Sound Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. Blog: Posts Tagged ‘Solar’

Use Solar Heating to Warm Your Home

Wednesday, March 19th, 2014

Here is what’s great about solar energy: the power of the sun is free. Instead of paying for natural gas, electricity, oil, propane, etc., you won’t have to shell out a single cent for the energy that radiates from the star at the center of our solar system. Once you’ve paid for the installation of a solar-powered heating and cooling system, the only money you will need to pay to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter is for regular maintenance and occasional repairs. (And solar powered systems have few moving parts, so they rarely require extensive repairs.) And if you go solar, you’ll help the planet because you’ll be using a renewable energy source.

Solar power is still underutilized, but at Sound Heating we hope to change that. We want to help you benefit from solar in Puyallup, WA. Contact us today to talk about installation of a solar heating and cooling system for your home, as well as other solar-powered systems.

A few things to consider with solar heating

Solar power does tend to be more expensive to install than systems that use electricity or natural gas. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs. It only requires a few years for solar energy to pay back its installation price, and after that point you’ll save money every month that you have your system working.

Homeowners are often worried about the space requirements for solar panels. You should have a technician experienced with solar power take a look at your property so you know about the potential for your home to harness the sun’s energy. You don’t necessarily need an enormous amount of roof space, since panels can now be installed on posts in the yard.

Something else to keep in mind: If you feel a bit hesitant about hooking up a full solar-powered heat pump, you can start smaller with a solar-powered water heater, one of the easiest units to install. It’s not difficult from there to start to add on more solar panels as you expand your home’s use of the energy of the sun.

Find out more about solar power and your home

Contact Sound Heating and set up an appointment with our Puyallup, WA solar specialists. We can tell you about the options available for using solar power to heat and cool your home, and then arrange to look over your house and property and see where you can start saving money with sun power. We are happy to answer any questions you might have, and we hope that’ll you decide to invest in solar heating for your future and for the planet’s.

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Common Questions About Solar Heating Systems

Monday, February 25th, 2013

Solar energy is much more common nowadays than in years past, but a lot of homeowners still have plenty of questions about solar heating systems. When properly installed and maintained by qualified Tacoma, WA solar professionals – and properly operated by homeowners – a solar heating system is a great way to keep your home warm and cozy throughout the winter in an extremely efficient way. Contact Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today with any questions you have about solar installation in Tacoma. The sun is up there shining away pretty much every day. Why not put all that energy to use?

Does Solar Heating Work Even if it is Cloudy Out?

Here in Tacoma we see our fair share of cloudy days. This makes some homeowners skeptical of the effectiveness that a solar heating system can really offer. While it is true that cloudy days may limit the amount of energy absorbed on that day, you must remember that energy is used in real time. If that were the case, then a solar energy system would not operate when it is dark out. A solar heating system, paired with a large battery storage system and efficient appliances, will help you keep your home heated efficiently. A backup heating system, used only when the solar heating system is overwhelmed, can give you the extra boost your heating system may occasionally need.

Are Solar Heating Systems Very Expensive?

There is a certain amount of expense when investing in a solar heating system, but like any good investment you can expect a return on this one. The reduction in energy costs when heating your home will help offset the initial investment. Solar panels and set ups require little maintenance, as they have few moving parts, so you will not have to pay much for repairs and tune-ups. Routine maintenance will help ensure the continued success of your system.

For more information about solar heating systems in Tacoma, WA, call Sound Heating & Air Conditioning. Our Tacoma WA Solar professionals will have you heating your home more efficiently in no time. Call today to schedule an installation.

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Solar Heating Tip: What to Consider Before Installing a Solar Heating System

Monday, February 18th, 2013

At Sound Heating & Air Conditioning, we offer solar heating installation in Tacoma, WA and surrounding areas. There are many factors to consider before installing a solar heating system in your home. We have provided a list of those factors in this post to help you decide whether or not solar heating is the most cost-effective choice for your home. Call us if you have further questions or would like to set up a consultation.

Location of the Home

The location of your home is an important factor to consider. While you can choose either a passive or active solar heating system, they will only be effective if certain conditions are in place. Ask yourself a few questions before you discuss your options with a Tacoma solar expert.

