Solar Water Heaters and Their Benefits

It has become standard practice, after years of concerns about energy costs and the environment, to consider efficiency when purchasing a new water heater. However, many homeowners still fail to consider renewable energy options when replacing their water heaters. Solar water heaters have come a long way, and are now lower in cost and more reliable than their predecessors, which makes them a great option for homeowners here in sunny South Texas.

There are a number of different types of solar water heaters, and each has its own benefits. The two main varieties are active and passive heaters. Active solar water heaters utilize electric pumps to function, while passive systems rely on gravity or other non-electric forces. Within these classes, there is quite a bit of variation, with choices ranging from very simple passive batch systems, where containers of water are located within the solar collector, to the more complex active indirect circulation systems, which pump a heat-transfer liquid, such as antifreeze, through pipes in a holding tank of household water.

With hot water heating making up almost a fifth of the energy usage in most households, a solar water heating system is bound to make a difference in your utility bills, but some systems are better-suited to our hot climate than others. Though some companies advertise easy-to-install solar water heaters, it’s best to talk to a professional in order to choose the right system and to prevent any damage, especially since adding equipment to your roof can be risky.

While solar water heater installation is often a more costly choice than gas or electric water heaters, homeowners should be aware that with the possibility of government rebates, and the value of free water heating over a number of years, the system’s long-term cost is comparable to other options. Even better, the investment in a solar water heater will add significantly to the value of your home, especially as more buyers begin to look for homes with renewable energy components.

If you would like more expert advice on solar water heaters in your Coastal Bend home, contact us at CCAC today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about solar water heaters and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock