Heating a pool can be costly. Solar thermal systems and electric heat pump systems are cheaper than operating a gas powered pool heater, but which is the better choice? Let’s compare the two so you can see the advantages of each side by side.


Solar thermal pool heaters

Solar thermal pool heaters work by collecting the sun’s energy and using it to warm the water circulating in your pool. Just like the water in your hose heats up being left in the sun all day, the sun heats up the water pumping through the solar collectors. Pool temperatures aren’t as hot as the hot water you need inside your home, so lower cost materials can be used to create the system.

Advantages:

• Solar thermal pool heaters are definitely the cheapest option as far as operational costs are concerned. 
  
• These systems are fueled by the sun’s energy, which happens to be free!
  
• Solar thermal pool heaters are green and environmentally friendly, as they use naturally occurring energy.
  

Disadvantages:

• You can’t use a solar thermal pool heater to heat on demand if weather conditions aren’t right, which could limit the use of your pool for some people.
  
• A solar thermal pool heater can’t heat up the pool as quickly as electric pool heaters.
  
• A large collector area may be needed, depending on the size of your pool. No big deal, but may be aesthetically displeasing to some.
  

Electric heat pump pool heaters

Just like a heat pump used to heat and cool a home, an electric pool heat pump removes heat from the outside air and transfers it to heat the pool water.

Advantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters can be used even on cloudy days, as they don’t rely on the sun’s energy.
  
• These systems can absorb the proper amount of heat needed to warm pool water even when outdoor temperatures aren’t very warm. Sufficient heat can be absorbed when outdoor temperatures are as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
• Electric heat pump pool heaters offer fast recovery times than solar thermal pool heaters, making them a better option for swimming during colder outdoor temperatures.
  

Disadvantages:

• Electric heat pump pool heaters require utility energy to operate, and are not as environmentally friendly as solar thermal pool heaters.
  
• When using an electric heat pump pool heater, you are subjected to fluctuating energy prices as well as utility grid down time.

Homeowners today are looking for alternatives to make their home a greener place. From using recycled building materials to choosing energy-efficient appliances, there are many ways to green a home. Installing a geothermal heating system is a significant step for homeowners, and one of the most environmentally friendly steps which can be taken, in the journey towards going green.

Geothermal heating systems use natural energy to heat and cool and home, not fossil fuels. Solar energy which hits the Earth’s surface every day is absorbed into the ground. A geothermal heating system taps into that energy. Using this energy source is very environmentally friendly, because fossil fuels are not burned and greenhouse gases are not emitted during the heating process.

While geothermal heating systems use natural energy, they also use this energy more efficiently. The temperature below ground stays at approximately 54 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, so the heat pump doesn’t use more energy to compensate for temperature fluctuations. Air source heat pumps use energy from the air outdoors, which as we know, can vary greatly even over the course of a day.

With these energy saving features, homeowners who have a geothermal heating system installed also save money. The average household benefits from energy savings of approximately 70 percent. Plus, water heating expenses can also be saved, as geothermal heating systems can be configured to provide hot water, too. A geothermal heating system allows you to use less energy for three of the major energy expenders in your home: heating, cooling, and water heating.

Choosing a geothermal heating system will help your home become a much greener place. Heating and cooling alone accounts for about 50 percent of the average home’s energy use- doesn’t this seem like the perfect place to start?

The placement of solar module panels is arguably one of the most crucial factors in designing a good solar power system. Sun exposure will help determine if the solar module panels will have enough sunlight exposure to provide power for your needs. How do we determine if your site has optimal sunlight exposure? One tool we use is a sun chart.

We can create a sun chart to plot how much direct sunlight your site will be exposed to each day. The sun chart helps us first to determine if solar power is a good option for a client, and then helps us evaluate where to place solar module panels. The sun chart shows the movement of the sun across the sky, and shows us the approximate amount of sunlight the site will receive over the year.

We use two angles to plot the position of the sun. The azimuth is the angular distance of the sun from a fixed line. Here in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, we use a line that runs directly south, because solar module panels are placed south-facing in the northern hemisphere. For example, at noon, the sun is directly overhead in the sky, so the azimuth angle is zero.

The second angle used to chart the sun’s position is the elevation angle. It is created using a line which is parallel to the ground and a line running from the ground up to the sun. For instance, at noon, the angle is 90 degrees. At sunset when the sun is on the horizon, the angle is zero. These two angles are used to graph the sun’s movement through the sky over a period of a day.

The sun chart can be used to plot the sun’s movement in the sky throughout all four seasons. The changing seasons affect the length of sun exposure each day. Charting the exact sunlight exposure for each season will help us determine the correct amount of solar module panels you’ll need to power your home or business through even shorter days, like the summer and winter solstices.