  1. Is your home located in a shady area?
  2. How many windows are in the home?
  3. What direction does your home face?
  4. How expensive is gas and electricity in your area?

Insulation and Air Sealing

In addition to location, how well your home is insulated and sealed is another important factor in helping you decide if a solar heating system is the most cost-effective solution for your needs. Homes that are not properly insulated won’t get as much benefit from either passive or active solar heating systems.

Hot Water Needs

If you have an older hot water heater, you can add a solar water heater to your solar heating system to efficiently meet your hot water needs. Be sure to speak with a contractor about all of your options. You may decide to install one system at a time, or all at once, depending on your needs and energy-saving goals.

Call the Tacoma, WA solar heating experts at Sound Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for all your solar heating and solar hot water heater needs. Contact Sound Heating & Air Conditioning today!

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Can Solar Heating Really Heat My Home That Well In The Middle of Winter?

Monday, February 11th, 2013

For homeowners that are looking to reduce the amount of energy that they have to buy to heat their home, solar heaters are a great option. But some homeowners are skeptical because of the weather that we get in the Tacoma, WA area. There are some differing opinions on the matter but at Sound Heating and Air Conditioning we’ve been providing complete solar services in Tacoma, WA for many years. We thought it would be helpful if we put together some information for our customers in the area.

Solar Heating in Tacoma WA and Cloud Climates

One of the obvious weaknesses of using solar panels in cloudy climates like Tacoma, WA is that it needs sunshine. Since we often have cloudy weather many homeowners are hesitant to use solar panels. However, there are a huge range of options for you that can help you reduce your energy consumption.

First, just because we have cloudy weather doesn’t mean that you won’t benefit from a solar array. There are many days of sunshine during which your solar system can help you reduce the amount of energy that you use. Using highly efficient appliances and a large battery storage system you could potentially reduce your energy consumption by quite a lot. However, you most likely will need a good back-up heating system like a wood burning stove or a furnace.

Solar Water Heating in Tacoma WA

The water heater in your home gets used every day. While solar photovoltaic systems are designed to produce electricity from sunlight, solar water heaters operate in a completely different way. Instead, they use heat from the sun to heat your water. These types of systems can work even when it’s cloudy because they don’t require sunshine—just heat. So even when it’s cloudy, a solar water heater in Tacoma, WA can still provide some heat for your home’s water. When used in conjunction with a traditional water heart, your solar water heater could offer significant energy savings.

For all your solar services in Tacoma, WA call the technicians at Sound Heating and Air Conditioning. Contact Sound Heating and Air Conditioning today!

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Heating Tip: Preventing the Need for Solar Repair Service

Monday, February 4th, 2013

As more and more homeowners in Tacoma, WA are attempting to make their homes more environmentally friendly many are turning to solar power. The sun is up there in the sky, after all, giving off an awful lot of energy. It only makes sense to harness that energy and make use of it inside your home. With the installation of a solar heating system in Tacoma you can keep your home warm with a clean, dependable and sustainable energy source. Keep your solar heating system working properly and effectively with these tips from the Tacoma solar pros at Sound Heating & Air.

No home heating system is perfect. Every mechanical system experiences problems in operation at some point, and a solar heating system is no different. There are plenty of steps that you can take, though, to prevent the need for solar repair in Tacoma.

First of all, your solar heating system must receive a professional installation by a qualified Tacoma solar heating technician. This technology is too complex and requires too many components to trust anyone other than a qualified professional. Your system must be properly sized to ensure that it is capable of heating your home as efficiently and effectively as possible. If it is too large it will short cycle frequent, incurring unnecessary wear and tear and heightening the likelihood of system damages. If it is too small it will work too hard to reach temperatures it simply is not capable of attaining. This too increases the likelihood of damage to your system. Call us today to find out more about professional solar installation in Tacoma.

By far the best measure that you can take to minimize solar heating system repair in Tacoma is to schedule professional maintenance service. By having your solar heating system routinely inspected and tuned up you can enjoy reliable, efficient heating service throughout the heating season. Schedule professional maintenance today to keep your solar heating system operating properly.

For more information about solar heating in Tacoma or to schedule an installation or maintenance service, contact Sound Heating & Air. We can help you heat your home more efficiently than ever before. Contact us today to learn more about keeping your solar heating system in prime working condition.

