When it’s time to replace or upgrade your current water heater, consider all your options. Too many people overlook solar thermal systems as a choice for their new hot water heater. Before you buy a new water heater, learn the benefits solar thermal brings to your home or business.

It’s cost-efficient affordable

Solar thermal is the most cost-efficient form of renewable energy for home and business use. The energy output generated by a solar thermal system is greater than a standard water heater, and can meet your hot water demands using less energy. There are federal tax credits and local incentives available when you install a new solar thermal system, which will help you recoup your installation expenses faster.

It works anywhere

Do you worry that a solar thermal system won’t be good for your home or business because our climate is sometimes cloudy and rainy, and we get our fair share of snow most winters? Don’t worry about the weather affecting your solar thermal system, they operate effectively in our region, and all over the United States.

It’s easy to maintain

Solar thermal systems require little on your part, allowing you to enjoy your hot water without extra work. Throughout their lifetime, solar thermal systems need hardly any maintenance or service. Solar thermal equipment is long-lasting and durable, even the solar collectors can stand up to harsh weather conditions. Installation also goes quickly- typically, only a few days’ work is needed for us to install your system completely.

 It helps you save

A solar thermal system will help you save big on your energy bills annually. By producing most if not all energy needed meet your hot water demands, all the hot water you want will cost you very little. With energy from your utility company, your expenses increase every time they raise their rates. With solar thermal, you can reduce your home or business’s dependence on utility power.

Are you wondering if a solar thermal system is right for you? Call the experts at Smith Sustainable Design to learn more benefits and discover how solar thermal is the right choice for your water heater replacement or upgrade.

Geothermal heat systems are made up of two main components: the heat pump and the ground loop. While the geothermal heat pump is above ground and accessible, the ground loop is laid below your lawn to collect geothermal energy for heating and cooling your home. One big question many homeowners and business owners have about installing geothermal heat system is how deep does the ground loop need to be buried?


Depending on the lay of the land, the underground features, and the size and design of your system, the depth of the ground loop will vary. The amount of space available for installation is a determining factor also. If there is a large amount of space available, the ground loop may be laid horizontally rather than vertically. This means your ground loop doesn’t have to be dug straight down, which may be necessary on smaller lots. When the available space is limited, the ground loop must be dug vertically in order to meet the needs of the system while keeping within the confines of the space.

Another determining factor of how deep the ground loop will be buried has to do with budget. Horizontal ground loops are a cost effective way to bury this network of piping, as they are typically not placed as deep as vertical ground loops. The size of the geothermal heat system needed to heat and cool your home will also help determine the depth and placement of your ground loop.

All these factors will be considered when determining the placement and depth of your geothermal heat system’s ground loop. With these factors in mind, Smith Sustainable Design will design an appropriate and effective ground loop which will collect the geothermal energy used to heat and cool your home. Before installation, we’ll discuss the design of your system, as well as the placement and depth of your geothermal ground loop, and address any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about placing a ground loop for your new geothermal heat system.

Though hopefully winter weather is over for now, one question we hear often in winter is “how does the snowfall affect my solar system panels?” Many homeowners who are considering solar installation may also think of this question, given the sometimes heavy snowfall we receive here in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Don’t worry, even when snow prevents us from doing much outdoors, it really doesn’t hinder your solar system panels from generating electricity for your home.

With roof mounted solar system panels, generally the easiest (and often safest) option is to do nothing. Don’t risk injury or a fall while climbing the roof to clear your solar panels, because it’s really not necessary. Your solar system panels will clear themselves in just a short time. During a light snow, it’s ok to brush off your panels if conditions are safe to access your panels.

Even with a thick layer of snow piled up on top, your solar system panels are still absorbing the sun’s ultraviolet rays. As the panels are collecting solar energy, they naturally heat up, which melts the snow and ice which may be sitting atop them. Solar system panels which are darker in color stay warmer for longer periods of time, continually melting the snow. Usually, the panels will have melted all the snow and ice cover in about a day.

Snowfall doesn’t necessarily hinder your solar system panels from producing energy during the winter months. In fact, the snow surrounding the panels and your home may cause your panels to generate extra energy. Have you ever noticed how bright a sunny day can be with a snowy landscape? The sun’s rays reflected off the snow can direct more energy towards your solar panels for absorption.

While heavy snow may seem like a burden for your solar system panels, your panels can clear the load themselves in most cases. They actually do a very good job at clearing the snow effectively in little time on their own. If you have questions about how the weather can affect your solar system panels, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Smith Sustainable Design; we are here to help with all your solar power needs.

On a smaller scale, solar thermal systems do wonders to reduce household utility expenses. On a larger scale, solar hot water systems are an efficient solution which can provide significant savings for your business, year after year. Business owners across the United States are switching to solar thermal to reduce operating expenses.

