Haven't we all heard jokes about taking cold showers?
A recent article in Natural Health touts the benefits of cold showers...cold showers not only save energy but also can improve your health! The article goes on to say research has shown that a cold shower can reduce your risk of a cold by 40%. The article brought to mind a doctor in Saginaw who worked out at the Y with my Dad. The Doc never used soap, yet never had any body odor. When he told my Dad why he said he always uses cold showers which cleanses the body and closes the pores without the need for soap. The doctor, by the way, was well into his golden years when the conversation with my Dad took place! and he didn't smell! I've never forgotten it...but have also never desired to try it!!
I don't know about you, but I have found especially this time of the year when temperatures have been below freezing and we have had crazy snow storms I enjoy my hot showers! Have you ever gotten chilled to the bone and just couldn't shake it? A long, hot shower can cure that!
This morning when my muscles ached from my new workout program (my personal trainer is ruthless and has no mercy!) the long, hot shower helped that! (yup, that's his picture, not me!)
I know I teased you with that title but what I REALLY want to talk about is HOT water!
Let's think about the many uses for hot water...
- HOT Shower/Baths - how many people live in your home?
- Dishwashing/Sanitizing Dishes - do you run your dishwasher once a day?
- Clothes Washing - how many warm/hot loads do you run per week?
- Handwashing - I certainly HOPE you wash your hands every time! That gets back to the HEALTH thing!
- Can you think of more??
Do you know the typical family of four uses about 80 gallons of hot water PER DAY? Do you know that Hot Water is the second largest energy cost in the average home? Natural Gas which is the most popular fuel to heat water in Michigan is more efficient than electric. It still adds up over the course of a year. And...year after year, price increase after price increase...homeowner's continue to pay for it.
So how can the average duck heat water affordably?
SOLAR DOMESTIC HOT WATER!!!
There has been so much discussion recently about solar and renewable applications. Until I started researching renewables I did not realize that the most affordable way for the average homeowner to start renewable energy is by installing a Solar Domestic Hot Water System - also referred to as Solar Thermal.
I know the burning (pun intended) question in your mind right now is how does solar hot water work?
In a nutshell, the energy/heat from the sun is free. Yes, I said FREE! Collectors on your roof, or on a ground mount if you don't have a good roof site, capture the heat from the sun. That heat is channeled down pipes to a tank where cold water is heated and stored. The storage tank is highly efficient so it will continue to keep the heat in after the sun goes down.
What if I have cloudy days? As long as there is sun some preheating will be done, even through the clouds. Of course, in Michigan the system will not preheat as well in the winter. Michigan still has good solar potential though and even during our darkest months the Solar Hot Water system will offer a great assist!
A Solar Hot Water System is easily retrofitted and tied into your current hot water heating system which will act as a back up system when the solar gain is not adequate. For the average homeowner, Solar Hot Water is the MOST affordable way to start in renewables and has the quickest payback. I am working with forward thinking builders who are adding this to homes as a standard feature! In this day and age of $100/barrel oil it shouldn't even be a question.
Do you need MORE INCENTIVE???
Through Dec 2008 there is a federal tax credit of 30% up to $2000 for homeowners and there is no cap on the credit for businesses. Keep in mind, credits are more valuable than deductions, it is dollar for dollar. State Incentives vary and if you click on my link you can see what your state offers. As I always recommend, if your state is like Michigan and does not offer incentives PLEASE contact your reps and explain how important this is to you!
Just think the effect this could have on B & B's, laundramats and farms! What a very simple and effective way to reduce utilities and help preserve our earth.
Harnessing the heat from the SUN is just COOL!
It goes without saying, contact me for more information...new dealers are welcome!
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Mary, you should do a full post on the $2000 tax incentive for homeowners.