Florida Solar Energy Center
The FSEC is the Florida state energy research institute. Among its roles in the solar industry, the FSEC conducts tests to compare efficiency and economics of flat plate collectors. The FSEC website (http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/) provides a list of tested products by manufacturer, as well as numerous educational tools for consumers thinking about going solar.
Solar Hot Water Heating Systems
In a basic solar hot water heating system, water or antifreeze fluid is circulating through rooftop solar collectors, then down into the house or swimming pool, where it feed a system to supply domestic hot water or to supplement space heating equipment.
Solar hot water heating systems are used in many different climates and are inexpensive and reliable. In addition to environmental benefits, solar hot water heating systems can yield quick financial returns.
Most of the times, solar heating systems are used in conjunction with conventional heating equipment, such as a hot water heater or boiler, providing preheated water to the system to reduce its net energy use.
On average, solar heating systems for domestic heating needs are most cost effective when they supply around 70 percent of home’s hot water.
Solar heating systems supplementing heating equipment are most cost-effective when designed to offset 40 to 80 percent of the home’s annual demand.
Solar hot water heating systems are used in many different climates and are inexpensive and reliable. In addition to environmental benefits, solar hot water heating systems can yield quick financial returns.
Most of the times, solar heating systems are used in conjunction with conventional heating equipment, such as a hot water heater or boiler, providing preheated water to the system to reduce its net energy use.
On average, solar heating systems for domestic heating needs are most cost effective when they supply around 70 percent of home’s hot water.
Solar heating systems supplementing heating equipment are most cost-effective when designed to offset 40 to 80 percent of the home’s annual demand.
How to install tankless water heater?
1. Attach the mounting hardware to the framing members as recommended. Make sure the unit will be level and positioned so the tankless water heater will meet minimum clearance requirement.
2. Set the tankless water heater onto the mounting hardware. Run code-approved vent pipe from unit out of the house. Follow local code regarding length of the vent and placement of the termination.
3. Attach the exhaust connector and gasket at the exhaust condensate tube or trap in the exhaust line of required by code.
4. Run gas supply line from the main and connect to the tankless water heater unit as directed. Pipe material and size must meet minimum standards for the unit. Flexible copper lines generally are not allowed. Black iron pipes are preferred for natural gas. While installing tankless water heater, make sure that line is equipped with a manual shutoff valve near the heater unit.
5. Run cold water supply to the water inlet port on the tankless water heater unit and connect as directed. Insert an inlet filter screen between the supply line and the inlet port.
6. Connect a pressure relief valve (PRV) to the hot supply line; confirm that any shutoff valves located downstream from the pressure relief valves. Connect the hot water outlet to the correct outlet port with a compression fitting. Attach a discharge line to the pressure relief valve if required by code.
7. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to make the electrical connections to operate the blower fan and control panel. Most tankless water heater units must be independently grounded. Replace cover plate when finished. Tankless water heater must pass the inspection before use. This typically includes leak and pressure inspections on the gas and water lines. Replace cover plate when finished.
8. Test the gas line for leaks by brushing soap suds onto the connections. Leaking gas will cause the suds to bubble up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your tankless water heater unit.
2. Set the tankless water heater onto the mounting hardware. Run code-approved vent pipe from unit out of the house. Follow local code regarding length of the vent and placement of the termination.
3. Attach the exhaust connector and gasket at the exhaust condensate tube or trap in the exhaust line of required by code.
4. Run gas supply line from the main and connect to the tankless water heater unit as directed. Pipe material and size must meet minimum standards for the unit. Flexible copper lines generally are not allowed. Black iron pipes are preferred for natural gas. While installing tankless water heater, make sure that line is equipped with a manual shutoff valve near the heater unit.
5. Run cold water supply to the water inlet port on the tankless water heater unit and connect as directed. Insert an inlet filter screen between the supply line and the inlet port.
6. Connect a pressure relief valve (PRV) to the hot supply line; confirm that any shutoff valves located downstream from the pressure relief valves. Connect the hot water outlet to the correct outlet port with a compression fitting. Attach a discharge line to the pressure relief valve if required by code.
7. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to make the electrical connections to operate the blower fan and control panel. Most tankless water heater units must be independently grounded. Replace cover plate when finished. Tankless water heater must pass the inspection before use. This typically includes leak and pressure inspections on the gas and water lines. Replace cover plate when finished.
8. Test the gas line for leaks by brushing soap suds onto the connections. Leaking gas will cause the suds to bubble up. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your tankless water heater unit.
Ways to heat your home with wood
Heating home with outside wood furnace is especially beneficial to people suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases, as outside wood furnace burns wood away from the home, thus eliminating smoke and ashes inside the house.
If you live in a suburb, smoke from outside wood furnace may disturb the neighbors, if chimney is low. This is not a problem for rural areas.
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