Alex Perry asked:


Did you know that in northern countries like the UK, the earth just a few feet below the surface keeps a constant temperature of between 11 and 12 degrees Centigrade, even in winter? It traps the heat of the sun, and stores it underground, all year round. A Ground Source Heat Pump transfers this heat to your home to provide space-heating. Using a compressor (a bit like the one in your fridge), it increases this heat to around 45 or 50 degrees, and transfers it to radiators or underfloor heating. The heat can also be used to pre-heat your hot water, meaning you need less gas or electricity for this also.

Because they make use of the renewable energy stored in the ground, Ground Source Heat Pumps provide one of the most energy-efficient ways of heating buildings. The only energy used by Ground Source Heat Pump systems is the electricity to power the pump. Normally a system will deliver 3 or 4 times as much thermal energy (or heat) as the electrical energy used to drive the system. If you can source your electricity from a renewable source such as wind or solar, then your heating will be completely clean and non-polluting.

Ground Source Heat Pumps have been widely used for many years in both Europe and North America. There are now several hundred thousand in operation. In Germany, tens of thousands of systems are installed each year. They typically cost more to install than conventional heating systems. In the UK you should currently expect to pay around £8,000 (plus VAT) or more to heat a medium-sized house, although government grants can refund some of this cost (up to £1,200 is available in England and £4,000 in Scotland). However, Heat Pumps have very low maintenance costs, and can be expected to provide reliable and environmentally-friendly heating for over 20 years.

In a modern, well insulated house, a Ground Source Heat Pump system can also save you money on running costs. It is likely to be cheaper to run than an oil-fired boiler, and less than a third of the running cost of electric heating. Currently it is likely to be just a little bit cheaper than the very best of the modern condensing gas boilers, but gas prices may well rise in the future in many countries.

There are 3 main elements to a Ground Source Heat Pump system. The first is the ‘ground loop’ which is a length of pipe buried in the ground, either in a borehole or a horizontal trench. For a modern detached house you will typically need two trenches about 40 to 50 metres long to supply enough heat for the house. The ground loop collects the heat from the earth. The second main element is the heat pump, which is typically the same size as a fridge-freezer. This transfers and increases the heat from the ground loop. Finally you need a distribution system which basically means underfloor heating or radiators.

Ground Source Heat Pumps are most suitable for homes that are well insulated, because otherwise they can become very expensive to install. The cost of a system is directly related to its size, which is in turn driven by the heat it needs to deliver. If you live in an older building with very high heat loss, this can add substantially to the capital cost on installing a heat pump. Money spent on upgrading wall, floor and loft insulation can save a large amount on this capital cost. Unfortunately, some older buildings can never be made sufficiently energy efficient to use the modern heating distribution systems that go with Ground Source Heat Pumps, such as low temperature underfloor heating, or low temperature radiators.

You should consult a professional installer if you are considering such a system. They will be able to give you detailed advice on the suitability of your home. Issues that you should consider are things like whether you have enough space to dig the trench for the ground loop, what kind of heating distribution system you want (e.g. underfloor heating), and the size of Heat Pump you will need.

With over 40% of carbon dioxide emissions coming from the heating of buildings in countries like the UK, energy-efficient systems like a Ground Source Heat Pump are looking more and more attractive. If your home is well insulated, and you have some outside space like a garden, it really is worth investigating a system like this to help cut your personal contribution to Climate Change, by making better use of the free heat supplied by the earth.



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centralheating asked:


 

Central heating describes the process of providing warmth to all or parts of the inside of a building through a single heat source located in one place. In many cases, for example with large offices and public buildings, the central heating system is part of a larger and more comprehensive HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). Such HVAC systems are used to control not just temperature, but the actual internal climate of the building. Indeed, some buildings have automatic systems to control light levels too. Venetian blinds located inside sealed double glazing systems will automatically open and close throughout the day to adjust the amount of light coming in through the windows.

With central heating, the heat is generated in one central place and then distributed throughout the building. This methodology therefore differs from local heating where heating units in each room are used. A typical system for central heating involves burning fuel such as heating oil, gas or coal in a boiler or furnace. In a domestic house this boiler will often be located in the kitchen or in an airing cupboard. In a larger building like an office or public building such as a library or museum, the furnace or boiler will be in a dedicated boiler room. Electrical central heating systems do exist, but they are not as common as those run on fossil fuels. This is because such systems are only feasible where low cost electricity supplies, or geothermal heat pumps, are available. There are also environmentally geared central heating systems which are becoming popular with people who care about their impact on the environment. These use alternatives to fossil fuels such as solar power.

