Friday, June 8, 2012

Solar Power for Homes Comfort Can Be Safe for the Environment

Solar Power for Homes Comfort Can Be Safe for the Environment

The topic of solar power for homes has increased in popularity as more options become available to meet residential needs. It is one of many alternative electricity choices individuals can use to cut costs and become eco-friendly. Solar designs allow the use of clean energy to a residence at a minimal cost. The systems are just as affordable as a traditional design and can be installed in approximately one day by an experienced professional. Solar energy offers benefits for residential heating or in smaller environments such as a garage or caravan. One of the largest concerns owners often have is the ability for these systems to keep up with heating needs when less ideal conditions are present. The latest designs are meant to work with currently installed HVAC methods to reduce costs while still providing the dependability needed for any climate condition.Which Radiant Methods Suit Individual Residential Use?Solar power is used as much as it can be and the alternative fuel based system picks up the slack at all other times. Either this energy can be obtained by thermal panels or radiant heat transfer approaches. The technology is being applied to air duct systems, baseboards, and newer radiant heating approaches. Those working in conjunction with main power are referred to as grid tied setups. Any design operation using a battery system in a remote location is an off grid setup. They can decrease energy costs when implemented with an already in-place unit or as an individual design. Investment cost is a big determining factor in choosing what method will be put in by a heating professional.Radiant heating delivers warmth directly into the floor or through installed panels found in the walls or roof of a residence. It has proven more efficient than baseboard approaches, and offers benefits over air duct systems because energy is not compromised by the flow of air through the ductwork. Reduced air movement is beneficial to anyone suffering with allergies and uses the least amount of electricity when the system is liquid-based. Minimal electricity requirements make them the best option for off-grid usage since they can be supplied by alternative energy sources such as gas or oil. Aluminum panels, mounted on the floor or ceiling, can also be warmed by electricity or water to generate radiant heat. Panels offer the lowest temperature capacity and provide the fastest response at times when solar power for homes is needed.Radiant floor heating relies on convection methods to circulate warmth naturally throughout a space. It is different from the common wall or ceiling installations made available to homeowners. Electric versions consist of installing cabling, mats, or conductive plastic on the subfloor and then overlaid by tile or another form of floor covering. Hydronic methods are the most cost effective when heating is necessary due to outside climate conditions. A boiler is used to warm water that is then pumped to tubing installed in a particular pattern across the flooring. Each type offers its own set of advantages, and an experienced heating expert can go over them prior to making a purchasing decision.