Solar thermal systems are available for commercial use, and have been used in a variety of settings, including: 

• Manufacturing 
  
• Schools 
  
• Hospitals 
  
• Laundromats 
  
• Multi-family housing 
  
• College dormitories 
  
• Car & truck washes
  

Many businesses are looking for methods to reduce waste and move to environmentally friendly processes and equipment. Solar hot water systems are a sound investment for businesses and commercial facility owners which can help meet these goals, allowing owners and occupants to reduce energy consumption, in turn reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

The energy savings provided by using a solar hot water system for your business isn’t the only way you can save. Your commercial solar thermal system may qualify your business to receive federal tax credits as well as incentives from your state or other local organizations. These incentives help you recoup the cost of your investment when you choose a solar thermal system to provide for your business’s hot water needs.

Choose solar hot water systems for business use and benefit from the energy savings they provide. Smith Sustainable Design installs solar thermal systems for a variety of commercial applications, and will help your business utilize the same environmentally friendly technology other companies are taking advantage of. Contact our experts to learn more about the benefits a solar hot water system will have in your line of business, and discover the return you can expect to see when you invest in a commercial solar hot water system.

Before installing a geothermal heating system, many important decisions are made to ensure your home will be equipped with a reliable, efficient way to heat and cool your space. One major determination which must be made before designing the ground loop which will gather geothermal energy is the appropriate size for your system. Sizing your system properly will help your home maintain the comfort and savings you’ll expect from your geothermal heating system.

An oversized geothermal heating system

Oversizing your geothermal heating system means the heat pump is too large for your space, your home’s insulation, and the needs created by your climate. When your geothermal heating system has a heat pump that is larger than needed, you’re getting more heating power than what is required for your space; oversizing means you may be paying more than necessary for higher capacity equipment. This extra expense can extend your payback period.

An undersized geothermal heating system

If your geothermal heating system is sized too small, your system won’t be capable of heating and cooling your home as efficiently. When geothermal heating systems are undersized, they must work harder and expend more energy in order to keep your home comfortable. This can lead to much higher operating costs than expected from a geothermal heating system, eliminating much of the savings you expect to gain when switching to a geothermal system. While installation costs are lower when a system is undersized, overall operating costs will be much higher than with a system that was sized correctly.

Installing a geothermal heating system is a significant investment for any home. Working with an experienced geothermal heating system contractor will help ensure you are getting the right system for your needs. Smith Sustainable Design has years of experience designing and installing geothermal heating systems, and takes great care to create the proper system design which will allow you to experience the savings and comfort you expect. Contact us today to learn more about properly sizing your home’s new geothermal heating system.

If you’re looking into solar installation for your home, chances are you have some questions. Smith Sustainable Design’s design and installation representatives are available to answer any questions you may have- just give us a call. So we can give you a better idea of specifics for your home’s solar information, it is helpful to have the following information available during your phone call.

Know your roofing information. We’ll need to know your roofing specification in order to assess if your roof can be used for solar installation, or if ground mounted panels would be an option. Let us know the age of your home’s roof, as well as the type of material used. We will need to know if you have asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or other roofing materials.

Check your utility bill. Look on your previous statement or call your utility provider to find the current energy costs. Your utility company may also provide information on your home’s average usage. This is helpful in determining how much solar energy your home will need to provide power for all your needs.

Think about your future. Your new solar installation will be powering your home for years to come, and a lot of changes can occur during this time. It is best to account for these changes during the initial solar installation, rather than altering the system later. Consider these factors:

• Will your family be growing, or a child moving away from home?
  
• Do you plan to add on to your home in the future?
  
• Will you purchase electric appliances when it is time to replace current ones?
  

Being prepared with this information will help our team learn more about your needs so we can present solar installation options that are appropriate for your home. Smith Sustainable Design is here to address your concerns and questions anytime. Contact us today to learn more about solar installation for your home.

Your solar thermal system uses a heat exchanger to warm water using the energy collected by your solar heat panels. Solar thermal systems use either a single wall heat exchanger or a double wall heat exchanger. The single wall heat exchangers are commonly used, but sometimes there are requests to use a double wall heat exchanger. Often, customers are under the impression that a double wall heat exchanger is needed for their system, but that is not always the case. Here is a look at the difference between the two, and why it may be better to choose one over the other.

The difference between the two heat exchangers is something you may be able to guess- one wall, and two walls. A single wall heat exchanger has just one barrier. A double wall heat exchanger has an additional layer. The barrier is typically made of a metal, such as copper or steel, and works to separate the solar fluid from potable water. It prevents the solar fluid from contaminating your hot water reserves.

While some may think the extra protection is a plus, a double wall heat exchanger may be a detriment in other areas. They are more expensive, adding additional cost to your solar thermal system installation which may not be warranted. They may also reduce your system’s performance because of their design, giving you results which are less than you expect from an efficient solar thermal system. The gap between the two barrier layers acts as a layer of insulation so the heat cannot be transferred as efficiently.

