Using Solar Water Heaters to save money and a bit of the planet

Solar water heaters are an ideal way for you to save money on your home’s heating bills. Since the price of traditional energy products such as electricity, gas, propane and oil are always increasing, there is little doubt that every homeowner would not like to take full advantage of solar powered water heaters. Understanding what they are and how they work is necessary to knowing if they may be a choice for you.

A solar water heater is a heater that is used to heat the water for a home through the use of the sun’s energy. In a traditional home setting, either electricity or gas is used to heat the water used. Instead of using these fuels, the system will take the energy from the sun and store it or use it depending on need. In fact, when they are installed, maintained and used properly, these types of heaters are more economical choices over the other heating options including electricity, dedicated heat pumps and heat recovery units. In short, these will save you a lot of money in the long run.

One of the areas of the world that uses them quite a bit is Florida. There, with all the sun’s glory beaming down on individuals, it makes good sense to try out the use of solar water heaters. There, there are three different types of systems in use. They are either pumped, integral collector stores also known as ICS, or they are thermo siphon.

How Does It Work?

The direct circulation system puts it all into play. It takes potable water that is within the water storage and circulates it from the collectors into the tank. The solar collector is the part that does most of the work. It is usually a metal box with insulation as well as a black absorber plate. This plate collects the solar radiation from the sun and then heats the water within the tank. It is all regulated by an electronic controller.

In the ICS the solar water storage system is actually built into the collector. Water that is in the collector housing is then heated by the sun and delivered by the city or well water pressure to an auxiliary tank. Or, it can be directed right where it needs to be used. Also important to note is that these auxiliary tanks will also contain non solar back up heating systems as well.

Lastly, there is the thermo siphon solar water heating system. In this type of solar water heaters, the system is mounted above the collector to provide for gravity to play its role in the flow of the water. The hot water rises through piping in the collector. Cold water (heavier water therefore) is at the lowest point in the system. The hotter water rises inside the tank. In this system as well as in the ICS, there is no use of pumps and no controllers. Water is always flowing through the collector as well.

The Money Question

Probably the most important question that can be asked is just how much money can be saved when a solar water heater is used. It is important to note that these heaters will vary in their abilities as well as in their cost effectiveness. Everyone’s needs are different and the climate can play a role as well. How much hot water do you use? What size storage tank will you use? What is the price and the type of the backup water heating system that you will use? In a typical setting, though, a seventy gallon per day family can save about $400 per year of electricity if the electricity costs ten cents per kilowatt hour. This is about 50% - 85% of the hot water portion of your monthly energy bill. You can save more if you do not use a backup system, but this is not necessarily something you will want to do.

Through the use of solar water heaters, families around the world are saving hundreds of dollars per year on heating costs. And, when it boils down to which is the better type of fuel to use to heat water in your home, the cheapest and the most environmentally conscious type is the best. In this case, that happens to be the solar water heaters on the market today.

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Using Solar Heat for Home Heating

As fossil fuels like oil and natural gas become ever more expensive and less available, solar heat is becoming increasingly popular for use in domestic home heating applications. Many people are actively looking for alternative forms of energy to use to heat their homes, and for renewable energy sources that can be easily tapped if the current energy infrastructure becomes obsolete. A solar heating system is the perfect solution for many homeowners and provides ready access to the most abundant renewable energy source around: sunlight.

Solar heat for home heating comes in two basic forms: passive and active. A passive solar home heating system makes use of sun-facing house exposures, heat retaining materials (like stone and tile), and interior spaces that naturally trap solar heat (like solariums or trombe walls).

A passive solar system doesn’t ‘do’ anything except store the natural heat of the sun. Homeowners who live in temperate or desert climates can make good use of passive solar heat to keep a house comfortable in the evening and at night, and can thereby avoid using nonrenewable forms of energy to generate heat that is abundant during the day naturally.

