7 Solar Water Heater Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Money

If your home uses a solar water heater, you may be able to get much of your hot water from the sun while reducing your energy use. These systems are especially effective in sunny climates, but even a good solar water heater can perform poorly when a few common maintenance mistakes are overlooked.

If the water is not getting as hot as expected, or you find yourself relying on backup electric heating more often than you should, the problem may not be a major malfunction. A few surprisingly simple mistakes can reduce the efficiency of a solar water heating system and increase energy costs.

Here are seven common mistakes that could be keeping your solar water heater from working at its best.

1. Forgetting to Clean the Solar Collectors

The solar collectors on the roof are the heart of the system. Over time, dust, dirt, leaves, and bird droppings can accumulate on their surface.

When grime covers the collectors, less sunlight reaches them, reducing their ability to heat the water efficiently. Keeping the collectors clean can help the system make better use of the available sunlight.

2. Not Checking Whether the Collectors Are Shaded

The surroundings of a home can change over time. A tree may grow taller, a neighboring building may be expanded, or a new structure may begin casting a shadow over the collectors.

Even partial shade can reduce the amount of sunlight reaching them and affect how much hot water the system produces during the day.

If your solar water heater seems less effective than it used to be, check whether something new may be blocking the sun.

3. Turning On the Backup Heating Out of Habit

Some people automatically turn on the electric backup heating without first checking whether the sun has already heated enough water.

During the summer and on many sunny days throughout the year, the solar water heater may already have provided all the hot water you need. Turning on the electric heating unnecessarily simply increases energy consumption and your electricity bill.

Before switching it on, check whether the water is already hot enough.

4. Ignoring Small Leaks

A small leak from the water heater, solar collectors, or surrounding pipes may not seem urgent, but it should not be ignored.

Leaks can waste water and reduce the efficiency of the system. If you notice unusual dripping, water around part of the system, or a noticeable decline in performance, it is worth having the problem checked before it becomes more serious.

5. Allowing Mineral Buildup to Accumulate

Hard water can cause mineral deposits, commonly known as limescale, to gradually build up inside a solar water heating system.

Over time, this buildup can reduce heating efficiency and contribute to wear on different components. Periodic maintenance can help identify and address mineral buildup before it begins causing more significant problems.

6. Assuming the Water Heater Is Always the Problem

When there is not enough hot water, it is easy to assume that the water heater itself is faulty.

But the tank is only one part of the system. The actual problem may be related to the solar collectors, pipes, mineral buildup, a leak, or another component affecting the system's ability to heat and retain water.

Before replacing the water heater, it is worth identifying the actual source of the problem.

7. Waiting for Something to Break

Many homeowners do not think about their solar water heater until the water suddenly stops getting hot.

Periodic inspections can help identify small problems before they develop into expensive repairs. Having the system checked periodically can also help ensure that the collectors, tank, pipes, and other components continue working efficiently.

Solar water heaters can provide an efficient way to use the sun's energy to heat water and reduce reliance on electricity or other energy sources. But like any home system, they work best when properly maintained.

A little attention to the collectors, pipes, mineral buildup, and backup heating can help you get more hot water from the sun, avoid unnecessary energy costs, and potentially extend the life of your system.