Green energy has become more reasonably-priced and viable for homes and businesses to install than in past decades. Green energy has become more realistically-priced for average consumers as companies and academic institutions alike have upgraded the technology and streamlined production processes. Moreover, as electric bill charges rise steadily; public approval of green energy alternatives has increased.
Solar heating tubes are a terrific option to the regular electric boiler heater type of systems installed in almost every residential and commercial property. The arguments that support this kind of green energy system are plentiful and needs to be evaluated when studying what heating equipment to install for heating water in a property to be renovated or built.
The answer to reducing expenditures for heating water is solar heating tubes. This is a relatively novel method that makes use of vacuum-sealed tubes for capturing energy from sunlight. The sun’s energy increases the temperature of the special fluid inside the tubes and transfers the heat in the fluid through the hot water system. This hot fluid can reach temperatures of up to 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since the tubes containing the heat conducting fluid are concealed there is not much upkeep work to be done. The heating equipment using the solar heating tube system itself, can go for nearly two decades without ever having to be serviced, or tinkered with other than to turn it on and off. The general life expectancy of a regular electric boiler heater is thirteen years. A system using solar heating tubes will last much longer, and has an added advantage of being less expensive to use.
Traditional hot water heaters usually come with five year warranties. This is five years that the property owner does not have to worry about equipment problems while still paying for the utilities. After the 5 years is over, the tank could go at anytime. Another hazard of the standard hot water heating systems has to do with the very purpose of the hot water heater. While safeguards on these appliances have improved significantly over the past 30 years or so, leakage of gas when installing and removing of the old technology hot water heater can still take place. Solar heating tubes employ sunlight and not gas for heat, therefore, there is nothing to leak. They are filled with a special liquid that is ecologically safe so even if a leak were to occur, your everyone in your house, including your pets will remain safe.
The electricity requirement for pumping water is considerably lower than the cost of heating a 55 gallon tank of water. Hence, a system using solar heating tubes can be operated at a smaller percentage of the total energy costs that comes with traditional heating units.
The current pipe system already in place does not require modification in order to work with solar heating tubes. Moreover, as with most types of green energy the installation is fairly unobtrusive. It’s the same for solar heating tubes. There is not a massive amount of plumbing to be done, no special pipes are used for the building itself, so this makes installation much easier than one would normallythink. Reading and researching is your 1st action plan. Contacting your state or county supplier, or finding an internet dealer would be your 2nd step.
Be prepared to be overloaded with offers. With numerous suppliers making their way into the green energy niche, there are several dealers to choose from. Make sure that whoever you buy your solar heating system from is a reputable dealer. If you are going to employ professionals, it is important to check references and to ask as much information you need to feel at ease about your purchasing decision.
Kudos for your willingness to learn the benefits of green energy, and in particular solar heating tubes. This marks the beginning of your more energy efficient and ecologically responsible lifestyle.
Craig Axelrod is a partner for Emmy Energy, a NY solar energy company delivering solar heating tubes & solar electric systems in the North East.
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