Even homes in colder climates can install heat-retaining sun-facing windows that harness solar heat during colder parts of the year (in the form of sunlight) but don’t let the heat back out. Combining such specialty windows in a sunny room with a heat retaining floor can significantly cut back on heating costs and reduce that homeowner’s carbon footprint with minimal investment of money or time.

Active solar heat makes use of solar panels to heat water or air (depending on the kind of system chosen), which is then circulated throughout the house to keep it warm. The cost of installing active solar heat depends on the type and the size of the solar collectors needed. Average costs for active solar heat run between $30 and $80 per square foot, but the cost is reduced significantly if solar collectors are used to heat water for the home as well, reducing utility costs over time.

Active solar heat is somewhat more practical for new construction, since the cost offset begins immediately, but even existing construction in the coldest climates can usually benefit from some combination of active and passive solar heat. Many people wrongly assume that solar heat has to be all or nothing, when actually it is an incredibly flexible resource. Rethinking the use of existing sunlight as a passive solar heat resource and adding a solar water heater are two inexpensive solar options that anyone can tap.

Moving into more expensive whole-house active solar heating systems can become cost effective even for existing construction when government tax credits are factored in, or the cost of nonrenewable energy rises significantly (as it already has in many parts of the U.S. and Canada). Whether a homeowner is looking to reduce utility bills or replace a dated system with a new solar heating system, solar energy is here to stay.

New solar options are being developed every year, and more and more ordinary people are getting onboard. The savings are substantial, and the ecological benefit is priceless.

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Using Coal Stoves Wisely: Tips You Need To Use Them

Coal stoves can be a good way to heat a home. Coal has been used for many years to do just that. But, it is not always as easy to light and keep such a stove running, unless you know how to do it correctly. To help you in this regard, here are some tips for caring for and using coal burning stoves.

When you are first considering the purchase of a coal stove, take the time to determine which the right model is for you. Some will burn both coal and wood while others are limited to just one fuel type. You’ll need to examine your needs for a chimney. Consider the size of the stoves, how they work and how well they fit your needs. The most important factor in selecting the right one is to insure that you purchase a safe model for your home. For older models, insure a professional inspection prior to purchasing and be careful with these. Once you get the units installed into your home, your job doesn’t stop there.

Coal burning stoves do require some maintenance and upkeep. While each model may have its own specific needs to take care of, for the most part you will find these things important to keeping them updated. The Ash Pit: When coal burns, it will level behind ash. What is important to know though is that you should always keep the ash pit as clear as possible. If not, the flow of combustion air can be impeded. And, it will keep the fire from burning efficiently. It can also damage the grates that are used on your stove as well.

The Chimney and Ventilation. Coal stoves must be vented to keep toxic fumes out of your home. But just venting them is not enough. You also need to make sure that they are kept clean. As a fire burns, sulfur is released into the air. Prior to using your chimney for the year, have it professionally inspected for deterioration and cleaned. You should have it cleaned at least every six months if you will continuously use your coal stove.

Keep Up On Parts: Like virtually any other mechanism in your home, it is important to verify that it is properly working before using it. A visual inspection will let you know if something is not working, wearing down or is not in its proper condition. You’ll want to check gaskets, the glass and the grates each time you use your stove.

Tips to Keep Your Coal Stove Burning Well

Here are a few more tips to help you keep your coal stove burning at the most efficient level.

Look for low ash coal. You will find that high quality coal will do a better job of heating the home, have less ash, and will burn overnight as you need it to without a problem.

The chimney. You may need to have your chimney inspected and repaired prior to purchasing or installing your coal stove. Many times, individuals don’t realize if there is enough draft. Again, have a proper inspection done if you're having trouble maintaining a fire.

Using coal stoves to heat your home is a good idea as long as you will keep up on the maintenance of it and purchase an efficient model to do so with.

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Used Wood Stoves: Should They Be Purchased?

Used wood stoves can often be found available in your local classified ads. But, should you purchase them? What could go wrong if you do? Like any product that you purchase that is used, you need to rely on what the user tells you about the condition and quality of the unit. And, not everybody is as honest as you are. The fact is that when you are considering used wood stoves to bring into your home, you need to insure it is of a quality that will keep your family safe.

