Heating systems need to consume energy in order to function properly. Unfortunately, some of the fuel used can cause harm to the environment. These heating systems may require oil, wood, and even electricity.
With people becoming more focused on green energy to avoid pollution, alternative heating methods have been made to decrease our carbon footprint.
In this article, let us discuss the most environmentally friendly method for heating your house and other eco-friendly alternatives. As you will notice in our discussion, we will not talk about radiators and any radiator covers used by many home owners.
Passive Design
Passive solar heating uses the natural heat emitted by the sun to reduce the energy consumption from heating a home.
It does not involve any dangerous emissions that can cause harm to the environment as it is solely dependent on the natural heat, and the house is structural design.
The method is possible to be used in any house, and the low cost for installation makes it accessible to everyone.
How Passive Solar Heating Works
Solar radiation emitted by the sun is trapped inside the house, which then creates a greenhouse effect. The house needs to be redesigned to properly place glass openings which allow sun rays to penetrate inside the house.
The heat is then trapped inside the house and stored inside items containing high thermal mass. This keeps the heat inside the house for more extended periods, which then releases the heat during the night when temperatures outside are lower.
Proper insulation is necessary to minimize heat loss, but the house and room layout need to be constructed and appropriately designed to distribute the heat equally.
Elements Needed for Passive Heating to Work
Window Orientation
Consider some parts of the house, for example windows need to face 30 degrees to the south to collect solar energy efficiently. It is very important to maintained it and cleaned it regularly to allow the sun’s heat to enter the house fully.
It shouldn’t also be shaded during warm seasons in order to maximize the heat emitted by the sun. But it needs to be shaded to avoid during colder seasons to prevent the system from overheating.
Thermal Mass
Items such as bricks, stones, and tiles can achieve thermal mass as they can absorb the sun’s radiated heat. An excellent way to efficiently create thermal mass is through masonry.
The structural material used on the house needs to be efficient in storing heat and should efficiently create an insulated environment. Objects should not block these thermal mass materials so that it can absorb the sun’s radiation.
Heat Distribution
Once solar heat enters the house, it is collected and stored through various methods like conduction and radiation. This stored heat is then distributed across the house through a floor heater, fan, or blower.
Any object that transfers heat from one area to another can be used as long as the thermal mass releases the sun’s heat.
Conclusion
Using a passive design is a cost-effective method in storing and releasing energy to heat up your entire house.
For people who aren’t able to use passive design, a good alternative is to use a simple wood burner. This is a more straightforward yet still an environmentally friendly method of maintaining heat in your house.
