From:
http://www.cnskylight.com
http://www.ultisolar.org
Five good reasons for using solar heating
From Victoria, British Columbia, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canadians are using solar energy to heat their pools. Here are five good reasons why.
No. 1: Solar saves on pool heating costs
Energy costs continue to rise. In the last two years alone, the price of natural gas has more than doubled. On the other hand, the sun’s energy is free, and more and more pool owners are taking advantage of this opportunity to save money and avoid future price increases. Over a 15-year period, you could spend five times or more on heating with gas what you would spend on installing a solar heater today. Once your solar heating system is installed, there are no more heating bills to pay. Many pool owners switch to solar because it meets all of theirheating needs. But, even if you continue to use a gas or electric heater as a backup, solar heating is a smart investment that will save you money, year after year.
No. 2: Solar extends your swimming season
A properly sized solar heating system will get you swimming earlier in the spring and later into the fall. Whether or not you have an existing heater, you can keep your pool warmer and open longer with free energy from the sun. In most areas of Canada, a solar heater used in combination with a solar pool cover can add two to four weeks to the beginning and two to four weeks to the end of the swimming season.
No. 3: Solar equipment is durable
Solar equipment often lasts longer than gas or electric heaters. With proper yearly maintenance, you can expect fuel heaters to last seven to 10 years. Most gas heaters come with a two-year warranty, and well-made heat pumps carry a two-year warranty with five years on the compressors. Solar panels have a minimum 10-year warranty and generally last 15 to 20 years or longer.
No. 4: Solar requires less maintenance
Unlike gas and electric heaters, which should be serviced by a technician every year, a solar heater requires very little servicing Again, that means less cost and less hassle for the pool owner.
No. 5: Solar energy is good for the environment
These days we hear a lot about the damaging effect that burning fossil fuels is having on the environment. Burning fuels releases nitrogen oxides that cause the formation of smog in urban areas. Urban smog, which is worse on warm and sunny days, affects people with respiratory problems such as asthma. Using solar energy instead of burning fossil fuels can help reduce this smog. Burning fuels also produces carbon dioxide, the main cause of climate change. Replacing a natural gas or propane heater with a solar heater could stop three to 10 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each swimming season. That’s about the same amount produced by operating your car for one year!
Five good reasons for using solar heating