With the perpetual  rising cost of energy , the bad  state of the economy we are  suffering  and the step up  in the global CO2  emissions, a big  proportion  of which is from the consumption  of fossil  fuels for electricity production , we all should be looking for other methods . The alternatives primarily will be  for economic benefits  but if we can make environmentally friendly choices  then that is even better and I believeam convinced  that solar air heaters score on both points.

 First – everyone is  hurting  from the size of their power bills what with the rising cost  of fossil fuels and the cold weather, have served  to increase the amount we all have had to pay, as never before, but there is an ingeniously clever solution available to green  energy enthusiasts.  The solution is so simple  that it will  appeal to anyone, enthusiast or not.

Using  cheap  and easliy  available materials  it is possible  to make  your own solar air heater, and save cash  on your utility  bills. The way it works means that you not only get free heated air, you also help to reduce carbon emissions by using a lot less power, that would otherwise be generated by burning fossils fuels

Second - this system needs no practical  skills or tools to construct and consists of a plywood box, aluminium soda cans with the top and bottom  cut out , and spray painted  black to absorb the solar energy. The cans must be  arranged  so that the cool  air comes in to the box at the base flowing through the cans and taking  the heat that the cans have absorbed so the heated  air exits  the top.The plywood box  is sealed  with a clear sheet of plastic to allow access for the solar energy and to prevent any potential cooling of the air inside the box by the wind.

Third – it is possible to construct  a smaller  version of the system which is portable  and fits quickly into a window frame, so it is great  for condos or rental property where you cannot  make alterations, it is an easy five minute job  to remove it from the window and take it with you. In the same way  it can be moved  from one room to another as needed .

Forth – this reduced size  system needs  no power input, so can be used in places where a convenient or practical power  source is not available  such as an outhouse, workshop, cabin or garage.

Fifth – as these systems use no or very little power (the larger versions needs a small fan to circulate the air through the system), and as it produces no emissions it is a truly environmentally friendly air heater.

Solar air heating  is therefore  very simple and cheap to build yourself, zero operating cost or very  small operating cost, depending on the system you build , uses a perpetual – plentiful – free source of renewable solar energy and is absolutely environmentally friendly.

So why build  your own solar air heating*? The main reason is that it will save you money  which, especially  in this economy, is a great  thing. Start looking at your options today and start to make plans on how you can spend the extra money that you can potentially  save with this system. * follow the solar heating link and get a bonus “secrets to sourcing cheap parts”