What to Look For Using Wood Stove

What should you look for when you do purchase these stoves? There are many things to insure before you do so, but here are some of the most important issues for you to insure.

Regulations. Most locations have ordinances and regulations that stipulate that you need to purchase a permit or you need to have the unit inspected prior to using it. For example, if you wanted to install a wood burning stove of any type into your home you probably will need a fire inspector to come out and insure it is safe to use. With used wood stoves, you’ll need to insure that they qualify for inspection.

Air Pollution. Another very important element is how well the used wood stoves will burn. Again, you have no idea if the product was cared for and that means that you don’t know the air quality that it can give you. No unit should be purchased that is not certified by the EPA. If you are not concerned about the air quality, you’ll still have problems with these models because they won’t pass inspection anyway.

Older and wood stoves that have not been taken care of are at risk for producing very toxic pollutants that can get into your home. For example, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are some of the most dangerous. In this case, you should have the used wood stoves approved by a professional before allowing them to burn in your home.

You should also insure that the used stove will work within your homes structure. For example, in some cases, you will find that used wood stoves that are old do not fit well within the chimneys of today. You should also carefully consider any repairs that may need to be done as these will likely be costly.

If you are installing a wood stove so that you can lower your gas costs, check out the efficiency of the model in question. Make sure that you purchase a quality product, one that will actually save you money. The efficiency of models can be found on their manufacturer’s website.

Yes, you can purchase these used models. But, you should insure that your safety and your wallet are at the front of your mind when doing so. Remember, you’ll need to pay for a professional inspection at the least, plus maintenance, installation, and possibly repairs before you gain any benefits from used wood stoves.

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Underfloor Heating And Solar Water Heaters - A Winning Combination

Underfloor heating can be a model choice for heating your household, efficiently and ecologically friendly. No matter if it is your budget that you are thinking about or the dependence on oil that most have, this type of heating is an ideal consideration for you. Homes that are heated in this manner are actually warmer, more comfortable and they use energy in a better way. When you couple the benefits of underfloor heating with the use of a solar water heater, the outlook gets even better!

Your Budget and Underfloor Heating

While it will cost a considerable amount of money (or time) to install an underfloor heating system, it may still be one of the best decisions that you make. You see, with this type of heating, you are pushing heat into your home with the use of water, a completely renewable source of energy. When you do this, you are allowing water to circulate throughout your home, warming it as it goes only to come back to be reheated and to start the process all over again.

That also means that you are heating your home from the ground up. Instead of trying to force hot air from a vent near your ceiling and heating the highest points of your home in the best manner, you are now heating from the ground up, which means more evenly heated rooms, a more comfortable feel and benefits of no electricity or gas being used.

In Comes Solar Water Heaters

Just because you are using an underfloor heating system doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take this one step further and use solar heating to heat the water, too. In fact, it is one of the most logical ways to compliment what you are doing. By using solar water heaters that use the sun’s rays to heat the water, you are in effect cutting out nearly all of the dependency that you have on other fuels. In addition, you are again using a renewable source of energy that is beyond anything else environmentally and economically friendly.

Allow Them to Work for You

Here’s why it’s so beneficial to use solar water heaters for your underfloor heating needs. You start with cold water. To heat it, you must use some form of fuel or energy. If you have a solar water heater, the heat from the sun has been converted into energy by your solar collection system or solar panels. This energy is used to heat the water. Then, the water flows through your home, allowing the heat from the water to escape into the house. The cooled water then returns to the heater to start the process all over again.

No outside fuels are needed.

Everything is clean burning.

It is completely renewable.

It costs you next to nothing!

As you can see, there are many reasons why you want your heating to be coupled with the help of a solar water heater. Underfloor heating keeps your home warm with all of these benefits and more.