The heat generated in the boiler, either from the combustion of heating oil or by capturing solar energy, is then distributed throughout the building. There are various methods for doing this. One method is to pump air through duct work which runs throughout the structure of the building. Another method involves heating water in the boiler and then circulating steam, or more usually hot water, through pipes around the building. The pipes will lead to radiators which are mounted on the walls. Each radiator around the building will usually has its own controls so that the heat can be regulated in each room.

This is the usual type of system that is used in many homes across northern regions of the world such as Russia and northern Europe. Here, because of the temperate climate, most homes will have a central heating system built in. Air conditioning systems are not commonly seen in these regions because of the cooler climate, where air conditioning is seldom or never needed. Conversely, homes in warmer parts of the world such as south America, Africa and south east Asia will have air conditioning systems but no central heating.

Some people may think that Central Heating is a relatively new development. In fact, the Romans started to introduce central heating in the year 100 AD when they were occupying many regions of northern Europe, including Germany and Britain. Here, they constructed buildings heated by air which was warmed in furnaces and ducted through the buildings using pipes in the walls and spaces under the floors.



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Martin Applebaum asked:


 

With advancements in technology, heat pumps are much more efficient these days than they were a few years ago. These new technologies have allowed the devices to recover heat better at colder temperatures. Most brands operate better now but still it is wise to do a heat pump comparison before making this major purchase.

The technological advancements have allowed these devices to be able to heat water for such uses as radiant floor heating, domestic water usage and multiple-zone forced air systems.

Purchasing a heat pump is a major investment as these units are not cheap. It will require quite a bit of research on the homeowners part. We can provide some basic heat pump comparison information to help you along the way. All heat pumps feature two specific ratings. The two ratings are the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor).

The SEER rating rates the cooling efficiency of the unit, the HSPF rating rates the heating ability of the unit. These are two main factors to consider when performing a heat pump comparison. The higher the rating, the more efficient the device is. One important point to note is that just because the unit has a high SEER rating, does not mean it will have a high HSPF rating.

Here is a good tip to keep in mind when doing a heat pump comparison. What will be your main usage of the heat pump? If the main usage is t o cool your home because you live in warm climate then focus on a pump that has a high SEER rating. If you live in an area that requires more heating than cooling, then focus on a heat pump that features a high HSPF rating.

A conventional heat pump has some standard features that are found on most makes and models. Most are much more energy efficient than normal types of heating. The standard conventional heat pump is cheaper than the newer Inverter heat pumps. If doing a heat pump comparison, make sure you compare conventional styles to conventional styles and inverter types to other inverter types. If you like you can compare conventional to inverter, just keep in mind the newer inverter types are more expensive.

Inverter heat pumps are new to the market and because of their sophisticated control features; you can have closer temperature control than the conventional style pumps. When doing a heat pump comparison, you will find that the inverter heat pumps are more advanced but they cost quite a bit more.



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David Karlson asked:


 

Are you in the market for a new heat pump for your home? If so, you would be remiss not to include the Trane heat pumps in your market research. The Trane name is well known throughout the world, mostly for air conditioners though. However, they are making a name for themselves in these machines now as well. Thus, you can be assured that the same quality used in manufacturing air conditioners is being applied in the making of heat pumps as well.

Trane heat pumps have become one of the most reliable heating units on the market today. They are made with the most advanced technologies available in this area. When you purchase one of these units, expect them to last for many years. These pumps feature a digital thermostat, which allows the homeowner to program when exactly they want the house heated or cooled by these units.

If you use one of the several different Trane heat pumps then you should notice a savings on your heating bill. A good pump will also feature air filters to filter out dust and particles that are circulating in your home. You will need to hire a professional to do the installation for you. This is not a job that should be performed by a non-professional. It is very important to have it installed correctly.

