The increasing threat of global warming has necessitated the shift to more sustainable energy solutions. Cutting back on energy use in favor of more renewable technology can limit fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. These incremental changes might not put a complete stop to global warming, but it can definitely slow its effects down and slightly repair the damage that has already been done. One way to address this is to modify typical heating solutions which are usually harmful to the environment.
Traditional heating methods mostly use fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Thankfully, there are green alternatives that you can use to heat your home during the chilly months. Below are a few of these that you can easily implement to help save the environment:
Waste heat recovery
Waste heat recovery has become a popular way to improve energy efficiency. This system recovers waste heat from various industries and optimizes the units used to absorb heat from waste gases. A Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR) system is usually installed in flats where windows cannot be opened due to the structure’s height. It is an affordable and sustainable form of ventilation that recovers 95% of the heat that is otherwise wasted through bathrooms and kitchens. This is done through a heat exchanger and the recovered air is then filtered and redistributed. You will be able to reduce your carbon footprint significantly while providing efficient energy consumption simultaneously.
Geothermal heating
Geothermal energy systems use temperatures deep underground to heat your home. As temperatures are much warmer on the earth than outside, less energy is used to heat the air. This is an eco-friendly and efficient heating solution which can also sufficiently lower your heating bill. Although it is relatively quite expensive to install, this solution is a rewarding investment that becomes worth it over a period of time and can actually increase the value of your home.
Solar heating
Solar heating is one of the most widely known sustainable heating solutions for homes. The initial investment for such a system is significant, but you’ll be able to receive what is essentially free heating energy for the rest of your home’s life.
Solar heating comes in two forms: one that heats the liquid in a hydronic collector and another that heats the air. Your choice will depend on the type of heating system you already have in place because you can cut the cost of installment when your home already has the materials needed. A solar air heating system will work well if you already have a forced-air heating system installed in your home. On the other hand, if you have a radiant heating system in place in your home, you should go with a solar liquid heating system.
Hydronic heat system
A hydronic heat system works by running hot water in the pipes under your floor. These are done through baseboards of radiators distributed throughout your home. This solution usually uses a boiler to heat up the water which then uses geothermal or solar power and a pump to send hot water through the house. Water runs through a heat exchanger which then transforms the energy into a usable form.
These are only a few of the many potential green heating solutions you can employ for your home. Your choice will depend on your budget and your preferences. What’s important is that whatever you do end up with will significantly impact the environment for the better.