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Heating FAQ: Is Solar Heating Right for Me?

Tuesday, January 29th, 2013

At Sound Heating & Air, we can go over the many benefits of solar heating in Tacoma, so if you are wondering if solar heating is right for your home, call us. We’ll make sure you get the most cost-effective solution for your heating needs. Installing a renewable energy heating system, such as a solar heating system, is a great way to save energy; however, they are not for all homes or situations.

Before you decide on solar heating, it’s a good idea to get a home energy audit to ensure that your home is properly insulated and sealed. This ensures that your home is ready for a high-efficiency system and that you will the most out of your investment. Choosing between a solar heating system and a different type of heating system really depends on the size and location and size of your home. Fuel costs are also factored in.

While you can get quite a bit of savings with a solar heating system, even be sure that the panels can be installed in an area that gets direct sunlight for long periods. Homes surrounded by trees or where it’s not practical to install solar panels may need a backup heater or a different type of heating system altogether.

Local building codes and the required routine maintenance are also factors to consider. Solar heating systems require a lot of routine maintenance, so ask yourself if it is worth it to you. Our installers are familiar with the building codes on solar installation, and we can go over the type of maintenance required.

Start saving energy today! Call the Tacoma solar heating experts at Sound Heating & Air to schedule a consultation. Contact Sound Heating & Air today!

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Solar Tip: How to Get the Most Out of My Solar Heating System

Monday, January 21st, 2013

Solar heating systems are a great way to provide heat for your home using the renewable energy of the sun. Not only does this reduce the amount of electricity that you have to buy, but it also provides comfortable heating for your home. But are you sure that you’re getting the most out of your heating system? At Sound Heating and Air, we provide complete solar heating installation, repair and maintenance in Tacoma, WA. We wanted to help our customers in the area by putting together a short list of some of things that can help you get the most out of your Tacoma solar heating system.

Professional Solar Heater Installation in Tacoma

One of the best ways to make sure that your solar heater works well is to get it installed by a professional Tacoma solar contractor. At Sound Heating and Air, we have years of experience working with all different kinds of solar heating systems. Making sure that your solar heater gets off on the right foot is a great way to get years of terrific service from it. Without the proper training and experience, there could be complications or problems with your solar heating system in the future. Call Sound Heating today with all your solar installation inquiries.

Solar Heater Maintenance in Tacoma

One of the best ways to make sure that your solar heater works as efficiently as possible is to get it maintained by a professional. Here are some of the benefits of regular maintenance for your solar heating system in Tacoma.

  • Less repairs – During regular maintenance visits, the technicians from Sound Heating and Air will be able to discover small issues before they turn into larger, more costly repairs.
  • Increased efficiency – Over time, your solar heater will develop small problems that cause it to lose efficiency. With regular cleaning and repairs, some of that efficiency can be returned to it.
  • Extended life – Many times, air conditioning systems can be completely ruined by small problems. But during regular maintenance visits, our expert technicians will be able to find those problems and eliminate them before they cause permanent damage to your AC system.

If you need any kind of solar services in Tacoma, contact Sound Heating and Air today!

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Myths about Solar Energy in Seattle

Monday, October 22nd, 2012

Have you ever heard…

  • Solar panels don’t work in cold places
  • They are ugly and bulky and drive down property values
  • Solar panels break when it snows or hails

There are countless myths like the ones above about solar energy and how effective it can be for your Seattle home depending on where you live or what type of climate you have. However, most of these myths are just that – falsehoods and rumors spread from the days when solar power wasn’t a very effective energy source.

These days, solar energy is increasingly efficient and works in almost any climate if properly installed. Here are some other common myths you might hear about this popular alternative energy source.

  1. Too Expensive – While it is true that solar power is expensive, it is dropping in price rapidly. The cost of manufacturing has dropped to such that the cost per watt is between $5 and $8 – an all-time low. On top of that, most state governments and the federal government offer general rebates and tax incentives for having solar power installed.
  2. Constant Maintenance – If you want constant maintenance, stick with your fossil fuel based heating and energy sources. Solar panels and heating systems require less frequent maintenance than most other systems and last for up to 25 years.
  3. Inconsistency – Older solar panels were less efficient, only capturing 1-5% of the energy emitted by the sun. These days, solar panels are much better at capturing solar energy – ranging from 11% to a whopping 20% capture rate, which means they are incredibly effective, even in bad weather. For the record, that’s the same energy capture rate as your gasoline fueled car, but with none of the emissions.
  4. Making Back the Investment – Solar investment recuperation used to be a long process. These days, however, solar panels increase the value of your home, decrease your annual costs and give you peace of mind. The usual payback time is down to less than 20 years and even less if you sell your home.

