10 Things to Know About Home Solar Water Heating
Using the power of the sun to heat the water in residential homes is getting increasingly popular. Is it the right choice for your home? Here are ten things that you should know to help you make that decision:
- The average home uses about 20% of its total electricity to heat water. Using solar heating can reduce the cost of this portion of the electric bill by as much as eighty percent. That’s a huge monthly savings!
- The system can cost as little as $6000. This will vary depending upon your exact needs. It can sound like a lot at first but consider the lifelong savings that you’ll have plus the fact that you’ll be treating the earth more kindly.
- Rebates of as much as 30% may be available. It is possible to get rebates and tax credits to reduce the cost of switching over to solar power for heating your home’s water.
- There are many different types of systems to choose from. The type that you choose depends a lot on how warm or cold it is where you live. You can choose different types of solar panels as well as different methods of heating the water. It pays to do some research into what you really want.
- There may be limitations. It’s typically easy to install whatever type of solar water heater you want for your home. However, you should double-check your building codes before proceeding. For example, if the system you want is a heavy one then make sure it doesn’t exceed the allowable roof weight for your building.
- Limiting the amount that you use the system will obviously boost savings further. For example, choosing to wash your laundry in cold water rather than use the hot water from your new system is a great idea.
- Proper maintenance will offer the most ongoing savings. The great news here is that it’s typically not hard to do annual maintenance in your new solar water heating system. Do what must be done to get the best savings throughout the year.
- Having a solar water heater boosts the resale value of the home. If for some reason you do decide to move, your home will be worth more because you’ve taken this green measure.
- Solar water heating is a great step to take before investing in solar electric. Solar power for the entire home is a great green energy-saving step to take but it’s a big investment. Getting used to the idea and experience by switching to solar water heating first is a great step to take!
- Solar water heaters are great for the earth. SolarRoofs.com reports that replacing a majority of California’s water heaters with solar water heaters would reduce energy consumption in the state by a full 2%!
Source: http://www.globe-democrat.com/news/2010/jul/06/green-life-solar-water-heating-your-home/
Publish Date: 2010-07-16 09:42:58
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