The Ultimate Benefits Solar HVAC Offers
Sometimes, life is an irony. We use the very cause of the problem to solve the problem. This is complicated but for solar heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units, this is indeed true.
One way to solve the scorching global warming is to use the energy filled sun in producing power that will drive HVAC units. Solar HVAC units have evacuated thermal panels that collect solar (or thermal) energy. The panels are found on the roof of the house or office building. After the energy is collected, Glycol is then used to cool the thermal energy in a solar powered absorption chiller. Glycol is an antifreeze agent while the absorption chiller makes use of water that is cooled in three to five degrees centigrade. Going back to the process, the cooled air is now ready to be distributed to the pipes or ducts, pumps, and controllers.
Benefits and disadvantages of solar HVAC
The practical system can operate as a solar air cooler or as a solar space heater depending on the season.
Moreover, the use of solar HVAC provides lower maintenance and operating costs. Naturally! Foremost, it utilizes a natural energy for operation. With this, the system consumes no electrical energy generally. Well, except for the motorized fans and small water pumps, these two components require electricity. But in total, only about a fifth of the total electricity is utilized by these components. Indeed, it saves home owners from high monthly bills!
While a solar air conditioner operates, it gives out hot water simultaneously. This just means you may now say goodbye to your water heaters that consume large amount of electricity. With the water heater out of the way, additional savings on the pocket is sure.
During hot seasons when other conventional air conditioning units consume more energy or may even be bogged down, solar HVAC units unleash their other saving grace. On sweltering days, the air conditioner is the most abused gadget. Using conventional air conditioners on these days entails higher electric bills since air conditioners use the most electricity to effectively operate on such days. But in the case of solar HVAC, it operates more efficiently as it uses full energy from the very source of the hot day – the sun. Again, solar air conditioning saves the pocket while people enjoy the soothing coolness the sun brings.
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Further, another advantage of solar driven units is its environmentally friendly features. Using the system makes one get closer to nature. As its absorption chiller is itself a cleaner, it can dehumidify the air too. Unlike conventional ones, it does not emit pollution and does not use harmful refrigerants like Freon R22 that releases ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons.
Lastly, solar units operate very quietly. Indeed, it is a one-of-a-kind HVAC system. Solar applications are ideal for residential, commercial, military, industrial, and government applications.
The only disadvantage of it, maybe is that it is used in places where the sun shines (hmmm, not so ideal for Alaska).