The introduction of solar hot water systems is a huge advancement in the ability of every homeowner, business owner and commercial organisation to actively participate in sustainable energy solutions.
Using the sun to generate hot water is more efficient and cost-effective, however, if advancements and improvements are to continue, the solar industry needs to be supported.
Comfort Heat Australia has decided to put the capabilities of hot water generation from solar evacuated tubes to the test, not just in summer, or averaged over 12 month, but day by day. Figures being released from America and Europe are pointing to a very large operational capacity in summer and an extremely low capacity in winter. It is very difficult to obtain a full 12 months of data from Australian sources, so Comfort Heat has set up a test system to provide its own.
Providing hot water over a 12 month period is ideal for a solar system. The savings made in the summer months can in some cases be used to heat the pool or spa. In winter when the capacity drops there are still some savings but the booster system of either electricity, natural gas or bottled gas will on occasions be used to meet the demand. Some enthusiasts try to extend their solar systems to provide winter heating as well, but with the capacity already down in the system and the booster being used to provide the hot water required in winter, the reality is that the booster system will be used for the heating system. Often, this is not the most efficient way to install a heating system using electricity, natural gas or bottled gas, so often the running costs are more expensive than installing a separate heating system.
Comfort Heat Australia installs hydronic and electric underfloor heating systems and can incorporate hydronic wall panels into the total heating design. Comfort Heat Australia is committed to seeking the most efficient heating solution, without compromising the comfort level required for the project. With the requirement of sustainable energy options needed within the heating industry, hydronic floor heating is the most cost effective. Hydronic heating is the only way to heat from the floor up and can be used with various heating sources including natural gas, heat pump, geothermal heat pumps and solar collection. Hydronic heating can be installed in a slab, over a slab in a sand and cement screed, or on top of a slab under a timber floor. Comfort Heat is currently working with architects and designers to provide sustainable heating solutions for a variety of projects throughout Australia.