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Top US Home Heating Tax Credits

Citizens of the U.S. who are planning summer home renovations might be surprised to learn they are eligible for generous home heating tax credits if they invest in alternative home heating products or insulation this year. In addition to generous federal energy tax credits, many states, counties, and municipalities now offer subsidies for making major alternative energy upgrades like installing a wind generator, installing solar hot water, or installing solar roof panels.

Unlike tax deductions, U.S. home heating tax credits are subtracted directly from the dollar amount of taxes owed, not from taxable income. Some of these credits are so substantial they can wipe out a tax debt fast. The tax credits are non-refundable credits however; meaning that once a tax debt hits zero, no money will be refunded even if some of the credit still remains.

Some of the best alternative home heating tax credits include:

30% of the cost (up to $1500) or biomass stoves; heating, ventilating and air-conditioning upgrades; non-solar water heaters, insulation, and roofing.

30% of the cost (with NO upper limit) of geothermal heat pumps, small wind turbines, and solar energy systems.

30% of the cost, up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity for fuel cells to store the energy generated by small wind turbines.

To claim these alternative home heating tax credits, taxpayers must live in the home as their principle residence and must attach IRS for 5695 to their 2010 income tax 1040 form. Homeowners are limited to $1500 in energy tax credits every two years, which works out to $5000 total cost for alternative home heating or energy products every two years. If the entire $1500 credit is claimed in 2010, for example, the homeowner can’t take another energy tax credit in 2011.

This is a limit worth knowing. Multiple upgrades can be made substantially less expensive by spacing improvements so as to always take advantage of the available tax credits. In short, it is best not to greatly exceed $5,000 in improvements every two years for maximum federal support.

Subsidies to help homeowners finance solar and wind energy installations are generally available at the state or local level and vary by region. For example, Ontario is just now beginning to offer subsidies to homeowners who generate their own electricity, and the state of Ohio in the U.S. is beginning an initiative to subsidize solar hot water and the individual level. In the state of Michigan, subsidizes for wind power are offered at the county and municipal level and vary widely, so how much is available in subsidies depends on where a home is located.

To find subsidies that may be available in any given area, start by checking state, country, and municipal websites for that locale. Often manufacturers and installation firms are aware of state and local subsidies and will assist a homeowner in applying for them, but doing one’s own research is a good idea, since not all merchants are created equal, and homeowners might want to price shop without pressure from a manufacturer who is assisting with a subsidy application.

Finally, before installing any alterative home heating or energy systems or products make sure to review local ordinances and property tax structures. In some parts of the country, frustrating as it may be, subsidies are available but zoning laws and property tax structures are prohibitive. Over time, as alternative home heating and energy systems become more popular, these confusing conflicts are expected to be mitigated and the road to energy independence should become a bit less bumpy.

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Things you should know about wood stove inserts

Wood stove inserts are inserts that will use a wood stove to heat your home. One of the main reasons for choosing an insert over a stand-alone wood stove is that you enjoy the look of your fireplace. But, you may not like how much it costs to use the fireplace. Wood stove inserts serve your needs perfectly then.

Like any other wood burning stove, you will need to insure that the model that you purchase is EPA certified. The EPA needs to insure that the unit is safe to use as well as that it is safe for the environment. If you purchase an older unit that is not EPA certified, you will find that you will not pass your local regulations and will not be able to install the unit after all. Not only that, but you want the wood stove inserts to be able to burn efficiently for you as well.

What Will It Look Like?

Wood stove inserts can enhance the look of your fireplace. They are usually made of cast iron or can be made of plate steel. They tend to have glass doors on the front so that you can see the fire burning within. Most will sit right inside a large fireplace opening while other units will sit on the hearth in front of it. This is probably the better choice as it provides radiant heat from the sides and from the top of the unit as well as delivering heat.

Your unit may also come with a blower on the front of it. This is a tool that allows for the heat to be blown out of the fireplace and into the room. These are mounted to the front or the sides of the wood stove inserts. These can be used both manually as well as with the use of a thermostat for a more controlled heat.

Installation? How’s That Work?

