
Solar Water Heater Basics for Tampa Homeowners – How Does it Work?

With the abundant sunshine that Tampa homes are exposed to, it only makes sense for homeowners to invest in products that make use of solar energy, and a solar water heater is a great place to start. Solar water heaters not only benefit the environment but also are a cost-effective solution for homeowners. But in order to have a good understanding of these benefits, it’s easiest to start with the basics and consider how a solar water heater works.
How Is Water Heated?
There are actually several types of solar water heaters that operate slightly differently. Generally speaking, however, a solar water heater comprises a storage tank and solar collectors. The most common types of solar heaters, known as “active” heating systems, use pumps and controllers to circulate and heat the water; either the water itself is circulated through solar collectors to be heated, or a “heat-transfer” fluid is passed through the collectors and a heat exchanger to then heat the water. There are single-tank solar water heaters, and then there are two-tank systems. Different types of solar collectors may be used in a solar water heater system, as well.
How This Heating Process Helps the Environment and Saves Money
A conventional water heater requires electricity or natural gas to power it, which burns fossil fuels and emits carbon dioxide, contributing to pollution and ultimately global climate change. Studies estimate that an average-size family switching from an electric water heater to a solar water heater can reduce their carbon dioxide emissions by 4,000 pounds per year – that’s equivalent to driving a car 3,000 fewer miles per year! Plus, solar energy is a free energy resource, and switching to a solar water heater can reduce water heating expenses by 50 to 80 percent.
What Happens in Reduced Sun Exposure or During an Increased Need for Hot Water?
Most often, a solar water heater will use an electric- or gas-powered backup system for days with reduced sunlight or a high demand for hot water. Some solar water heating systems include a backup system as part of the package, while others work with an existing conventional water heater.
Choosing a Solar Water Heater for Your Home
Making sense of the different types of water heating systems available and calculating your potential savings doesn’t have to be difficult. Tampa-area homeowners can turn to the experts at Florida Energy Water & Air. We provide in-home consultations and will be happy to help you determine which solar water heater is right for your household. Contact us today!
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Excellent company, thorough, responsive, and all around amazing!! I'm so happy with my new A/C unit, attic turbine, and solar hot water heater. It has already saved me money on my electric bill.
The experience with all aspects from the presentation to installation and inspection was great. Glenn who presented was kind, informative and extremely helpful in finding the right system for us. The installer Robinson was extremely professional with the installation did a great job and John was also great in explaining the finance and perks!! Overall 10/10
This company worked very hard to remove my very old water heater. They did an excellent job installing my new one. Very professional, and kind. Willing to answer my questions also. Thank you.
Tony, the technician/plumber from Florida Energy Water & Air, was most pleasant, knowledgeable, professional. He arrived on completed the replacement of very old water heater including nearly 100% disappearance of the "knocking noise" in less than an hour, and cleaned up the work area very nicely at the end. I highly recommend his and FEWA to anyone needing these kind of services. Thanks Tony!
My experience with the team at Florida Energy Water & Air has been very positive throughout the whole process. I purchased the water treatment and air purification systems for my new home. Jack, the sales representative, did a very impressive job making the 2-hour demo fun, engaging, and interesting. I had no idea how much time had passed until it was over because he did such a great job keeping my attention. The installation was performed by Robenson a few hours later that same day! He was very professional and did a great job with the installation. I wasn’t a big fan of drilling a hole through my garage to run the water pipe, but he made the hole as small as possible and it looks like the house was built that way. He and his partner did a great job cleaning up after themselves. Finally, John was very friendly, professional, informative, and helpful during the post-installation quality inspection. Overall, it has been a very positive experience.
Great customer service. Jean Amaro was especially helpful and took care of my issues and concerns personally. Technicians were friendly and knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend their services.



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