solar air heating

solar air heating

The basic principle of air is that the molecules of warmer air weigh less than cold air. As air molecules heat up, their density changes and therefore lifts the warm air upward and propels colder air downward to replace it. In basic terms, hot air is lighter than cold air and will rise upward.

So what does warm air on the ceiling have to do with a solar furnace?

The principle of rising warm air can also be applied to the generation of passive heat in a solar furnace. A solar heater can help supplement your heating systems in the cooler months in order to reduce your normal gas or electric usage. Generating heat from an air heater or furnace is fairly simple to do with a few items you can find in your shed, garage or a local home improvement store.

Basically, an air furnace is the concept of taking an enclosed box of dark material, pointing it toward sunlight and within minutes, warm air will begin to emerge from the top as it rises, just like warm air travels upward to your ceiling. When cold air enters the bottom, it ascends and passes through the heat chamber. The light from the sun is absorbed by the black material and begins to warm the air as it passes through.

The warm air then collects in the ceiling area of the unit and can then be piped into a room or enclosed area. The amount of heat is directly dependent upon the surface area of the heat chamber and amount of sunlight it absorbs.

In summary, the process that allows warm air to travel to the ceiling of your living room, kitchen utilizes the same principles of a solar air heater which you can harness to generate passive heat in the winter.

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Solar Air Heating Basics - AltE Webinar Preview