Wood stove inserts will normally require a professional to install them. This is because they tend to be quite heavy even weighing over 400 pounds. It is also important because inserts will need to have a positive connection to the chimney. They will need to have a connector that goes between the first section of the flue liner and the appliance outlet. This is regulated by the National Fire Protection Association as a means for controlling the smoke and gases that are released during burning. It also keeps combustible deposits in the fireplace.

Besides the cost of installation of your wood stove inserts, you will likely spent about $1500 to $2000 on an insert. They are often purchased based on what they look like, but in order to heat a room efficiently, you should carefully consider how well the unit can do this rather than what it looks like. It may cost more for other parts that may not come with it such as a blower. Wood stove inserts can effectively heat a small home or several rooms of your home for less than many other types of fuel.

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The Vita Goat Steam Boiler Cooking System

As energy becomes more expensive and scarce worldwide, heating and cooking solutions designed for use in developing nations are becoming more practical for home use in industrial nations. The Vita Goat home cooking and grinding system (provides high efficiency steam boiler heat for alternative cooking, and includes a grinder for processing grain into meal, and a press for extracting liquid from foods and food crops.

As more people grow their own food at home and look for ways to minimize their utility bills, systems like the Vita Goat are becoming more and more popular.

The Vita Goat System was actually invented the United States back in the 1970s, and is currently used in many developing nations to give households and villages the capacity to cook, grind, and process food at an industrial level without the need for factories and cost prohibitive machinery. Essentially a large outdoor pressure cooker, the Vita Goat system burns wood, gas, or a variety of other solid fuels to create pressurized steam. Steam injected at high pressure is up to ten times more efficient for cooking than a wood fire.

The steam inside the Vita Goat is run through a specially designed tube that ‘super heats’ it to temperatures far above that of ordinary steam. The boiler is easy and cheap to make, and best of all, it can be taken apart for cleaning. Steam boilers tend to accumulate scale on their inner tanks, which eventually causes them to fail, but with the Vita Goat, this never needs to happen.

The Vita Goat can pressure cook as much as 15 liters of food in half an hour or less—an astonishing time saver for tasks like canning fruit or processing tomatoes. The food to be cooked is fed into the top of the Vita Goat and then comes out the bottom once it has been processed to the desired consistency. The short cooking time saves energy and using the cooker outdoors keeps the kitchen from becoming unbearable.

The press function on the Vita Goat is easy to use. A filter bag holds the food product to be pressed, the Vita Goat cooks the product, and then a rod is turned that extracts the liquid from the food inside the bag inside the cooker. The practical applications of the press function are endless, but a few obvious ones include pressing cider from apples, grape juice from grapes, and rice milk from rice.

The Vita Goat also includes a pedal powered speed grinder than runs on a system of pulleys and can be used without firing up the cooking function. Practical uses for the grinder include making homemade cornmeal, hot cereals, and soy flour.

The Vita Goat system is a do-it-yourself machine that comes with a variety of spare parts and specialized pieces such as gaskets, gauges, and a bicycle chain and belt. The system is designed to last for at least one year if built as directed.

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The Return of Coal Boilers use for alternative heating

Coal boilers are alternative heating solutions to process hot water or to heat large areas. Before we have an understanding of that boiler type, it is necessary to have an overview of coal and its availability. Coal is probably the most abundant fossil fuel available in the United States. The history of coal mining dates back to the seventeenth century when coal mining began in Virginia. Ever since, coal is one of the most important fuels for industrial and domestic heating applications.

Statistically speaking, approximately 56% of the electricity used in United States is generated from coal burning processes. At the rate that coal is being consumed, United States has coal reserves that will last for almost another 300 years. Coal is cleaner to burn and offers more heat when compared to other fuels in that category. If we draw a comparison of coal and other fossil fuels in terms of million BTU’s (British Thermal Units), coal is most economic at $1.20, than oil $4.45 and natural gas $4.30.

Advantages of Coal Burning Boilers

A coal boiler is a closed metallic vessel or pot in which we can heat water or any other fluid under pressure. Coal burning boilers are effective heating solutions for buildings and other applications. The steam emanating from the coal boiler is canalized outside for purposes such as heating of a home or office.

