Nothing beats the benefits of investing in solar energy; your power bills go down by almost 50%, you get to utilize free energy from the sun, and the list is endless. Nevertheless, essential steps must be taken to ensure you continue reaping from your investment. This article takes you through crucial solar water heaters maintenance practices that one must uphold to ensure maximum productivity.
High electricity bills and unreliable power supply had taken a toll on most people, especially financially. That inconvenience is now a thing of the past, given the advent of solar panels. If you took the liberty to purchase solar water heaters, I am sure you are happy you made that investment.
However, how often do you check on your solar heating system to ensure it runs smoothly? Experts say that a properly maintained solar water heater can serve you up to 25 years; this article is here to show you how.
1. Check on Your Collector Panels
The performance of the solar water heating system is made possible by the collector panels placed on the roof that absorb sunlight and convert it to heat energy. For the collectors to work correctly, they must be kept debris free. It is also crucial to cut down trees near your solar water heaters to avoid shading, which may block sun rays and minimize waste from the trees from falling to the collectors and affecting performance.
2. Occasional Inspection of the Collector
Visual inspection is critical and should be done occasionally to ensure no leaks. Indication of possible leakage may be the appearance of white strips on your roof, wet insulation, or signs of condensation on the glass. Leaking tubes require immediate replacement. Inspect to check whether the galvanized steel is corroded or the tubes discolored.
3. Check On The Solar Hot Water Tank
If you make a significant investment, especially with the 300 litre solar water heater price being worth the expense, it is essential to implement maintenance practices on the solar hot water tanks. The cold and hot relief valves should be flushed after a recommended period of six months. Depending on available water sources, a technician should change the anode for the flat pressurized solar water heating system at least once every three or five years.
4. Check On The Pipes Passage
Inspection of the passage of the pipes should be done visually to ensure there are no leakages; in case of any, you may want to apply a sealant. Check regularly if the controller indicates any fault in the system, enabling action to be taken in due time. You may also want to have a technician inspect your solar heating system every once in three years in case valves need to be replaced or the tubes maintained. The pumps should also be checked to ensure they are still in good condition.
5. Preventive Measures For Corrosion and Scaling
Corrosion is a rare occurrence that, regardless, can be rectified by applying paint to the galvanized area. On the other hand, Scaling can be prevented by circularly applying an acidic solution to the collector or using water softeners.
Conclusion
Solar water heaters generally require low maintenance; following the easy steps, your heating system can serve you for a long time.
