Benefits of solar water heaters

Conventional geysers use around 6,400 kW hours of electricity per year per household, which in turn is responsible for around 8 tons of CO2 per year, twice as much as a car emits. A family using natural gas or oil-fired water heaters contributes at least two tons of CO2 emissions per year. Solar water heaters not only save money but also do not emit CO2.

Scientists have shown that geysers cause more pollution than all the cars and small trucks on the continent. And if just half of all households used solar water heaters, CO2 emissions would be on par with doubling the fuel efficiency of all cars.

Solar water heating systems are gaining in popularity and many people are switching over, and according to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, there are about one and a half million people using solar water heaters in the US. The beauty of This type of heating is that it can be used in any climate, since most countries have access to sufficient sunlight. Local governments around the world are encouraging people to install solar water heaters.

Solar system heaters are the most economical option and so another good reason to switch. These systems cost about $1,500 and up compared to $150 to $500 for electric and gas heaters. Solar water heating systems pay for themselves within four to eight years and these types of heaters will last around forty years which is about the same as conventional water heaters and the difference is that with a solar water system you will have free hot water. water forever.

In the US, homeowners are offered tax credits of around thirty percent when they install a solar heating system; however, these tax credits are not included when it comes to hot tub heaters or pool heaters and before you can claim tax credits, the solar system has to be approved. and certified by the Solar Rating and Certification Corporation.

Before installing a solar water heating system, consumers should research the standards required by their zoning and building codes and hire a certified installer who is familiar with local requirements. It should also be noted that most municipalities require a building permit before installing a solar water heater on an existing home.

For example, in Canada, the Canadian Solar Industries Assoc has a specific list of solar water heater installers that is included in their natural resources brochure. If you go online, you can find a free downloadable solar water heating system buyers guide.

For those of you who aren’t financially ready to switch out your solar water heaters, there are other ways you can save electricity in the meantime. Heaters vary in size as there are natural gas heaters, electric heaters, propane and oil heaters, as well as solar models. Each model varies when it comes to cost. You can save money by using water heater blankets that are rated R5 or R10. This will keep the cost of electricity lower.