| Lowering our carbon footprint is becoming very | | | | If you are the type of person that doesn't use your |
| important to the house owner these days. There are | | | | immersion heater on a regular basis then you will |
| a couple of reason for this, one is because the Kyoto | | | | probably not get your money back in reduced bills |
| Agreement is pushing the reduction of the global | | | | because if you're not spending money on immersion |
| carbon footprint worldwide, also each government | | | | heating then there is nothing to be saved. Also if |
| are producing new grants to speed up the | | | | there are trees around your house that will block |
| introduction of new building methods that will reduce | | | | some of the sun getting through it will reduce that |
| energy costs and ultimately save money for the | | | | capacity of the solar panel to heat your water. If |
| consumer in the long run as lower energy cost | | | | your house is not south facing it should be explained |
| means lower energy bills. It may take a long time to | | | | to you whether the solar panel will generate enough |
| get a return on investment but this is getting better | | | | heat to make the exercise worthwhile. All of the |
| as time goes on because energy cost while | | | | above points should be explored before making your |
| temporarily low are on an upward trend and building | | | | purchase and if the answer is no then there are |
| cost are cheaper than they have been for years due | | | | plenty of other options available that might be better |
| to the global recession. | | | | for you. For example, extra insulation inthe attic, seal |
| As a result of this push to reduce the carbon | | | | windows and doors or composite doors front and |
| footprint there are a lot of new products coming on | | | | back. |
| line that promise lower energy cost but it is really | | | | If you have to look at other options rather than solar |
| important that you do your research before you | | | | panels be careful of choosing new technology that |
| make a decision on where to spend your money. | | | | hasn't got a track record in your region. Building |
| Solar panels are a good example of how important it | | | | methods are very different in different climates and |
| is to think about what it is you want to achieve. Solar | | | | as a consequence some products that sell well in |
| panels are used to extract the heat from the sun | | | | hotter climates may not meet the building |
| and convert this into hot water in your cylinder, | | | | requirements where you live. The rule of thumb is |
| sounds great but ask yourself these question before | | | | that if it is not certified with relevant national |
| you buyo Is your house south facing?o How much | | | | certificates then don't buy it. All companies that sell |
| do you spend on immersion heating?o Do you require | | | | building materials or building products have to get |
| hot water all year round?o Are there any trees | | | | there products certified with a relevant national cert |
| around your house blocking the sun?o Will the solar | | | | unless the material or product is considered traditional |
| panel heat the water enough for your requirements? | | | | build. |