26 ~ fess, dtily EG, IGRT - uce your AS MUCH as 20 per cent of the energy consumed in Canadian homes is used ta keep hot water flowing from the taps. A unique way to reduce warter- heating costs is by using the sun. the stutape ane ita scdar water heater vane eather anstde et eutecde the burtdiny Solar systems can be used to supplement or replace your ex- isting water heater. Many models also have a built-in, back-up heater that can meet a household's hor water needs when there is no sun- shine. SOLAR ENERGY The purchase and installation costs of solar water-heating systems can be recouped over time through lower energy bills. Solar heaters also offer a hedge against inflation; prices for electricity, oil or gas can vary but, after initial Decorate like a professional at half the price. Selection Pine quality designer decerator fabrics from leading North American and Eurepeaty mills 40,000 yards in stack Sacines Repailar prices that are Jess than wholesale. rwcouve SUPE Up costs, ener from the sus is Virtually free. Solar water heaters work on a very Simple concept: collection, transter and storage of sunlight as heat. This proces provides home- hot water, day and laundry, dishwashing owners with night, for and bathing. The collection of heat is based on the greenhouse effect. Suntight beams through a clear glass or plastic cover and strikes a dark, light-absorbing material that con- verts the fight into heat. A’ car parked in the sun with the win- dows rolled up illustrates this prin- ciple. The sunlight pas: through the windows strikes the upholstery, which becomes hot. This heat is then trapped inside the car by the Service Intertor desivner assistance: Clstom wark avarlahle for upholstery. alrapers and aecessuries 266-3611 ater- closed windows. In the case of an operating salar collector, temperatures can become extreme: Is high. castly reaching 98°C, Phat plate and evacuated tube collectors are (wo commionty-tsed solar water-heating systems. A flat plate collector consists of a shattow rectangular box with a transparent glass or plastic cover. Sunfight beaming through che glass strikes a black plate of absorber that is at- tached to a series of parallel tubes through which fluid passes. An evacnated tube collector CONSIAGS Of several glass tubes. cach containing a black metal pipe through which the water passes and is heated. In order to reduce heat lass, air is removed from the space between the pipe and the glass, hence the term Sevacuated’. Depending on the design Gf the system, insulated pipes transfer the heated water from the collector to a storage Cank or diseetly to the Point of use. The third camponent of a solar hot water system is an insulated storage tank. These are generally Kiger than) conventional utnks, Since sulficient hot water must be collected during the day to meet evening and early morning aveds. INSTALLATION With careful planning. a solar hot water system can be casily in- stalled and presents no incanve- nience to the household. The most visible compenenty of the system — the outdoor collectors — are at- tractively finished and occupy a space of only 5 m2 and 10 m2. Ideally, coliectors should face in a Entire stock of Planters: Concrete Wooden Clay & Terra Cotta heating southern direction to vet maximum exposure to the sun's rays. They can be installed on an un- shaded root or wall or mounted ona special ground frame near the house. cosis Indoors, connecting pipes runn- ing from the roof to the basement can usually be hidden from view in closers, walls and floors. See Solar des: new fixtures, tub, si sink, 4 jel ;Water Work Ein From the four® Corners of the World: Italy, Mexico, Malaysia & Kelowna