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Tankless Water System
A regular hot water tank is always heating water. When hot water is used a lot, the tank runs low and there is a waiting period.
A tankless water system heats water only when it is required.
Water is carried to the unit through a pipe. There is no storage tank.
The water is heated only when need, by a burner in the unit.
The burner is powered by gas or electricity.
With a tankless system, hot water is always available.
Three hot showers can be taken at the same time.
It does cost a bit more. However, compared to a traditional hot water tank, it is less than half the cost per year to operate.
Solar Water Heating Systems
A solar water system collects power from the sun.
Collectors are installed on the roof and supply the power to heat a water storage tank inside.
The collectors are either flat or vacuum collectors.
There are easy to install systems available for the do-it-your-self homeowner.
Systems manufactured in Canada are designed to deal with extreme temperatures, cold or hot.
Solar Thermal Energy
A solar thermal system works on power from the sun.
Heat is provided in the form of hot water.
Solar panels (collectors) are mounted on the roof. During the summer months energy is collected and transferred to an underground unit to be stored. During the winter months, it is distributed through a central heating system. Hot water heats the air, which is distributed through the building via forced air ducts.
For cooling a chemical called desiccant, a drying agent, is used.
The desiccant absorbs the moisture in the air to be cooled. With the humidity in the air removed, the air is cooled down. The cool air is distributed through the building via forced air ducts.
Hot air heated through the solar thermal system revives the desiccant, which then continues to absorb moisture form the air.
Solar Pool Heater
Solar collectors are used to absorb energy from the sun.
They are mounted on the roof of a building or home or garage.
The existing pool pump remains. It is used to pump water from the pool through the collectors to be heated and then back to the pool. A device is used to automatically pump the water to the roof through a motorized valve. The valve uses sensors to indicate when the water requires heating.
The pool itself is maintained in the usual manner.
For outdoor pools solar pool covers and winter covers are recommended.
The Canadian government offers various incentives for both the homeowner or business owner who chooses to apply energy efficient methods to their buildings.
Click on the heading below.
Energy Saving Incentives
Back to Electricity Page