Solar Heat Exchangers - Heating Your Home With The Power Of The Sun
January 28th, 2008
Solar energy is one of the most widely available and easily harvestable sources of alternative energy. Energy drawn from the sun can be used for different purposes ranging from producing electricity, running machines and appliances to heating and lighting. There are a large number of ways by which the sun’s power can be harnessed to cater to our energy needs and all of us should try to use solar energy as part of our total energy usage in order to save non renewable fossil fuels. As compared to fossil fuels, solar energy is totally clean, eco friendly and renewable and once you have the necessary installments in place; it is also quite economical to use.
You can install solar energy panels on the roof of your house and start using solar power to provide electricity for all your household needs, or if you cannot afford a total solar energy conversion, you can always go in for installing solar heat exchangers for taking care of your house’s heating requirements. Different types of solar heat exchangers are available in the market for different purposes, but the main purpose that all solar heat exchangers serve is to heat water for your daily needs. A solar heat exchanger works on the principle of trapping the sun’s heat and then transferring it to the liquid being heated.
Based on your requirement and budget you can go for either liquid to liquid or air to liquid type solar heat exchangers. Apart from being divided into these two broad categories, solar heat exchangers also vary in design and style. Your solar heat exchanger manufacturer or contractor will be able to suggest the best kind of solar heat exchanger for your house based on your needs, requirements and budget.
In case you are building a new house or renovating your old one, then you should try to make changes that let you avail maximum use of solar energy. In order to heat your house using solar energy, you can install heat attracting glasses in windows and doors facing the sun. Different types of glass panels are available that let the heat of the sun in without letting glare pass through. You can also go for glass panels that allow for only one way visibility to protect your privacy. Try to install as many sun facing glass windows and doors as possible so that the sun takes care of most of your heating needs and you do not have to resort to using too much electrical power. While making your house solar energy- friendly might cost you initially, you will end up saving thousands of dollars every year on heating bills.
Putting in sky lights is also a great idea since this will save you from using artificial sources of light during the day. Not only will this prove economical in the long run, but a little exposure to the sun is also good for overall health.