Solar Heating System

Choosing a solar heating system can be kind of overwhelming. To avoid heat loss, it should be implemented only after a very good insulation of the home is made. It is important to keep the generated heat concealed into the house. Double glazed windows, curtains and thermal materials for floors and walls will help. By using solar energy to heat your home, keep in mind that you will still need electricity or gas as a backup heating source.
There are several ways to capture solar energy for heating purposes. All systems gather the energy from the sun through solar collectors. The heat obtained can be transferred to the interior of a house of building. Basically there are two types of active solar heating system and there is a similarity with solar water heating systems in the way they both work. Some systems will provide both functions, heating water and space.

Depending on the configuration, air or water can be the heating medium. In case of hot air, fans can be used to push the hot air inside the structure and warm the space. With water, the hot water coming out of the solar collectors is pushed by a pump through a distribution system and flows inside radiators (hydronic) located inside the house. Another way to circulate hot water for heating spaces inside a house is by using floor coil heating systems. In this case, hot water flows inside tubes located under the floor of the house. A solar heating system can be used for whole buildings and individual houses.

Due to the always increasing costs of gas and electricity, a lot of people are choosing to be less dependant on fossil energy and be more involved in alternative sources of energy. Designing a home heated by solar energy can be costly initially, but the long term benefits are certain. When installing a solar heating system, savings and cleaner environment are the main rewards.

The use of solar heating is not a new thing; solar water heaters for example are commercialized and used since the 1800’s. But today’s solar energy technology is more efficient and the production and prices are going down every year. As long as the demand keeps growing and production increases, prices will continue to decrease. By using a solar heating system, you can reduce your electricity or gas bills. Such heating method will also add value to your property. With all the tax incentives and rebates offered on solar powered installations the timing is ideal for considering moving to solar energy.