Solar & Thermal Heating for Homes

In the summer, the sweltering heat immediately causes a spike in air conditioning use around the world. After a few temperate weeks in the fall, the annual cold front kicks in and residents readjust their thermostats to ward off the winter chill. It’s a year-round cycle that not only wastes a lot of energy, but also costs homeowners a lot of money in the process. The average winter heating bill is around $900 while the average air conditioning bill is $300 to $600 – a pretty penny to pay for using gas and electric heating, not to mention the devastating effects so much usage has on the environment over the long term (source: MSNBC & City Data). Two of the best methods for reducing a household’s carbon footprint and lowering your heating and cooling bills are solar energy and thermal energy.

Solar Energy in Homes

Solar energy is the most common type of natural energy people think of. By placing large solar panels on the roof or on the ground next to the home, energy from the sun can be stored and converted for use in the home’s heating and air conditioning system. Solar energy is a wonderful option for green energy since it does not have any pollutants, is naturally abundant and can be obtained year-round. Unfortunately for those who desire a particular design aesthetic in their home, solar panels can create an eyesore if not well-hidden and discreetly installed. Luckily, many companies are pioneering more discreet ways of incorporating solar panels into the design of homes so that they mirror the manse’s sleek look (such as with Kalia homes in Costa Rica).

Thermal Energy In Homes

Geothermal heat pumps are another, less widely-known method for heating and cooling homes naturally. These heat pumps involve a series of under group pipes that utilize the heat stored underground to warm fluid in the pipes that delivers heat to the home. Once the heat leaves the pipes into the home, the now-cold fluid simply circulates back underground to gain heat from the earth once more. The same geothermal heating system can be used in reverse during hot summer months to circulate cold water through the pipes and retain a comfortable temperature inside. (source: Wikpedia)