Solar Water Heating Sales & Services In Gainesville & Ocala, FL
You use hot water every day, whether taking a shower, running a load of laundry, or washing your dishes. The sun has been used as a source of energy since before the 1900s, and Florida is known as the “Sunshine State,” making it the perfect state for a solar water heating system. Using energy from the sun to heat hot water is environmentally friendly and can reduce pollution.
Don’t trust inexperienced plumbers with a solar water heating system! If you’re in need of a plumber in Ocala, you can depend on Sunshine Plumbing and Gas. Contact our plumbing company to schedule an appointment today!
What Is A Solar Water Heater & How Does It Work?
Solar water heaters are heating systems that get their energy from sunlight gathered in solar panels, which is then converted into heat and transferred into a storage tank. There are two types of solar water heating systems: active and passive. Active solar water heating systems have circulating pumps and controls, while passive solar water heating systems lack these components. Our Gainesville and Ocala plumbers can install and service either of these solar water heating systems. Get in touch with our plumbers in Gainesville, Florida and Ocala, Florida, today to schedule service!
Active Solar Water Heating
In an active solar heating system, solar energy is used to heat a fluid and then transfer the solar heat directly to the storage system for later use. There are two types of active solar water heating: direct circulation and indirect circulation systems. Direct circulation systems use pumps to circulate water through the home and work better in climates that rarely freeze, like Florida. Indirect circulation systems use pumps to circulate a non-freezing, heat transfer fluid through a heat exchanger and into your home. They also function well in freezing climates.
Passive Solar Water Heating Systems
Compared to an active solar water heating system, a passive system is usually less expensive and less efficient but can last longer. There are two types of passive solar water heating systems: integral collector-storage passive systems and thermosyphon systems. Integral collector-storage systems work better in warmer climates and households with a lot of daytime and evening hot-water needs. In a thermosyphon system, water flows through the system as the warm water rises and the cold water sinks. If you are considering this type of system, be aware that it has a heavy storage tank, so solid roof design is important.
Benefits Of Solar Hot Water Heating Systems
- Save on your water heating bill. A solar water heating system can save you money on energy bills, as they provide free hot water each day, and those savings can add up over time. However, how long it takes to recoup the investment depends on your current technology to heat your water.
- Little to no maintenance. One of the main benefits of a solar water heating system is that they require very little maintenance once they are installed. However, we recommend replacing the antifreeze and having your system inspected every few years as a safety precaution.
- Environmentally friendly heating option. When using fossil fuels to heat your water, greenhouse gasses are released into the atmosphere. Solar water heating uses clean solar energy, which releases no greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Plus, the sun is a renewable resource that is free to use.