A sun chart also accounts for impediments in the skyline. Things like trees, buildings, and towers can block the amount of sunlight your site receives. The sun chart allows us to determine if these impediments will prevent your site from receiving adequate sunlight exposure. We may find that your roof is not an optimal location for placement of solar module panels, but there is an area of your yard that receives perfect exposure where solar module panels can be mounted.

When it comes to selecting a solar thermal system, there are a few options available to homeowners. Homeowners must decide the style of solar thermal system that will be best for their needs. Selecting a contractor to install your system is another element which is important. Let’s take a look at the basic information you’ll need to know.

Types of solar thermal systems

The two types of solar thermal systems are active systems and passive systems. An active solar thermal system is made up of circulating pumps which use controls. In a passive system, there are less working parts but cannot be used where freezing temperatures my occur. Most solar thermal systems use storage tanks which hold the heated water. Collection systems may use one or two insulated tanks.

When used in residential applications, two types of active system collectors can be chosen. Flat Plate solar collectors are made up of dark absorber plates housed in well-insulated boxes, covered by plastic or glass. Evacuated Tube solar collectors are made up of copper vacuum pipes that transfers the heat from within the evacuated tubes up to the manifold, and the heated water is circulated to the buffer water tank.

Selecting a solar thermal contractor

When it’s time to select a contractor, there are a few key questions which you need to ask in order to determine a good fit.

1. Ask the contractor to help you determine your savings from using a solar thermal system.
   
2. Ask where the solar thermal collectors should be placed to achieve the maximum efficiency.
   
3. Ask the contractor for their recommendation as to which size and type of solar thermal system is appropriate for your application.
   
4. Ask how efficient the recommended system is compared to other options.
   
5. Ask the contractor what permits are required in your area.
   

If you have questions about the different types of solar thermal systems available, or how to choose a contractor, call Smith Sustainable Design.

Geothermal heat systems can be installed in existing homes. Often times, they are a great alternative to oil, propane, or natural gas. When it’s time to replace your current heating system, switching to geothermal can definitely help you save.

Homeowners who switch from oil, propane, or natural gas to a geothermal heating system are overall very pleased with the results. Besides from just heating your home, a geothermal heating system also offers cooling and  hot water assist, which can further reduce your costs. The hot water assist package can save homeowners about 60 percent on their domestic water heating. In the wintertime, geothermal heat systems offer comfortable, even heat throughout the home.

When switching to a geothermal heat system, your home may require a few alterations to maximize the efficiency of the new system. For instance, duct work will be evaluated and may be sealed to prevent air leaks which reduce the efficiency of the new system. Upgrades may need to be made to your electrical service to ensure the load created by the ground source heat pump can be handled.

When it’s time to replace your current heating system, consider replacing it with a geothermal heat system. Smith Sustainable Design can show you how switching to geothermal heat can be a benefit to your comfort and your wallet.

Doing it yourself is very tempting for many household projects. Doing it yourself can save you hassle and money. Many can be tackled just fine by a homeowner, but there are some that are better left to the pros. Installing solar panels is one task that you are better off hiring a contractor for.

Designing a solar power system and installing solar panels is a complex process, and many elements factor in to the final plan. Choosing an experienced contractor to handle your installation will help you avoid errors and unnecessary costs. Before the system is even installed, there are several considerations a contractor will help with. Permits and inspections may be necessary, depending on where you live. Your contractor will deal with the often time-consuming, confusing task of obtaining permits for your job.

Doing it yourself can have some pretty big disadvantages. If you are looking to tie into the utility grid, the power company may not permit connection if an approved contractor doesn’t install your solar panels. Plus, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover a self-installed system. Plus, if you install solar panels yourself, you won’t get the same warranty you would if using a contractor.

Choosing a contractor to install solar panels offers many distinct advantages. They have experience doing this work, whereas you most likely don’t. A good contractor knows how to design and install solar panels so they will work as expected- do you? If you don’t install solar panels properly yourself, individual warranties may not be honored and you’ll have a harder time working out the kinks in your system. Plus, using a contractor can help you get a better price on equipment because they have greater buying power. Some manufacturers won’t even sell to self-installers, so using a contractor is your best bet for getting great equipment at a great price.

There are many more advantages to using a contractor for installing solar panels. Installing solar panels is a big investment- protect it by making the right choice from the get-go. Looking for a trusted contractor to install solar panels in New Jersey or Pennsylvania? Contact Smith Sustainable Design today.

Why use a solar hot water heater system instead of a conventional hot water heater system? Using the sun’s energy is easier than you think. Solar hot water heater systems are an efficient and affordable way to harness this free, natural energy.

Solar hot water heater systems use the sun’s energy to heat water, versus gas or electric power. If your demand is high, you may also want to have a conventional backup on-hand for cloudy days. A good southern exposure on your home’s roof is the perfect spot for placement of the solar thermal collectors. You’ll also need an insulated collector tank to store the water your solar heat panels will heat.

