Is Solar Heating Right for You?

By Murray Anderson

With the rising prices or fossil fuels and the growing concerns about their impact on our environment, more and more people are looking for alternative ways to heat their homes. An increasingly popular choice for many is some form of a solar heating system. If you're one of the folks considering solar heat, either for purely economic reasons or because you're more concerned about the environment, solar may well be a viable choice for you.

Do I get enough sun where I live?

Consider there are homes in Canada that generate more than 75% of their home heating from the sun. As well, there are numerous examples of homes all across the northern US that are totally heated with solar energy. In fact, a study by the National Renewable Energy laboratory found that more than 60% of the homes in the US could benefit form passive solar heating. In addition, evolving technologies are providing increasingly efficient ways to capture and store the sun's heat, making solar heating a possibility for people living anywhere in the country.
 
Why you should consider solar heating

1. Economics benefits

    * The average house in the US costs over $1500 per year to heat and cool. A solar heating system could significantly reduce the heating portion (and a well designed system can also help cool homes in the summer). Depending on how committed you are to 'going solar' the benefits from a solar heating system will range from literally eliminating your home heating costs to in a worst case scenario, only lowering them up to 50%.
    * Consider that there are no are virtually no ongoing costs to a solar heating system. After the initial outlay to install the system, it just goes on providing heat year after year. There is virtually no maintenance, often all that's required is to make sure the glass is kept clean.
    * Many homeowners are able to recover the cost of installing solar heating systems in less than 3 years. In addition, there are numerous government sponsored programs across the country to help and encourage you to use solar heat.
    * Solar heat is like a smart investment, providing a yield every year well above the rate of inflation. So, you're immune to inflation as well as the rising costs of heating oil or gas. Plus, as an extra bonus, that yield is tax free.

2. Environmental benefits

    *Solar heating is obviously environmentally friendly and doesn't produce any pollution or green house gasses since no carbon based fuels are consumed. (It's estimated that more than 50% of a homes green house gas are produced through either heating the home or water for use I the home).
    * Solar is safe and clean and great for people with breathing problems, allergies or chemical sensitivities since there are no fuel tanks or flammable pipes coming into your home and naturally, no fuel odors or smells.
    * Solar heating can also reduce your 'carbon footprint'. Since most systems are designed and built locally using materials from the area, there is minimal shipping and transportation required.

Murray Anderson is an experienced freelance writer over 500 articles published on the web as well as in print magazines and newspapers in both the United States and Canada. He writes on a wide range of topics and is a regular contributor to DoItYourself.com. He can be contacted at murand@lycos.com.