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. Then your hot water will be free!
Solar heating works anywhere and at any time of the year – even wintertime! It might not provide all your hot water (although it often does), but it will certainly make a large dent in your utility bills. Expect to save at least one third. These solar heating systems are efficient, simple and environmentally green. Typically, you can make and fit a complete solar hot water system in a weekend, provided you get properly organized firstand get all the parts assembled.
Solar hot water systems comprise a simple glazed collector box fitted with a chain of water pipes, which connect to the domestic hot and cold water pipes at or near your hot water tank. A drain valve is usually fitted in case you need to isolate the solar water heater for any reason, such as going away for a winter vacation. 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. All necessary materials will be available from your local hardware store, although you will probably find you already have some of them in your shed.
Making and fitting such a system will not interfere with or harm your existing hot water installation. In fact, by reducing the operating demands on your existing system, the solar hot water heater will help extend the service of your boiler or immersion heater as well as save on utility bills. 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. Are you thinking about underfloor heating, or do you already have such a central heating system? This typically uses a constant supply of warm (as opposed to hot) water with a low flow rate. Diy solar water heating is a great way to warm your home for very little cost.
There is something very satisfying about making a simple device that saves you money, gives you free hot water on demand and helps save the planet at the same time.
However, even though a solar water heating system is simple, it is easy to make mistakes during installation if you are not experienced enough. It is really sensible, therefore, to invest in expert professional guidance and help when planning and building your solar hot water system. This is a small but vital investment that costs surprisingly little but will ensure you do everything safely and properly. We have more information about this on 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?
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