Many people do not know how Trane heat pumps or any type of heat pump actually works. It is really quite amazing that they will heat a home in the winter and then cool it in the summer. These machines extract the heat that is in the air and then delivers it into your home. During the warm months, it acts in the opposite manner. It will pull the heat from the indoor air and release it outside to help keep your home dry and cool. These methods of heating and cooling are quite an economical and efficient method to control your home’s temperature.

If you are looking for an economical way to heat and cool your home; then consider one of the several different Trane heat pumps. You will be quite impressed with the performance of these machines.



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Daniel Millions asked:


Geothermal heat pumps harness the heating and cooling powers of the earth in an energy efficient system that is friendly to the environment. The geothermal heat pumps are considered environmentally friendly since the technology uses the earth as a heating and cooling source of energy. Geothermal heat pumps save consumers money because one geothermal heat pump can be used to heat and cool a building.

The geothermal heat pump does not need to burn fuel for heating or cooling. A geothermal heat pump transfers the earth heat into the home for heating purposes and absorbs heat from the home to cool it off. This system works ground pumps that collect the heat in underground pipes. The heat is concentrated and stored in these pipes until it is needed. These same pipes will send the heat into the building upon command.

When the home is hot, the same heating pipes are used to draw the heat from the home. The heat air is cooled underground and sent back to the home. The geothermal heat pumps can be modified for use in radiant floor heating, water heaters and to melt snow along walkways in the winter.

The system provides a steady stream of heat or cooled air into the home. Unlike other heating systems, the geothermal heat pump does not send particles into the air when it is working. Geothermal heat pumps also provide silent service which is a welcome change from noisy air conditioners or heating systems. The system is activated by a wall mounted thermostat which can be used to heat or cool the home.

A geothermal heat pump may be either a closed loop or open loop system. Households generally use a closed loop system. A closed loop system uses an underground pipe filled with a liquid solution to conduct heat or cool air. The open loop system uses ground water or the earth to transfer the heat or cool air.

The geothermal heat pumps require an annual cleaning. Cleaning means that an acid based wash will be used on the pipes. With regular maintenance, the system will work well with infrequent need to replace parts. The air filter should be checked and cleaned as often as once a month. A technician can provide any further details about the operation and care of the geothermal heat pump.

Owners of geothermal heat pumps can save money on their heating and cooling bills. Despite the cost of buying and installing the system, owners report significant savings from using the geothermal heat pumps in comparison to heating or cooling the home with more traditional systems. Since the temperature of the ground and ground water remains between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, it allows the geothermal heat pump a continual source of warm or cool air. Fans of the geothermal heat pumps claim that they save almost half the money that they would have otherwise spent on their heating bills and up to 30% on their costs to cool their home.

Geothermal heat pumps are used in homes, commercial and industrial buildings. Their ability to save on heating and cooling costs is a tremendous attraction for many consumers. As an alternative heat source, the geothermal heat pump has a great future.



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Joshua Drew asked:


There are a couple of things that geothermal heat pumps can do for your home. The first and probably the most important is their ability to help the environment. The other thing that you will benefit from using geothermal heat pumps in your home is a decrease in your energy bills. Those savings will certainly help to eliminate the cost of installing a system in your home.

The methods that the geothermal heat pumps use are very similar to a standard heat pump. The only difference is the energy that is used is derived from the heat in the earth. A standard heat pump will heat the air to provide the heat and hot water. The geothermal heat pump uses the heat contained in the earth to heat. A standard heat pump is not as efficient as a geothermal one. The cost to use this type of system will be higher in the beginning, but when you consider the savings in your heat bill you will outweigh the cost.

For those who are looking for a new home, finding a house that includes geothermal heat pumps might be the thing that clinches the deal. You might want to consider putting it on your list of things to look for in your new home. Energy efficiency is a big consideration when you are shopping for a new home. Everyone is becoming more aware of the high costs of energy and ways that usage can be reduced. Geothermal heat pumps in your new home are just one of the ways that you can conserve energy and help the environment.

Your contractor will need to be experienced in the installation of these types of pumps. It is important that you look into their references and experience before you hire them to install your geothermal heat pump.

It is very important that you keep your heating and cooling system well maintained. The contractor who installed your geothermal heat pump can probably take care of that for you. It is as important to maintain your equipment, as it is to have the correct heating and cooling equipment. If you hire someone to maintain your heating system, you should consider using him or her for all of your maintenance. This will allow you to establish a consistent relationship with the maintenance business. Once they get to know your system they will be able to detect any problems that have arisen in between checks.

