Hi all,
I know that this has been discussed in the past but, a search of the
archives turns up discussions from a few years ago (unless my searching
was less than adequate). Seems to me that the timing is right to rehash
the topic.
I have been researching solar hot water and radiant heating periodically
for a while now, knowing that I have a few zones in my house that are
not sufficiently warm. I also know that I want to do whatever I can to
conserve. Under the current circumstances here in the U.S., there is no
better time than now. Yeah, I know, yesterday was the best time but, I
was fishing.
In our particular situation, we have two bedrooms that stay on the
cooler side (actually they're downright cold). They are over the garage
and on the north side of the house. The garage below is unfinished but
the ceiling above the garage is insulated. However, the house is 50
years old. I have no idea how old that insulation is nor do I know the
R-factor of it. I would like to finish/insulate the garage walls, pull
down the garage ceiling, install radiant heating below my sons'
bedrooms and reinsulate the garage ceiling. I know that proper
insulation alone will make a big difference but, based on several
variables I am certain that it won't fix the problem all together.
I plan to implement a system that gathers the Sun's energy within a
solar collector filled with an anti-freeze of sorts. The heat produced
is transferred to water stored in an insulated storage tank via a heat
exchange and then distributed to the "zones" via tubing. Sound like the
standard setup? I am also considering building a window unit like I've
seen in books by the Rodale Press. Additionally, I am still in the
process of scrounging parts for my biodiesel processor. If I do this
right, I could use the system to pre-heat my feed stock at a minimum. I
plan to add more radiant solar heat to the rest of the house later but,
because of the layout of the house, I will likely create two independent
systems. This goes along nicely with my techy nature of building in
redundancy anyway.
Now, the questions that I pose to you are these:
1. Is this, truly, a worthwile endeavor? I suppose I should mention
that I live in Lancaster County, PA U.S.
2. What is "The" source for information on this subject?
3. Can I Appropriately build a solar collector that is as efficient?
(When I say Appropriately I mean -
With materials that are readily available and sensible)
4. Should I plan to "add on" instead of having 2 separate systems?
5. Is there any reason why I couldn't use automotive anti-freeze?
6. Does any one have experience with Radiantec? I am
considering using some of their components.
7. What is the group's collective experience?
8. Might I be better off building a window mounted solar collector
initially?
9. Are there other more efficient solutions?
Thanks for the bandwidth,
Take care,
Ken
***Editor's Note*** I am my own editor and often drink on the job.
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