Solar energy is one of the most efficient and effective ways to power your Seattle home today, despite the myths. Make sure you read more about it before making any big decisions.

For more information on solar energy for your Seattle home, give Sound Heating & Air Conditioning a call!

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Is Special Insurance Required For Solar Systems? A Question From Puyallup

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

After working the costs of installation and the potential savings of solar energy over time for your Puyallup home, there is one more factor to include in your cost analysis: insurance. Inevitable questions surrounding the issue of insurance will arise such as whether home owner’s insurance covers your panels, if you can add coverage, and what additional insurance you might need. These are all logical and shrewd questions that you should be asking before installing a solar system in your house.

Existing Insurance

The unfortunate truth is that many homeowner’s policies won’t cover solar panels, with the logic being that the additional structure presents an additional liability. Insurance companies have expressed concerns over the solar panels overheating or that installation hardware mounted on the home creates opportunities for water to leak in.

These concerns have not been shown to be based in fact, but many companies still use them as guidelines. There is also the point of view held by some companies that because solar panels increase the potential resale value of the home, the insurance premiums should be correspondingly higher. In some cases, policies have been canceled due to the perceived increase in risk.

The most important thing is to inquire with your company regarding your current policy. Ask directly if you will be reimbursed for damage to solar panels, if they will raise your premiums, cancel your policy, and any other questions you might have.

Other Options

If you discover that your policy won’t cover solar panels, you still have some options. First of all, you can see if you can amend your policy to include your planned solar panels. If not, see if you can get a separate policy specifically for solar panels, either with your current company or another. Note that this will almost certainly be an additional expense, so you will want to account for that when figuring out costs. Fortunately, some of the more enlightened insurance companies offer discounts of up to 5% for homes that use solar power, so that may help offset the cost.

The degree of difficulty and amount of expense you must endure to insure a solar system will depend a lot on your insurance company’s philosophy and the area in which you live. The important thing is to look into these questions first in order to avoid a risky or expensive situation later.

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How Do I Know If Solar Panels Will Work On My Home? A Question From Maple Valley

Friday, September 30th, 2011

When undertaking any home improvement project, there will be challenges making sure the new features fit well with the existing construction. Solar panels are no exception. You may want to install solar panels on your Maple Valley home, but will the two work together?

There are ideal conditions under which solar panels can be used, and striving to create these conditions will often present some challenges. Fortunately, in most circumstances, there are some easy adjustments you can make to ensure your new solar panels work as well as or better than advertised.

The Big Three

There are three major factors which play in to solar panel performance more than anything else. First is orientation, or where the house has exposure to the sun. Ideally, solar panels should be mounted facing south to maximize efficiency. They can also work when facing some easterly or westerly directions, albeit with some performance loss.

For maximum exposure to the sun, solar panels should be mounted at an angle that matches the latitude at which your home sits. You also want to avoid any obstructions. The path from the sun to the solar panels should be as clear as possible, with minimal shading or obstructions to interfere with the panels collecting light.

While these represent ideal conditions, it is rare that a home will meet all of them as it sits. Fortunately, there are solutions to such problems, with the most comprehensive one being a ground mount. With a ground mount, a small structure is specially built and secured it to the ground, with the solar panels mounted on it. This is an especially good fix if you have problems with your orientation and roof angle. If the problem is shading or obstructions, that can be fixed simply be cutting down or trimming trees in the way.

Other Challenges

Independent of these major variables, other issues can come into play when determining if solar panels will be a good fit for your home. You have to worry about geography and weather, your energy needs, and the insurance costs of adding solar power to your home.

While these challenges exist, as you can see there are generally ways around each of them. Consult with a contractor or other expert, who can help you decide if solar panels are a good fit for your home.

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