Insulation in your home is also an important consideration when you are heating and cooling. You should make sure that all of the heat that you generate is not leaking out of your home as quickly as your geothermal heat pump can produce it. You will lose all of your energy savings with a poorly insulated home. Get your house in tiptop shape with insulation and an efficient heating and cooling system. Once you have zipped up your home and installed the heat pump you will find that your energy bills have decreased dramatically.



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Justin Clover asked:


Underfloor heating is considered a modernised heating concept and is used throughout the world. However underfloor heating is not a new phenomenon as the heating system has been around since the days of the Romans. It is believed that in those days Romans constructed their buildings with voids, which enabled circulation of warm air to flow under the floor and through the walls. The air was heated by an outside open fire and required several people to look after the system. Since then times have changed, however one aspect has remained constant and that is the desire to be comfortable in all circumstances.

The Case of Underfloor Heating

Today’s underfloor heating is a sophisticated version of the Roman principle, and the system is not restricted to just domestic dwellings, as many businesses have implemented the heating system into their commercial properties. One of the main reasons home and business owners have opted for underfloor heating is because of the environmental benefits – underfloor heating is an efficient way to heat a building. The heating system operates at lower temperatures and consumes less energy, which means less CO2 emissions. The lower operating temperatures maximises the efficiency of the heating pump, and therefore the pump will last longer. Research has shown that energy saving is from 15% to 40% with underfloor heating.

Underfloor heating can either be warm water based or electricity driven, depending upon the precise requirements.

Warm Water Based

Warm water underfloor heating, also referred to as a wet system, uses a series of continuous pipes or tubes that are laid into the floor through which warm water circulates at about 50°C. The entire setup can incur high installation charges, however due to the energy saving features, cost reductions on heating are made in the long run. Warm water underfloor heating offers complete flexibility in terms of pipe types, installation specifics and control options.

Electrical Systems

Electric underfloor heating, also referred to as a dry system, uses electric cables or heating mats to generate the same results as a warm water system. The system is cheaper in terms of installation charges, and it also takes less time to install than the wet system. Electric underfloor heating is ideal for installing into buildings that are already constructed.

Advantages of Underfloor Heating

The foremost benefit is the comfort level extended. Unlike traditional heating system which works on heating a room from the top down, underfloor heating emits heat from the floor upwards, nor are there any cold spots in the room.

Another key advantage of the system is the setup aesthetics. The heating structure is in the floor and therefore maximises space in the room as furniture does not need to take into account the location of any radiators.

The heat control of the system is straight forward. Some underfloor heating systems are sensitive to the room and floor temperature and adjust automatically to any external changes. Or manual control is an option and individual rooms can be set at a temperature which is agreeable to all occupants.

Underfloor heating does not create any extra dust and helps to reduce dust mites, which is a benefit to people with lung problems, such as asthma.

Another joy of underfloor heating is the silence. Unlike conventional heating systems there isn’t any annoying noises coming from the motor, or the radiators as they heat up.

Conclusion

Underfloor heating has been around since the Roman’s time. The heating system fell out of vogue over the ages, but since the 1960’s in the UK underfloor heating has seen a revival as people began to understand the system and realised the benefits the system would offer them.



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Sam Streubel asked:


Red hot as in sales, that is. The reasons behind the increasing popularity of radiant heat panels are ease of installation, quick warm up, dust free heat, and low cost relative to other retrofit heating systems.

For the same price as a pellet stove, you could heat a 1,500 square foot home and not have to deal with locating, storing, and lugging 40 pound bags of wood pellets.

A U.S. Department of Energy sponsored study concluded that radiant heat panels were 52% less expensive to operate than electric baseboard heat and 33% more cost effective air to air heat pumps. The study concluded that “energy savings would be obtainable in a great portion of U.S. households”.

Radiant heat panels manufactured by Enerjoy are about 1 inch thick, and range in size from 2′x2′ to 2′x8′. They are textured to look like the ceiling and can painted to match the room’s décor with quality water based acrylic paint.

The panels operate at 150-170 degrees F. and radiate heat to objects and people in the room. The panel itself reaches operating temperature in only three to five minutes.

