Solar heating system ’s basics

A solar heating system is a viable option to heating and cooling our homes. It is more important now then ever that we break our dependence on the use of fossil fuels. Harnessing the use of the sun will not only decrease the use of gas and propane, but it will also decrease our energy costs. While many people are concerned about the cost of using an alternative heating source, solar heating systems will not necessarily cost a fortune or require that you remodel you home.

Active Solar Heating Systems

It is important to know that there are two different types of solar heating systems, active and passive. We will first go over the active type of system. A solar system that is considered active operates by collecting solar radiation in collection unit and then uses electric fans or pumps to distribute and or transfer the solar heat either via liquid or air through out your house. The solar system may also have a storage system that will provide you with heat when the sun is not shining.

There are two types of active solar systems and the difference in them boils down to whether they use liquid or air. An air system heats air in an air collector, and the liquid system heats either antifreeze or water in a hydronic collector. Either systems still collects and absorb solar radiation and the transfers it to either the storage unit or through your home.

If you are looking at the cost of an active solar system, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $80 per square foot for units large enough to handle your entire home. There are smaller units available that will vary in price. Most commercial units come with 10 year warranties.

Passive Solar Heating Systems

To start, it is easiest for a new construction to employ a passive solar system. It is possible to use passive techniques on an already existing home though. Passive systems are systems that use your windows, wall and floors to collect, store and distribute the solar energy. This system collects the solar energy to use as heat in the winter and it rejects solar heat in the summer. A passive system does not require the use of electrical devices to move the heat through the home like an active solar system does.

A passive solar system makes use of the way heat moves from an area of high heat to an area of low heat until the areas are equal in the amount of heat they have. Conduction, convection and radiation all have important roles in the way a passive solar system works.

The cost of having a home that uses a passive solar design may be more then a standard home, but it will save you money in the long run. A home that is built to use passive solar energy is an exceptionally built home.

Summary

We should all be looking for ways to live in harmony with the Earth, and not be some dependent on fossil fuels. Solar heating solutions are cost effective overall and do not necessarely require you to remodel your home. Passive solar systems are best used in homes that are designed and built to use solar energy.