A solar hot water unit is an excellent way to maximise value from the bright Australian sun while reducing the burden on your gas and energy bills. Solar hot water systems will accommodate 50 to 90 percent of your requirements. Your solar hot water system is made up of a storage tank and solar collector panels. These panels need routine maintenance and periodic inspections to retain their efficiency. These maintenance strategies for your solar hot water system will help you prevent corrosion, freezing and scaling.
Inspect Your Storage Tank
Your household will typically have a large storage tank to tackle days with poor sunlight. An electric or gas boosting element keeps water warm when necessary. But this storage tank can corrode over time because of penetrating sunlight or sediments present in the water. If you notice your tank leaking from the outside or if you're not getting enough hot water as required, it could be because of cracks or rust inside the tank. You will need to hire a professional to fix this problem with your solar hot water system's storage tank.
Check Your Collector Panels
Your solar hot water system's collector panels will usually be planted on your roof to efficiently absorb the rays of the sun for heating your water. But heavy winds and rain can cause the collector panels to perform poorly. You will need to undertake periodic cleaning to ensure that these panels remain in good working condition. You will need some clean water, liquid soap and a coarse cloth to remove stubborn collector panel grime. You can undertake this easy job on your own. While you're cleaning the panels, look for cracks in the glazing of the collector panels. If you notice excessive cracks or yellowing, you may need to get the panels replaced or repaired over time by professionals.
Examine Plumbing and Ductwork
Plumbing and ductwork are meant to ensure smooth flow of warm water between the storage tank and your taps. Any leaks in the plumbing pipes and duct connections will prevent the steady flow of water through your solar hot water system. Ducts are usually sealed with sealing resin, but this can give way over time. You will also need to look for damage to the insulation-covering ducts and pipes because the insulation keeps the water hot. Any leaks or cracks will reduce the effectiveness of your solar hot water system. These tasks are slightly more complex, so you will need a professional to fix any pipe or insulation cracks.
These inspection strategies will prolong the shelf life of your solar hot water system for a longer time. Get in touch with a company like Solar Repairs to schedule an inspection or to get any needed repairs done.
Share8 December 2015
My yard is in the shade of both of my neighbour's homes for most of the day which makes it quite hard to grow some of my favourite plants. Even though the yard is shady I still want it to have some nice look ground cover and be a cool place to entertain people. I have used a combination of shade resistant plants and pavers to create a lovely space that is good for entertaining all year round. This blog has some tips on creating a pleasant atmosphere in your shady backyard, particularly if you have a yard that is too shady to grow many kinds of plants.