If you’re searching for eco-friendly ways to heat your home in the winter, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated a list of the most viable solar energy alternatives for the family budget, so you can relax and enjoy your eco-friendly home.
1. Photovoltaics (PV)
The first entry on our list is photovoltaics, or solar power, that harnesses the energy of sunlight to generate electricity.
You may know that solar power already supplies 15% of the world’s energy needs, so it’s time to bring the technology home. These days, many manufacturers offer solar-powered lanterns, cell-phones, and other small electronic appliances for individual use.
The great thing about solar power is that, unlike some other heating options, it doesn’t get consumed very quickly. This means that you can buy it in large quantities and store it for later use. When the sun isn’t shining and/or the temperatures are below freezing, your electricity will still be available to you.
2. Solar Hot Water Heaters (SHWH)
The second entry on our list is solar hot water heaters, or solar heaters. Just like our first entry, solar hot water heaters use photovoltaics to generate electricity which heats water to use in your home. This popular and versatile option is available in a variety of different sizes, so you can find one that suits your specific needs.
A solar hot water heater can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, so it’s not a cheap solution. However, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating, you can’t go wrong with solar hot water heaters.
3. Solar Air Heaters
Air heaters use a variety of different technologies to create an oxygen-rich air, which is then circulated through the house. The beauty of this option is that it makes the air inside your home fresh and healthy – not to mention that it’s extremely cost-effective. This type of heater does not emit any harmful gases, so it’s perfect for homes with young children and pets.
While air heaters are a great choice for homes, they aren’t built to withstand heavy winds or extreme temperatures, so they aren’t ideal for certain climates. That being said, they are extremely versatile and can be used in almost every home situation. As a result, many people choose air heaters over other heating options due to their reliability and affordability.
4. Steam Boiler
Another popular and versatile option on our list is the steam boiler. Similar to the solar air heater, the steam boiler heats water to create steam, which then travels through external tubing to provide heat for your home. The great thing about the steam boiler is that it has two parts – the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger. The combustion chamber is where the fuel is burned to produce heat, while the heat exchanger is where the heat is transferred to the water being heated.
From an efficiency standpoint, the heat exchanger in the steam boiler is superior to the coil in the solar air heater. When working together, the combustion chamber and the heat exchanger can provide up to 90% efficient heat generation.
5. Heat Pump
A heat pump takes the idea of a compressor and a fan, but instead of just heating and chilling, it can also generate electricity. This makes it a versatile option for powering homes. If you’re looking for something more eco-friendly, consider this option since it has become more energy-efficient over the years.
As a general rule, a heat pump will run more quietly and effectively in cooler climates, so if you live somewhere cold, you may want to consider this alternative. Although it has many advantages, a heat pump can be more expensive to maintain and operate than other heating options. If you have a larger home with higher energy costs, consider investing in a heat pump.
6. Furnace
Our last entry on our list is the furnace. Just like the air heaters we listed earlier, a furnace generates heat from burning fuel – most commonly natural gas or oil. A furnace can be a highly efficient solution for heating homes, especially for people in colder climates. Although it is an extremely reliable option, the cost of a furnace can be a lot more than other types of heaters. If you’re in need of heating, a furnace is a great choice, especially if you want to keep your energy costs as low as possible.
Where Can I Buy All This Stuff?
If you’re looking for durable and reliable heating options for your home, you can’t go wrong with any of these six alternatives. As a result, you can rest assured that you’re choosing an eco-friendly solution that will serve your needs for many years to come. In case you’re wondering, you can buy all of these items at local hardware stores, home improvement stores, or large retail chains that sell appliances and other home products.