Solar thermal versus electric pool heating

Heating a pool can be costly. Solar thermal systems and electric heat pump systems are cheaper than operating a gas powered pool heater, but which is the better choice? Let’s compare the two so you can see the advantages of each side by side.

Solar thermal pool heaters

Solar thermal pool heaters work by collecting the sun’s energy and using it to warm the water circulating in your pool. Just like the water in your hose heats up being left in the sun all day, the sun heats up the water pumping through the solar collectors. Pool temperatures aren’t as hot as the hot water you need inside your home, so lower cost materials can be used to create the system.

Advantages:

• Solar thermal pool heaters are definitely the cheapest option as far as operational costs are concerned.
• These systems are fueled by the sun’s energy, which happens to be free!
• Solar thermal pool heaters are green and environmentally friendly, as they use naturally occurring energy.

Disadvantages:

• You can’t use a solar thermal pool heater to heat on demand if weather conditions aren’t right, which could limit the use of your pool for some people.
• A solar thermal pool heater can’t heat up the pool as quickly as electric pool heaters.
• A large collector area may be needed, depending on the size of your pool. No big deal, but may be aesthetically displeasing to some.

Electric heat pump pool heaters

Just like a heat pump used to heat and cool a home, an electric pool heat pump removes heat from the outside air and transfers it to heat the pool water.

Advantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters can be used even on cloudy days, as they don’t rely on the sun’s energy.
• These systems can absorb the proper amount of heat needed to warm pool water even when outdoor temperatures aren’t very warm. Sufficient heat can be absorbed when outdoor temperatures are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Electric heat pump pool heaters offer fast recovery times than solar thermal pool heaters, making them a better option for swimming during colder outdoor temperatures.

Disadvantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters require utility energy to operate, and are not as environmentally friendly as solar thermal pool heaters.
• When using an electric heat pump pool heater, you are subjected to fluctuating energy prices as well as utility grid down time.

Selecting a solar thermal system

When it comes to selecting a solar thermal system, there are a few options available to homeowners. Homeowners must decide the style of solar thermal system that will be best for their needs. Selecting a contractor to install your system is another element which is important. Let’s take a look at the basic information you’ll need to know.

Types of solar thermal systems

The two types of solar thermal systems are active systems and passive systems. An active solar thermal system is made up of circulating pumps which use controls. In a passive system, there are less working parts but cannot be used where freezing temperatures my occur. Most solar thermal systems use storage tanks which hold the heated water. Collection systems may use one or two insulated tanks.

When used in residential applications, two types of active system collectors can be chosen. Flat Plate solar collectors are made up of dark absorber plates housed in well-insulated boxes, covered by plastic or glass. Evacuated Tube solar collectors are made up of copper vacuum pipes that transfers the heat from within the evacuated tubes up to the manifold, and the heated water is circulated to the buffer water tank.

Selecting a solar thermal contractor

When it’s time to select a contractor, there are a few key questions which you need to ask in order to determine a good fit.

1. Ask the contractor to help you determine your savings from using a solar thermal system.
2. Ask where the solar thermal collectors should be placed to achieve the maximum efficiency.
3. Ask the contractor for their recommendation as to which size and type of solar thermal system is appropriate for your application.
4. Ask how efficient the recommended system is compared to other options.
5. Ask the contractor what permits are required in your area.

If you have questions about the different types of solar thermal systems available, or how to choose a contractor, call Smith Sustainable Design.

Why use a solar hot water heater system?

Why use a solar hot water heater system instead of a conventional hot water heater system? Using the sun’s energy is easier than you think. Solar hot water heater systems are an efficient and affordable way to harness this free, natural energy.

Solar hot water heater systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, versus gas or electric power. If your demand is high, you may also want to have a conventional backup on-hand for cloudy days. A good southern exposure on your home’s roof is the perfect spot for placement of the solar thermal collectors. You’ll also need an insulated collector tank to store the water your solar heat panels will heat.

So why use a solar hot water heater system? The strongest tipping point for most homeowners is the potential energy savings which can be achieved through their use. If you come from using a conventional system which uses higher priced fuel, you stand to save more than you would if your old system was using cheaper fuel- savings will vary from household to household. Plus with solar hot water heaters, you won’t be subjected to rising fuel rates!

Most homeowners achieve an energy savings of 50 to 80 percent with a solar hot water heater system. With the lower cost of installation compared to solar power systems, the costs can be recouped in a short number of years. After your system has paid for itself, you’ll essentially be heating water for free when using your solar hot water heater system.

Choosing the right contractor to install your solar hot water heater system can definitely impact your savings. You want to team up with a contractor who knows what they are doing and can ensure proper installation with effective operation. Call Smith Sustainable Design today to discover more about solar hot water heater systems and how one can save you money.

Hybrid hot water systems from Rheem

There are many hot water heater systems available on the market. Many reputable manufacturers have created excellent products which help homeowners achieve great energy savings for water heating. Rheem, a notable manufacturer of heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, has introduced a new hybrid hot water heater, which offers significant savings for homeowners.

Rheem’s Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater can save homeowners up to $329.00 per year. It has the highest energy efficiency in its class, with an Energy Factor (EF) of 2.45. This model is also ENERGY STAR qualified, which can earn you additional savings through rebate programs which may be available in your area. All in all, it is estimated to cost less than $16 dollars a month to operate.

Like a heat pump used to heat and cool spaces in your home, the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater uses the same technology. The unit extracts heat from the air around it to heat the water within. It does not store hot water like a traditional electric or gas tank hot water heater. This method is far more efficient.

Plus, this model offers the added benefit of dehumidifying the space around it. Since it pulls heat from the air to warm the water, the air receives a cooling effect. Great installation locations which can really benefit from this feature are garages and basements.

The Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater is also easy to use. It features a full-color backlit touchscreen which controls the functions of the unit. It has a vacation mode to save money when you are away from home. The water heater provides diagnostic information for technicians and service alerts to help homeowners keep their systems functioning properly.

For more information about the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater, call Smith Sustainable Design today.