Monday 21 March 2011

The Real Facts about Solar Heating

Ask most people about solar power and the only thing they’ll know is that it uses energy from the sun to provide an alternative source of heating and hot water in the home. It’s a good start and is certainly true, but there’s so much more that needs to be said about solar heating and the benefits it can bring.

According to Total Solar Energy, the average household uses the equivalent of 3000kW hours of power per year to heat water via a traditional system. Solar panels can collect up to 1300 kW hours per square metre per year so it’s easy to see how savings could be made.

In fact, if your solar power system produces more energy than you use, your utility company may even decide to buy the energy from you.

Another misconception is that solar panels only deliver energy when it’s sunny. The fact is, the latest vacuum panels can draw in energy even on the dullest of days, so even in the winter or on a cloudy day you will still benefit.

Solar panel heating is something I see growing in popularity day by day and I believe it’s a worthwhile investment. If you’d like to find out more about the benefits and installation costs give me a call and I’ll arrange to visit you to see if it’s a viable option for your property.

The Genius of Air Source Heating

I’ve been installing quite a few of the latest energy devices lately: air source pumps. They absorb heat from the air outside and then use it to heat the home. It’s a simple concept, and one that’s very effective.

I know what you’re thinking though, what if it’s cold outside? That’s why this is such a genius piece of kit, because air source pumps can find heat in temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees.

Air source heating can help to lower fuel bills, reduce the carbon footprint and requires very little if any maintenance.

There are two different systems to choose from. An air-to-water system distributes heat via a central heating system. An air-to-air system produces warm air which is circulated around the home by fans.

If you’re interested in finding out more I’ll talk you through both types and help you decide which would be most beneficial in your home. It’s not suitable for every property type; there has to be sufficient space outside for the equipment to be installed but I’ll do a survey for you when I visit and let you know.