If you are considering a new solar air heating system remember, while free heat for the lifetime of the solar air collector might sound great, there are two concerns associated with these systems. First, solar hot air only works during the day! Many of us want warm air during the morning and evening. Second, solar air collectors need to be installed at close to a vertical position to minimize exposure to summer sun preventing high stagnation temperatures.
These concerns do not mean solar air heating is not right for you. If you spend a lot of time during your day in one particular room of your home -- say an office or living room -- solar hot air can be a wonderful way to provide supplemental heating to the room without having to pay high heating costs associated with keeping your entire home at a comfortable temperature. |