Solar energy is free, renewable and non-polluting, so why isn't it used everywhere today? Most people have the same implementation questions: Do you have to change your lifestyle with a passive solar system? Are there concerns with its variability and is it worthwhile? Are you better off going with a traditional heating system? Solar-based living does not necessarily mean a house full of glass and complicated electronics. There are some simple guidelines that will enable your home to enjoy the sun's energy to the fullest.

A solar water heater can operate together with your current electric or fossil-fuel water heater to supply a portion of the home's total hot water heating requirement. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, air pollutants and the cost of your water heating.

When your system is installed and operating, you can monitor its performance through the storage tank temperature and the heat exchanger’s inlet and outlet temperature difference. Tiny, slow leaks are tell-tale signs of poor performance and can be monitored on the pressure gauge. When the temperature of the circulation fluid changes, the system pressure rises and falls but the average pressure at rest should be the same throughout.

Natural energy from the earth looks very costly compared to traditional types of heating, but there are not enough facts to support this argument. A typical natural gas furnace with central air-conditioning costs about the same as the heat pump, although gas lines and chimney costs should be accounted for. The main installation cost difference comes from the loop in the group, well water transfer unit, excavation and drilling.