So why use a solar hot water heater system? The strongest tipping point for most homeowners is the potential energy savings which can be achieved through their use. If you come from using a conventional system which uses higher priced fuel, you stand to save more than you would if your old system was using cheaper fuel- savings will vary from household to household. Plus with solar hot water heaters, you won’t be subjected to rising fuel rates!

Most homeowners achieve an energy savings of 50 to 80 percent with a solar hot water heater system. With the lower cost of installation compared to solar power systems, the costs can be recouped in a short number of years. After your system has paid for itself, you’ll essentially be heating water for free when using your solar hot water heater system.

Choosing the right contractor to install your solar hot water heater system can definitely impact your savings. You want to team up with a contractor who knows what they are doing and can ensure proper installation with effective operation. Call Smith Sustainable Design today to discover more about solar hot water heater systems and how one can save you money.

Often during the hot summer months, New Jersey and Pennsylvania may go without rain for a period of time, creating drought conditions. While the brown grass is an obvious sign that the ground is dry, underground water levels are also subsiding. Lowered underground water levels affect the steady underground temperatures your geothermal heating and cooling system depend on to keep your home cool during the summer. Homeowners with horizontal loops which are not buried deep into the ground and those with inappropriately sized systems may experience cooling troubles during these dry periods.

When systems are undersized, there aren’t enough loops to exchange heat in the ground, which hurts during these dry times. More loops could be placed, but this investment would be pretty great just to solve a problem that only affects a home during extreme weather periods that aren’t typical.

Luckily, extreme droughts don’t seem to damage geothermal heating and cooling systems- they only affect their power to sufficiently cool the home. Your system has controls which will shut down if conditions that are too extreme for operation are detected. If this happens, simply call the installer to come check components such as water flow and refrigerant levels to ensure the system is in good condition.

Picking a quality geothermal heating and cooling system installer to do your initial installation and system design can help you combat the possibility of being affected during times of drought. The qualified installers at Smith Sustainable Design take these factors into consideration when designing your system to ensure you’ll receive optimal cooling when you need it. We’ll discuss the proper placement of ground loops and whether.

Going off the grid is different than a solar installation which will be tied to the grid. Off the grid, your solar installation must provide for all your power needs, you won’t have utility backup power to depend on. Off-grid solar installations require a few additional elements that aren’t needed for a grid-tied solar installation. Below is a list of the components you may find in an off-grid solar installation.

Battery Bank

The battery bank is an essential component of an off-grid solar installation. It stores extra electricity which isn’t immediately used, and will power a home or business through periods where sunlight is not optimal. The bank is usually composed of multiple individual batteries arranged as a series or in parallel, which are connected via cables.

Charge Controller

The solar installation’s charge controller is the component which feeds collected current into the batteries in the bank. The charge controller has a big impact on the economics of the solar installation. To make the most of your solar power, you’ll need a charge controller that can maximize the performance of the batteries in the bank.

Inverter

The inverter component switches DC voltage to the AC voltages which are needed to power most household devices and appliances. If only DC voltages are used in the facility, an inverter may not be necessary.

DC Loads Controller

A DC loads controller is needed in installations where DC and AC voltages are needed, and maintains the necessary voltages and currents for DC loads.

AC Generator

The AC generator isn’t a necessary component for your solar installation, but is useful for providing backup power during periods where solar collection isn’t optimal.

AC Loads Controller

Like the DC loads controller, the AC loads controller maintains appropriate voltages and currents for the AC appliances which are being operated.

Transfer Switch

The transfer switch is used to switch between power coming from the inverter and power created by the AC generator.

There are many hot water heater systems available on the market. Many reputable manufacturers have created excellent products which help homeowners achieve great energy savings for water heating. Rheem, a notable manufacturer of heating, cooling, and water heating equipment, has introduced a new hybrid hot water heater, which offers significant savings for homeowners.

Rheem’s Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater can save homeowners up to $329.00 per year. It has the highest energy efficiency in its class, with an Energy Factor (EF) of 2.45. This model is also ENERGY STAR qualified, which can earn you additional savings through rebate programs which may be available in your area. All in all, it is estimated to cost less than $16 dollars a month to operate.

Like a heat pump used to heat and cool spaces in your home, the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater uses the same technology. The unit extracts heat from the air around it to heat the water within. It does not store hot water like a traditional electric or gas tank hot water heater. This method is far more efficient.

Plus, this model offers the added benefit of dehumidifying the space around it. Since it pulls heat from the air to warm the water, the air receives a cooling effect. Great installation locations which can really benefit from this feature are garages and basements.

The Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater is also easy to use. It features a full-color backlit touchscreen which controls the functions of the unit. It has a vacation mode to save money when you are away from home. The water heater provides diagnostic information for technicians and service alerts to help homeowners keep their systems functioning properly.

For more information about the Rheem Prestige Series Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater, call Smith Sustainable Design today.