With cooler temperatures finally beginning to loom on the horizon, winter in Arizona is becoming a welcome reality. With the cooler months comes a tendency to put more emphasis on heated water that is readily available, but heating water can drain your utility bill and waste energy. Instead of being wasteful, why not consider an Arizona solar water heater? While solar energy might not seem like it would correlate with cold months, the fact remains that Arizona is one of the sunniest states in the country throughout the year. Solar energy is a very successful technology due to the amount of sun Arizona receives, and countless homeowners have made the switch because of its benefits. Let’s take a look at a few facts about solar water heating.
Location, Location, Location
One of the biggest differences between an Arizona solar water heater and a traditional heating system is that solar water heaters are generally situated on the roof of your home for maximum solar exposure. Traditional systems are located somewhere in a home’s garage, where they manually heat the water before delivering it somewhere within your home. Solar water heaters, on the other hand, can be constructed in one of two ways: active or passive systems with direct or convection heating.
Should you choose to switch over to solar water heating, your system will more than likely be active because passive systems tend to not allow for large-capacity water usage. Furthermore, water can be heated directly or via convection heating. Direct heating involves moving the water through various heating elements, and convection heating incorporates heat-conductive liquids; generally, areas with extremely cold winters opt for convection heating systems for their Arizona solar water heater because the liquids involved have anti-freeze properties to resist lower temperatures.
The Savings
So you’re versed in the differences between the types of Arizona solar water heater systems, but how does it benefit you to make the switch? Studies have shown that at least 15% of a family’s energy bill can be attributed to the costs of heating water. And since this percentage is bound to increase during the winter months, switching over to an Arizona solar water heater brings with it the opportunity to cut down on water heating costs significantly. While the system might cost a bit more upfront, solar water heaters are long-term money savers that are eligible for federal and tax credits to increase your savings.
Are you interested in learning more about how an Arizona solar water heater can work for you? Contact an Ecowater AZ representative today!