Advantages of Radiant Heat Panels

Heat loss from ducts, even insulated ones, reduces the efficiency of forced air systems. Additional leakage is created by the internal air pressure generated by forced air systems. No duct, No pressure, no leakage problems.

Since the need for a blower to circulate heat is eliminated, so is the cost of electricity to the blower motor. Without a blower, there are no filters that need to be replaced.

Heating without moving air also eliminates drafts and prevents dust and pollen from circulating while maintaining the air’s moisture content.

Radiant heat panels require no maintenance or service because there are no moving parts.

With separate thermostats for each room, zoned heating is easy as turning a light switch on and off. Significant energy savings can be realized by allowing only the occupied areas to be heated. The quick response time radiant panels will return an unoccupied room to a comfortable temperature in minutes.

Radiant Heat Panel Applications

Radiant heat panels are an excellent source of heat for bathrooms (no more foggy mirrors), log homes, gazebos, screened in porches and stables. If you’re heating a greenhouse, radiant heat will protect your plants in the absence of sunlight by maintaining root temperatures.

Replacing a wood stove with ceiling mounted panels in auxiliary buildings such as workshops or studios allows the use of all available floor space.

Radiant Heat Panel Installation and Cost

The low amperage requirements for ceiling heat panels can usually be provided by existing 120 or 240 volt circuits. The 30%-70% wattage reduction over electric baseboard heating eliminates the need for dedicated wiring. Wherever a single panel is installed, the existing 120 volt capacity circuit is usually adequate for the additional load.

Installation of radiant heat panels typically cost between $1.25 and $1.50 per square foot of heated space. For a 1,500 sq. ft. house the estimated cost would be $1,900 to $2,300. That’s considerably less than the cost for a complete forced air system.

Disadvantages of Radiant Heat Panels

The major limitation of radiant heat panels is the absence of a cooling function. Installing a ducted central air conditioner would undermine many of the advantages of using radiant panels.

One way around this would be to install a mini-split air conditioning system. The mini-split, like radiant panels, is also a cost effective retrofit solution and can be zoned to cool only occupied rooms.

If controlling heating costs is your primary concern, radiant heat panels offer an easy, cost effective and healthy way to retrofit your home with comfortable, reliable heat.



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Bob Carper asked:


It is now September. The kids are going back to school. The football season has begun. The nights have gotten a bit chillier, and the days are not as hot. The price of energy to heat your home is up there It is time for you to see how much money you might save.

You should begin by conducting an energy audit of your home or apartment to help detect waste. If you are a homeowner, this will gauge the efficiency of your current heating system. Your utility company may offer free or low-cost energy audits, or you can conduct your own. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) offers instructions over the internet.. The home “walk-through” may help you spot needed maintenance or problems that, if fixed, could save you money. For example:

Check your attic, attic stairway, attached garage walls and basement to make sure your home is insulated to DOE-recommended levels for your area. When inspecting and buying home insulation products, look for the R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power.

Wrap your hot water heater in an insulating jacket.

Schedule an annual tune-up for your heat pump, furnace or boiler. Your utility company may provide this service.

Hire a professional heating contractor to seal and insulate leaky ducts, and to ensure that the airflow distribution system serving your heating equipment is operating at peak efficiency.

Clean or replace filters on forced-air furnaces, seal flues in fireplaces you don’t use, install drapes or some other covering on windows, and seal holes around plumbing and heating pipes.

Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically lower nighttime temperatures. You can keep just as warm sleeping under a good insulating blanket or quilt as you can by running the heating plant full blast at night.

Check caulking and weather stripping, and make repairs where necessary.

Close your foundation vents in the winter if there’s a crawl space under your home.

Close the doors to rooms that you don’t use.

Prune shrubs that may block airflow to your heat pump.

Install ceiling fans. The air circulation promotes heating efficiency in the winter.

When buying a new furnace, boiler, heat pump, water heater, or other home appliance, consider a high-efficiency model. Although some energy efficient appliances may cost more to buy than other models, their lower operating costs may save you money in the long run. Use the black and yellow EnergyGuide labels to compare the energy use or efficiency of models. You can find these US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) required EnergyGuide labels on most major appliances. The labels provide useful information about products’ energy use or efficiency and estimated annual operating costs. In addition, the EnergyStar logo will help you identify high-efficiency appliances.

