Is A Solar Water Heater Right For You?
According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for approximately 18 percent of your household's utility bills. Conserving your water usage is not always enough to lower your bills. Some homeowners are turning to solar water heaters to cut their bills. If you are interested in them, here is what you need to know.
Why Should You Install a Solar Water Heater?
There are several reasons to install a solar water heater in your home. One of the most important reasons is the savings you can experience. The Department of Energy estimates a solar water heater can cut your energy costs in half. There are several factors that can influence the savings, such as water usage, but there are savings.
Solar water heaters require very few modifications to your home for installation. Energy collectors are mounted on your home or the ground and a tank can be placed near your existing water heater.
Solar water heaters also require very little maintenance. You can perform the annual maintenance or hire a professional to do it for you.
Are There Disadvantages?
Although there are many perks to having a solar water heater, there is one downside. Solar water heaters can be costly to install. The water heater could range from $1,000 to $5,000. Depending on the model and installation, the price could be higher. By contrast, a more traditional water heater starts at $300.
It is important to note that the solar water heater does save on energy costs, which can result in the system paying for itself over time. The price of the installation is also usually included in the quoted purchase price.
Do You Qualify for a Solar Water Heater?
Not every home meets the criteria for a solar water heater. If your home does not, other energy savings methods will need to be explored.
In order to use a solar water heater, the collectors have to be positioned in a place where direct sunlight can hit them most of the day. If your home is shaded, you might have to cut away trees to install the heater.
Your home also needs a sturdy roof. If the roof is not solid enough for the collectors, the contractor might be able to install a ground-mounted system. Again, the collectors have to be exposed to the sunlight.
Before purchasing a water heater, talk to a contractor about whether or not a solar water heater is a good option for your home. Companies like Rapid Plumbing Inc may be able to meet your needs in this area.