Cost of oil has some looking to solar heating

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Q: Tom, I have some questions about solar heating systems. I have only just started the process of searching for such a system. I have discovered that in the state of Maine, a certified plumber is required to install solar heating systems, so that is where I have begun. I called Ray’s Plumbing in Ellsworth to see which solar contractors they have worked with in the past.

I know very little about this process but, like everyone else, I am becoming painfully aware about the rising cost of home heating, so I thought that now is as good a time as ever to learn. How much do these systems cost generally and what kind of recommendations come with these systems: size, building, square foot, orientation?

George Skala

A: George, I believe anyone can install a solar hot water system in their own home. It is, however, necessary to have a licensed solar installer install your system if you are going to apply for solar tax credits. You should make sure that you are eligible for tax credits before you delve into this, if this is some of your motivation.

The average cost for a solar domestic hot water system in the U.S. is $9,000. I think that is a bit much. Now maybe I am showing my age in saying this, since I was around during the first run of solar installations in the ’70s and ’80s, but solar heating technology is not high-tech and should be less expensive.

That being said, the average household should have about 60 square feet of solar collector – usually two-4×8 flat plates or two-4×6 vacuum tube collectors along with at least an 80-gallon tank and attendant hardware. They should be directed close to due south and can be tilted anywhere from horizontal to vertical, which will optimize performance for summer to winter, respectively.

Note that flat plates perform better than vacuum tubes when it comes to producing domestic hot water. This is contrary to what the vacuum tube manufacturers tell you. Flat plates are also repairable while vacuum tubes are replaceable. Most vacuum tube manufacturers are in China or Northern Ireland. Most flat plate manufacturers are in this country.

I will be writing more on this in an upcoming column.

Tom

Q: Hi, Tom. I have been thinking about your radio show – all those years ago when I worked on it and wish more had sunk in at that time. I am planning on having an energy audit of my house and am wondering if you could list from most important to least what you can do to make a home more energy-efficient.

I am considering programmable thermostats, more interior doors to block heat, windows, and alternate heating sources. Last year I insulated my walls and attic, and replaced the pull-down steps. Do you have any preferences of how to spend money to save money?

Thanks for your input.

Mary-Anne Saxl

A: Hi, Mary-Anne. It is good to hear from you. An energy audit will help you fine-tune your next investments wisely.

One area that many folks overlook is the basement. The basement walls account for a couple hundred gallons of oil annually and once the initial basics are covered, this is where I look for a quick payback investment.

If you can turn down the thermostat when not at home or at night, the longer and deeper the setback, the more money you can save. Programmable thermostats can help here, but you can do it yourself manually, if you are not absentminded like me.

Tom

Q: Hi, Tom. I am sure you have heard this before, especially now. I am a homeowner who is very concerned about heating costs this winter.

The home is about three years old with baseboard heat. We are trying to find ways to save this year and are not really sure what to do. I have a ventless propane heater in the basement that works great and keeps the floors warm in the main floor. We are thinking about another one near the stairs to help with the second floor and the main floor.

Any thoughts?

Also, how do you feel about a tankless hot water heater or an electric hot water heater (they seem very cheap at Lowe’s) to cut back on using oil? Who would we contact about an energy audit in the home?

Thanks for all of your help.

Bruce

A: Hi, Bruce. I am not a fan of “ventless” gas heaters. They dump a LOT of water and carbon dioxide into the house. Two units are even worse! A direct venting unit is more expensive, but much better for you and the house. Any stove should be in the space where you spend the most time.

A gas instant water heater is a good choice, but you need to check the price of LP gas from your supplier. There are some good deals on LP, but I expect that will follow oil soon. Natural gas is currently a good deal.

For years we have not suggested using electric hot water heaters, but if you have a small family (without teenagers!), a high-performance electric tank water heater is actually a decent deal.

Check this Web site for a licensed energy auditor:

http://www.mainehousing.org/ENERGYAuditServices.aspx

Tom

Questions for Tom Gocze should be sent to homefront

@bangordailynews.net or mailed to The Home Page, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329. A library of his practical home-improvement videos, reference material and a home-project blog are at bangordaily

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