Solar Air Heating and cooling the home are two of the biggest expenses every homeowner faces. Using solar energy to help with these costs makes sense both economically and environmentally. Once the systems are installed, the energy provided is “free”. In addition, there are passive ways to use the sun’s power.

Solar space heating is a very simple technology that dramatically reduces fuels consumption and heating costs. The concept introduces solar air heating to preheat the outside air before it enters the facility being heated. A preheat systems directs warmed air into a building’s primary heating system, when then further raises its temperature. Less energy is required because the air entering the system is already warmed.

Solar air heating offers benefits to homeowners and businesses. Coupled with the use of solar heating systems and the savings on energy costs really does increase. They can be constructed with little cost and can be very durable once in place.

Solar space-heating systems can consist of a passive solar system, an active system, or both. Passive solar space heating uses the warmth form the sun for heat through design features. Large south –facing windows, and heat absorbing materials in floor or walls to absorb warmth during the day and releases it at night.

Active solar space heating consist of collectors that absorb the solar radiation. These collectors are combined with electric fans or pumps that transfer and distribute the collected solar heat. Active solar space heating systems can use either liquid or air and the heat-transfer medium for the solar energy collectors.

Liquid based solar heating systems heat water or an antifreeze solution in a hydronic collector. Air based systems heat air in an air collector. Air based solar heating systems usually use an air to water heat exchanger so heat can also be supplied to the domestic hot water system. Thus, there are two aspects of heating accomplished. The air is heated for comfort and warmth, and hot water is provided as well.

Using solar power for heat either actively or passively can save you much in heating costs and help to protect our environment.