – these systems are best for temperate or sub-tropical climates with few or no days below freezing.
Solar Water Heater Options
Solar hot water heaters collect energy from the sun using solar collectors. There are several different types of collector. Flat-plate solar collectors are single plates that absorb the sun’s energy. Evacuated tube solar collectors are rows of metal tubes that soak in heat and prevent heat loss. Integral solar collectors use black tubes to generate energy that preheats cold water.
Each type of system has its own solar heating technology and unique benefits. The type of system that works for you home will depend largely on your location, the amount of hot water your family uses and your current budget, so you’ll want talk with a professional before making any decisions.
