Solar Heaters 

Solar heaters and coolers can be used to offset the tremendous amount of energy that is used to heat and cool both residential and commercial buildings. It has been stated that heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) in the U.S., accounts for 30% of the power used in commercial buildings and nearly 50% of the total energy that is used in homes and apartments. We can take an active part in reducing our reliance on non-renewable energy sources by using solar devices.

Sun Powered Heaters

Solar technologies are generally described as passive or active, according to how the power is captured and converted. Collecting the energy from the sun, storing that heat and then converting it into usable energy has been man’s dream for centuries. Now in modern days, we store the heat in what is called thermal mass materials. These can be materials as common as stone, cement and water or as exotic as photovoltaic  arrays. The simple systems have been used since Roman times and are still common in the Middle East.

Solar and Forced Air Combination Heating Systems

Solar heaters with forced air solar collectors are gaining popularity with the U.S. and Canada since the majority of the buildings in these countries already have an existing ducting system for air conditioning.

The heating and cooling exchange of solar energy has been used successfully for some time. Since the 1960’s, solar roof ‘ponds’ have heated houses when it is cool at night and cooled the same house when it is hot during the day. Even before the last century, Auguste Mouchout produced ice using a steam engine (solar powered) to provide cooling. Not all of the equipment required is ‘store bought’. You can increase the efficiency of your solar home devices by growing deciduous trees (the ones that shed their leaves in the winter) and paying attention to correct placement. There is much to learn about solar heating for your home or business.

Solar Systems Can Replace Fuel Burning or Electrical Systems

Technology has advanced to the point where significant reduction can be made within the oil burning or electrical heaters or other air conditioning units, thereby giving all of us a new lease on life on this planet. I am not a drum beating liberal, so please do not take this the wrong way. I just feel that if we can give Mother Nature a helping hand from time to time, maybe we should consider doing just that.