Using a single wall heat exchanger provides excellent protection against contamination of your water source if you follow these recommendations:

• Label the system so toxic fluids are not inserted where they shouldn’t be.
• Use a pressure relief valve that is properly rated for your system.
  

If you have any questions about which heat exchanger is appropriate for your solar thermal system, call Smith Sustainable Design. Our design and installation experts will give you the facts and information on the best equipment to keep you safe and help your solar thermal system work efficiently.

Many decisions homeowners make regarding remodeling rooms, upgrading appliances, and adding features to their homes have to do with comfort, convenience, and need. Homeowners also evaluate whether or not the improvement will affect the value of their home, which is an important consideration when determining return on investment. Geothermal heating and cooling systems are no different; they are a significant investment and homeowners often wonder the impact they will have on property value.

While there is no definitive answer on how geothermal heating and cooling systems affect property value, but many will say they either do not affect the value, or that they increase the value. There’s no solid data available to answer the property value question because often times, there aren’t comparable homes which have sold in the area that have geothermal systems. This means your appraiser or realtor may not be able to tell you with certainty that your geothermal heating and cooling system is an added value.

Because of the lack of consumer knowledge about geothermal heating and cooling systems, they can be overlooked when potential buyers evaluate your home. Many people do not recognize the energy savings benefits and lower operating costs associated with geothermal, and may think it’s just a typical furnace in your home. While geothermal heating and cooling systems are becoming more common, many people still do not know about their benefits, leading some to believe the system will not noticeably increase your property value.

On the other hand, geothermal heating and cooling systems are also thought to increase property value. Those who are aware of their benefits recognize the energy saving potential these systems offer. For homebuyers who are looking for sustainable systems and features, a geothermal heating and cooling system is an asset.

Either way, geothermal heating and cooling systems generally do not decrease your property value when installed correctly. It is important to work with a trusted contractor when installing a geothermal heating and cooling system to protect your home’s value and eliminate risks associated with faulty installation which can lower the property value. Smith Sustainable Design is a full service engineering, construction management, and installation provider, offering quality, reliable installation for residential and commercial geothermal heating and cooling systems. Contact us today to discuss a new geothermal heating and cooling system for your home.

Probably the most common misconception about solar power energy is that the system cost isn’t affordable. In reality, the cost of a solar system has been dropping for years. With advancing solar technology becoming more widely used, solar is much cheaper now than in previous years. If you think solar power energy is too expensive for your home, think again.

If you’d rather own your solar panels and system flat out, the price for installation is lower than in years past. You can purchase quality solar power energy equipment and receive reliable installation from experienced solar providers at a price which is more affordable. The California Public Utilities Commission found in 2012 that the cost of a residential solar system had fallen 28% since 2007.

The main factor lowering a system’s overall cost is a drop in solar system panel pricing. Residential solar power energy systems are typically quoted by the watt for equipment and installation. A few years ago, the solar panels cost about double what they do now. Thanks to developing technology, solar panels can be produced for less, lowering equipment costs. Professional installers have also responded to increasing competition by perfecting design and lowering labor needs, bringing installation prices down even farther.

Solar power energy has become accessible without the significant upfront cost thanks to solar financing arrangements. These arrangements allow you to pay monthly over time, rather than pay the total system price upfront. There are also solar lease agreements available, where the lease provider will install and maintain their solar panels on your roof; you pay for the energy the panels generate, at a much lower rate than electric utilities offer.

Don’t rule out solar power energy based on cost assumptions- get the facts. Smith Sustainable Design’s professional design and installation team can show you the real cost to utilize solar power energy at home, whether it be through purchasing and installing a system or solar lease options. Call us today and discover how affordable solar power energy really is.

Many pool owners love their pools but hate their heating costs. Heating your pool using traditional pool heating systems can be cost-prohibitive, preventing you from enjoying comfortable water temperatures. Luckily, there is an alternative solution which makes heating your pool much more affordable. Solar hot water heater systems aren’t just for household needs- use solar heat to keep your pool at comfortable, even temperatures affordably!

Solar heating systems for your pool consist of a few components: the solar heat panels, the pump, the filter, and a flow control valve. The pump moves cold water from your pool through the filter to remove any debris. Then, the water is pumped through the solar heat panels where it is heated using the energy they absorb. When the water reaches the desired temperature, the flow control valve opens, sending the warm water back into your pool, raising the overall temperature. The process usually takes only a few hours of sunlight, depending on the pool’s location and the temperature you prefer.

Solar heat systems for your pool use little energy to operate. Without the use of fossil fuels to warm the water, the cost of heating your pool decreases dramatically. A solar heat system for a pool pays for itself with the savings you achieve over using traditional pool heating equipment. Depending on your system and your pool, a solar heating system can pay for itself in as little as two to seven years!

Enjoy your pool without the expense. Smith Sustainable Design offers solar heat solutions which allow you to maintain comfortable water temperatures for much less than your old gas or electric pool heater. Contact us today for solar heat systems designed to reduce your pool heating costs.