As we kick off winter 2021-2022, you’re probably anticipating a jump in your heating bill due to dropping temperatures. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it’s actually slated to be a warmer winter than usual, with above-average temperatures predicted across most of the U.S. due to LA Niña climate conditions – but you should still be prepared for higher than normal heating and electricity bills due to the rising cost of natural gas – and other fossil fuels – across the world. In this article, we’ll explain why natural gas prices are increasing, where the increases are most dramatic, and how you can protect yourself from the volatility of fossil fuel energy sources (spoiler alert: going solar will help!).
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Thermodynamic solar panels: what are they and how do they work?
Typically, when you think about solar panels, you picture solar photovoltaics (PV): panels that are installed atop your roof or in an open space and convert sunlight into electricity. However, solar panels can also be thermal, meaning that they convert sunlight into heat as opposed to electricity. Thermodynamic solar panels are one type of thermal solar panel–also called a collector–that differ dramatically from traditional thermal panels; instead of requiring direct sunlight, thermodynamic solar panels can also generate power from heat in the air.
Continue readingWhat are solar-assisted heat pumps, and how do you compare them?
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating and water heating can account for almost two thirds of energy use in U.S. homes—those bills definitely add-up! You can use many different types of energy efficient heating systems to offset these costs, including solar-assisted heat pumps (SAHPs), which some manufacturers claim can have payback periods as low as two to three years. These systems combine technology similar to solar hot water and air source heat pumps in order to heat water or small spaces in your home. SAHPs have existed since the 1970s, but have recently started gaining more attention due to their high efficiency.
Continue readingSolar pool heaters: what you need to know
While pool owners are fortunate to have a place to cool down during hot, sticky weather, it’s not without its pain points; in an effort to keep pools comfortable and open for as long as possible, pool owners may spend a good amount of money towards heating the water to swimmable temperatures. If you have a pool and pay a lot to keep it warm, you should consider renewable energy options for heating. While you can rely on warm weather to passively heat your pool, solar pool heaters are a good option to consider if you want to save money while extending pool season.
Continue readingAir source heat pumps vs. geothermal heat pumps
Did you know that you can both heat your home in the dead of winter and cool things down during the hottest day of the summer using the same system? Heat pumps are a highly efficient technology that serves the dual purpose of both heating and cooling spaces. But like other types of thermal technology, there are a variety of heat pumps to consider, and some may be better suited for you depending on your property, preferences, and heating and cooling needs. In this article, we’ll discuss the major differences between the two major types of heat pumps: air source heat pumps and ground source/geothermal heat pumps.
Continue readingBenefits of solar-powered air source heat pumps
If you’re already considering installing a solar panel installation, you’re probably familiar with the positive impact it will have on your monthly electricity bill: but what if you could also substantially decrease your monthly heating and cooling bills with your new system? You can maximize your energy bill savings and decrease your carbon footprint by pairing your solar panels with energy-efficient air source heat pumps.
Continue readingPros and cons of air source heat pumps
Choosing how you want to heat and cool your property is an important decision, especially in regards to energy bills: according to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling make up roughly 48 percent of energy consumption in the average U.S. home. Because these technologies make up such a large portion of energy costs, homeowners are increasingly looking to upgrade to newer, smarter, and more energy-efficient technologies like air source heat pumps (ASHPs). In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most important advantages and disadvantages of ASHPs to keep in mind as you’re evaluating heating and cooling technologies for your property.
Continue readingPros and cons of solar hot water
Solar hot water systems are an attractive alternative to traditional water heaters. Before upgrading to a solar hot water setup, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of the technology.
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