The boilers have a simple mechanism. Coal used in boilers is either anthracite or bituminous. These varieties of coal provide maximum energy. In the coal boiler, coal is passed from the coal bin to the auger. A fan inside the boiler pulls air through the combustion chamber and after spinning it through the swirl chamber transfers it to the cyclone separator. The cyclone separator removes the fly ash, if there is any and puts it in a grate system. A coal boiler generally has dry ash and the wet ash. Coal burning boilers come with a safety valve, to prevent over pressurization and possible explosion of the boiler.

The coal burns and heats the water, which is then circulated around the building through water pipes. These pipes circulating hot water heat up the surrounding air and thus provide warmth to the room or the building. The steam generated in the process is also used for generating extra heat and warmth. Large boiler systems, which are used in industrial applications or large mansion, generally operate at 75 to 85 percent efficiency. The efficiency of a coal burning boiler is directly proportional to its economy.

The cost of a coal boiler depends on the size and certain other parameters. Some of the parameters that determine the cost of coal boilers are:

Type of heating required and area of the building or room to be heated.

Requirement such as Low Pressure Steam, High Pressure Steam, Hot Water, or High Temperature Hot Water

The type of combustion air system, space availability, and size Coal boilers are generally very reliable in nature and have a life of nearly 30-40 years. Coal boilers operate on a very simple mechanism and are very easy to maintain and repair. If there is a problem in one of the boiler parts, you can change the part or get it repaired easily. Another advantage of coal boiler is its scrap value and options for recycling. The manufacturers can recycle and reuse various parts of coal boilers after they are discarded and rendered unfit for use.

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What should I opt for? Corn pellet stoves, something else?

Heating through corn pellet stoves or other products can be an effective and efficient way to heat your home. There are many products that can be safely burned through a home heating system such as a stove, to heat the home throughout the day and overnight hours. And, these can save you money as well. For those that are looking for a way to save money, corn, pellet stoves may be just the right choice.

Types of corn, pellet stoves available

There are several types of stoves available that can be used. First, there is the typical stove which can burn wood or corn. Some can burn other fuels as well as coal or even other biomass products. These can be freestanding units or they can be an insert for a fireplace. Next, there are space heaters which will heat a small area to a room size. Other options include a hot air furnace as well as a hot water boiler. All of these systems can use corn as their fueling element.

It is important to note that you can use corn that is shelled as fuel. Or, you can use wood pellets. Corn pellet stoves do not burn corn pellet, rather they burn shelled corn or wood pellets. To determine which the right product is for you, take a look at what corn can offer. Corn, pellet stoves or other products can be used to heat a home or business. These units are offered in a number of ways but not all of them are the right choice. Here are a few things to consider about corn stove options.

Dry, shelled corn is easy to handle. It weights little and is easy to store. Most individuals can find it readily available and inexpensive at that.

Corn also has a high temperature energy per unit weight. It can burn at an energy level close to wood.

Corn is stored in a hopper until it is needed to be burned. It can be fed into a combustion chamber from above or it can be stoked into the chamber from below it. In either case, the corn, pellet stoves will regulate the amount of corn being added to the chamber by adjusting the speed of the auger that will push it in.

In most cases, the corn, pellet stove (no matter which type you choose) will burn effectively to heat a home. They do not provide any dirt or smell into the home itself. They are normally vented outside and draw in air from outside as well. This makes them safe to use.

Choosing the right corn, pellet stoves

When choosing any of these stoves, you should consider the ability of the unit to meet your needs. To do this, you should consider maintenance, installation as well as cost of the units. This can be easily compared.

But, is a corn stove a better choice? It all comes down to the cost, right? Shelled corn will burn better than wood by about ten to fifteen percent. Corn will burn about the same, on average, as propane, oil, and natural gas. It is more expensive, on average than water and air heated units and in some cases electricity. Choosing corn, pellet or other stoves is really about choosing which method you prefer.

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