You should shop around for the best prices on oil - and gas, if you live in an area that lets you choose your natural gas provider. Ask your selected utility or oil company about a budget billing plan to protect against sudden or unexpected price increases. Your provider takes the amount of energy you use during one year and divides it into equal monthly payments. At the end of the season, you pay any outstanding balance or your provider credits any overpayment to your next monthly bill.

If you’re on a fixed income and have trouble paying your utility bills, contact your utility company. They, or your state or local government, may have energy assistance plans to help you pay your heating bills.

The Heating Scam Artists Are Out Don’t Get Burned

When energy prices rise, so does advertising for a host of energy-saving products and services - including some that are just plain bogus. The FTC recently settled charges against marketers who claimed their “liquid siding” product had a significant R-value and would yield dramatic reductions in consumers’ utility costs. Although good maintenance such as caulking and painting can reduce air leaks in older homes, consumers should be wary of coating or paint sellers that promise their product will perform like insulation or will significantly reduce utility bills.

Sellers offering other devices, gadgets, and energy-saving products also promise drastic reductions in home heating costs or extreme energy savings. Read energy-saving claims carefully and, if possible, get independent information about product performance. Avoid unsolicited door-to-door sales calls and high pressure sales pitches from contractors offering furnaces, windows, roofing, and other home improvement projects.

To make sure that a contractor is licensed and reputable: Ask friends and neighbors for referrals; ask the contractor for customer references; and check out potential contractors with the Better Business Bureau, state and local consumer protection officials, and your state licensing agency. The FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a contract if you sign it in your home or at a location other than the contractor’s permanent place of business.

In Conclusion

The last two winters in the North American region have been milder than usual. This is not an indication that this coming winter will follow suit. We could have a season filled with high winds and below normal temperatures. This means only one thing - high wind chill factors. That means only one thing - high heating bills

September is a good month to begin getting ready for the coming season. Be wise - Winterize.



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David Tanguay asked:


Spring is in the air, and now would be a great time to think about ways to contribute to the environment. One way to do so, if you have an outdoor swimming pool, is to consider a solar pool heating system. Not only will it save you money, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The system is fairly simple to create. The pool provides the thermal storage, so there is no need to purchase anything for this particular aspect. And, the pump that is currently used to filter the water in the pool will also circulate the water through the solar collectors.

Pool Cover

A pool cover will drastically save on heating costs and cost, on average, around $120. Not only that, but this will also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful to our environment. David Boehmer states, “…all other pool heating methods…should only be used in conjunction with a pool cover. Not to do so would be like running your house air conditioner during August with the doors and windows open. The system will still work, but the operating cost will be as much as three times higher.” Visit the United States Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website to peruse estimates of how much it costs to heat a pool with and without a pool cover.

One of the reasons swimming pool covers are so effective is due to the loss of water incurred through evaporation. A pool cover alone can provide up to 50%-70% savings. There are various types of pool covers that you can consider in your purchasing decision. Bubble (or solar) covers are probably the least costly. Vinyl covers, however, are made of a thicker material and tend to have a longer life expectancy than bubble covers.

As stated, pool covers provide savings in your energy costs. However, they also have the following benefits:

* They conserve water by reducing the amount of make-up water needed by 30%-50%

* They reduce the pool’s chemical consumption by 35%-60%

* They reduce cleaning time by keeping dirt and other debris out of the pool

Solar Swimming Pool Heaters

A solar pool heater can significantly reduce the costs you acquire through heating your pool. Not only are they similar in price with other heating options, but they also have extremely low annual operating costs. When compared in many climates, they actually come out on top as being the most cost effective. These types of swimming pool heaters generally last longer than their gas and heat pump counterparts. With proper maintenance, they can last anywhere from ten to twenty years. Here is what is usually included in solar swimming pool heaters:

* A solar collector - the device through which pool water is circulated to be heated by the sun

* A filter - removes debris before water is pumped through the collector

* A pump - circulates water through the filter and collector and back to the pool

* A flow control valve - automatic or manual device that diverts pool water through the solar collector

The material that solar pool collectors are made of varies, and the specific type you will need is dependent on what climate you live in.



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