Using a solar heater can save money on your energy bills while reducing your environmental impact. 
Many people consider solar powered heaters one of the most "green" products a homeowner can purchase and a vital part of their emergency survival gear. Nowadays the main applications are solar water heaters, solar space heaters and solar pool heaters. As the industry continues to grow, there will likely be heaters introduced for additional purposes in a near future.
Solar heaters work by capturing the light from the sun and transforming it into a form that can be utilized by appliances, such as electricity, or by using the sun's direct action to heat up another medium, as with the water of a swimming pool.
The most common solar installation is a solar water heater. It does not completely replace the existing system, but works in conjunction with the current hot water energy source (gas or electricity). It can, however, drastically reduce your energy costs and may extend the life of your system. A solar water heater usually works with two sensors, one on the roof to collect sunlight and one on the hot water heater to monitor the temperature within. When the roof temperature exceeds the water temperature, water is piped to the roof where it is warmed up and then returned to the tank.
Solar power can also be used to warm up a room without the use of gas or electricity. Solar space heaters work by removing cool air from the room, sending it to a heating chamber where it is warmed up by solar energy, and then recirculated back into the room. These heaters are easy to install, and many qualify for state or federal tax credits. Most solar air heaters are stand-alone units that require no connection. That makes them an excellent way to heat up an unhabited area, such as a shed or garage, or to generate additional heat in an area of the home without the need to adjust the thermostat and possibly make other rooms uncomfortably warm. They are also convenient for use on boats, or in cabins and RV's where there is no electrical power.
Because a pool is constantly exposed to the sun, solar pool heaters make a lot of sense and are quite popular. They work in two different ways. They can be attached to the pump and, as water from the pool is filtered, it is warmed up by the energy from the sun and then circulated back into the pool. Another possibility is to use a solar blanket covering the pool water. The blanket collects the sun rays and the water beneath is warmed up. Either method will result in energy savings and an extended swimming season.
As the solar sector develops, solar heaters are sure to be one area of focus. Heating costs have risen dramatically in the past few years, and many homeowners are seeking ways to lower their energy bills. As demand increases, so too will new solar applications and solar heating products.
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