Build a Solar Hot Water System
Did you know that the sun can give you almost free hot water? You can make and fit diy solar water heating easily and cheaply, perhaps for under 100 dollars depending on the materials you have available. Ready made solar water heaters usually cost over 1,000 dollars so building your own solar water heater will save you several hundred dollars, paying for itself in just a few months. Then your hot water will be free!
Solar heating works anywhere and at any time of the year – even wintertime! It might not provide all your hot water (although it often does), but it will certainly make a large dent in your utility bills. Savings of one third are quite usual. These solar heating systems are efficient, simple and environmentally green. Making a solar water heater is easily a weekend project, provided you get properly organized firstand get all the parts assembled.
A typical solar water heater system simply includes a collector box with integral water pipes that are connected to the existing domestic hot and cold water pipes near your hot water cylinder. Normally a drain valve is fitted should you need to empty the system for some reason, such as going away for a winter vacation. You will find the assembly easy and will not need any special skills or tools. Position the collector box so that it faces the mid-day sun, mounting it on the roof if you wish, or attached to a wall, but ideally close to your hot water tank to minimize heat losses through the pipes. You will be able to get all the materials needed at your local hardware store, although you will probably find you already have some of them in your shed.
Installing a solar water heater will not harm your existing domestic hot water system. In fact, by lowering the use of the existing heaters, the solar [hot water|water] heater will help [prolong|extend] the [service|life] of your boiler or immersion heater and also save on utility and maintenance costs. Remember also that solar heating is free energy that reduces our use of non-renewable fuels and lowers the carbon footprint, so there is an [environmental bonus|eco-bonus|green bonus] for installing a solar hot water system as well.
And it could have other uses. Solar hot water systems can help heat a swimming pool with constant, gentle heat all year. Are you thinking about underfloor heating, or do you already have such a central heating system? This typically [operates on|uses] a constant supply of [warm (as opposed to hot) |warm (not hot)] water with a low flow rate. Homemade solar water heaters are an ideal way of getting free heat in your house.
There is something very satisfying about making a simple device that saves you money, gives you free hot water on demand and helps save the planet at the same time.
But, as always, there are pitfalls for the inexperienced when trying to make and fit a solar water heater. It is really sensible, therefore, to invest in expert professional guidance and help when planning and building your solar hot water system. This is a small but vital investment that costs very little but will ensure you do everything safely and properly. We have more information about this on our specialized website.
In summary, we can assure you that making and installing your own solar water heater is a satisfying and fun project that will give you years of savings, so why not give it a go?
