Fit a Solar Water Heater System in Your House
Why not use the power of the sun to provide you with a domestic hot water heating system? A diy solar water heating system is easy and very cheap – less than 100 dollars is often quoted. Ready made solar water heaters usually cost over 1,000 dollars so making and fitting your own solar hot water system will save you hundreds of dollars, repaying its cost in one or two months. After that your hot water will cost you nothing!
Solar heating works anywhere and at any time of the year – even wintertime! It might not heat all your hot water (it often does, however) but it will certainly make a huge difference in your heating costs. Expect to save at least one third. Solar water heaters are simple devices, very efficient and environmentally friendly. It is quite possible to make and fit one of these systems over a weekend, provided you get properly organized firstand get all the parts assembled.
The system consists of a simple glazed solar collector box containing water tubes that, in turn, are connected to the hot and cold water pipes of your existing hot water tank. Normally a drain valve is fitted should you need to empty the system for some reason, such as leaving the house empty in winter. Doing this work is very easy, and you do not have to be any kind of expert. Position the collector box so that it faces the mid-day sun, mounting it on the roof if you wish, or attached to a wall, but ideally close to your hot water tank to minimize heat losses through the pipes. You will be able to get all the materials needed at your local hardware store, although most likely you will have some or all of these materials already.
Installing a solar water heater will not harm your existing domestic hot water system. In fact, by lowering the use of the existing heaters, the solar water heater will help extend the life of your boiler or immersion heater and also save on utility and maintenance costs. Remember also that solar heating is free energy that reduces our use of non-renewable fuels and lowers the carbon footprint, so there is an eco-bonus for fitting a solar water heater as well.
You can use it for other things as well. Solar hot water systems can help heat a swimming pool with constant, gentle heat all year. Do you have, or are you planning on fitting, underfloor central heating? This typically uses a constant supply of warm (not hot) water with a low flow rate. Diy solar water heating is a great way of warming your house for free.
It is amazing how satisfying it is to build a simple system that provides constant hot water without hurting our planet.
But, as always, there are pitfalls for the inexperienced when trying to make and fit a solar water heater. It makes a lot of sense to get expert guidance and advice at the planning stage and before you start to build. This is a small but vital investment that costs very little but will ensure you do everything safely and efficiently. If you want more ideas and recommendations, please visit our specialized website.
In conclusion, we know from experience that making and fitting a solar water heating system will give you immense satisfaction, a lot of fun and really significant savings, so why not give it a try?