We have been using the sun to help heat our homes for generations, and the design of homes throughout history have taken this into account. Modern technology has now completely changing the way this is done and with the rising price of gas and electricity making us look at some ideas that were in use before gas and electricity became cheap, but giving the ideas a modern slant.
For example, in the some areas during the 20 s hot water was supplied to homes by large storage tanks that were heated by the sun, until it became to expensive to compete with falling gas and electricity prices but with prices rising again the use of solar power in the home has been on the increase, and this idea is being used again but with a modern twist.
The simplest way to use solar power to heat your home is by the use of passive solar energy, that is ensuring that the majority of your windows face south so giving you the best chance of warming your home. This unfortunately can lead to certain areas of the home being to bright and getting to warm while other areas receive not enough light and heat. Modern solar systems can get around this problem by distributing the heat evenly around your home, so keeping all areas at a constant and comfortable heat.
The modern solution is to use solar energy to heat water that is then pumped throughout your home, the heat is released, keeping all areas of your home at a comfortable, constant and even temperature. The water is heated by passing it through small tubes that sometimes lie in small parabolic mirror type troughs. This water is distributed throughout your home by running under the flooring throughout your home and giving you a even temperature regardless of location. One down side to this can be the fact water is used and if a leak was to occur in the system then it could cause damage to your home.
Another option is the use of air or similar gas, that can distribute the heat evenly throughout the home. Filling the tubes with air or other gas makes it possible to still absorb and deposit heat where it s wanted. At the same time, because the gas is not a liquid, if a leak does occur there s no major damage to the home and no major cleanup and repair bill. The draw back is that this isn t as as efficient at storing heat as liquid systems because air is not as dense as water so doesn t absorb as much heat.
If you start to investigate the possible applications that are available for your home and you ll discover a wide array of options that will allow you to heat your home using the power of the sun. This help you save money in the long run, reduce your carbon footprint and help to stop Global Warming.
Gavin Dye is the webmaster at http://www.solar-power-4u.com where you can learn about solar power and other forms of alternative energy you can use around your home. You can also learn how you can do your bit to stop Global Warming.
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