Solar water heaters are vital devices in homes. They offer a continual supply of hot water for commercial or domestic use in a cost-effective and efficient manner, making use of free solar energy. The system operates by collecting solar energy using collectors (flat panels or tubes), positioned strategically on the roof of a building and set up for peak performance.

Currently, solar water heaters have become popular all over the world because of their durability and reliability, including advanced controllers, available kits, and designs. One must have a basic understanding of solar hot water repairs Adelaide to deal with any contingencies.

For instance, one may encounter scenarios like breaking down of water heater and the effort to keep expenses low. Similar to other solar power devices, solar water heaters can develop issues with the passage of time, and components start deteriorating.

Systems of solar energy need routine maintenance and periodic inspections for efficient operation. Additionally, components may need occasional replacement or repair. One must also take steps to prevent freezing, scaling, and corrosion.

Some of the inspections and maintenance can be handled on one’s own, but most of the time, one will need professional help. The work might involve hot work like soldering, walking on roofs, and going up ladders. Hence work must be done by trained professionals who are aware of safety needs.

Periodic inspection

Following are inspections of components of solar water systems. One must also go through the user manual of the system for recommended schedules of maintenance.

• Shading of collector
One must visually check the shading of collectors all through the day, at least annually. Shading has much impact on the efficacy of collectors. For instance, there may be the growth of vegetation much after the installation of the solar heater.

• Soiling of collector
Soiled or dusty collectors will exhibit poor performance. Periodic cleaning is needed in locations with specific cases of soiling like dust or disturbance by birds that cannot be washed away by rain.

• Seals and glazing of collectors
Search for cracks in the glazing of collectors and ascertain if seals are in good condition. For instance, plastic glazing, if yellowed too much, may require to be replaced.

• Wiring connections, ductwork, and plumbing
Search for fluid leaks in pipe connections. Do a check of seals and duct connections. Ducts must be sealed with mastic compounds. Ensure that all wiring connections are tight.

• Roof penetrations
As required, one must maintain sealant and flash around roof penetrations. Take note of any signs of water leakage beneath the roof.

• Support structures
One must do a check of all bolts and nuts that attach collectors to any support structures that are shut tightly. Watch out for steel parts corroding and paint and clean them if needed.

• Valve for pressure relief
Enable the lever to ensure that valve is not stuck closed or open. This is applicable for liquid solar heating collectors.

• Dampers
In the case of solar air heating systems, ensure that dampers open and close properly and are in the proper position.

• Blowers or pumps
Verify the operation of blowers or pumps. While checking for the noise of the pump, if one can’t hear the operation of the blower or pump, then either the blower or pump or the controller has malfunctioned. The issue is often the starting capacitor that can be replaced without needing the replacement of the motor or pump.

Prevention of corrosion and scaling

Two major factors impacting the performance of properly installed and sited systems of solar heating involve corrosion (in air and hydronic systems) and scaling (in hydronic-based or liquid systems).

• Scaling
Hard water or water which is high in mineral content might cause scaling or build-up of minerals (like calcium deposits) on surfaces of heat transfer. The build-up of scale reduces the effective performance of the system in myriad ways. If the system makes use of water as a fluid for heat transfer, scaling can take place in the heat exchanger, collector, and distribution piping.
One can avoid scaling by circulating mild acidic solution or using water softeners via the collector every 3 to 5 years. Heat exchanger surfaces must be cleaned carefully.

• Corrosion
If the solar water heating system has been designed properly, mostly any chances of corrosion are minimal. In case there is corrosion, it is mostly galvanic corrosion which is caused by the coming in contact of two dissimilar metals. The piping connection must hence be of a bi-metallic kind which makes use of a plastic sieve for separating dissimilar metals.

In sum, solar water heating is a technology that has gained much currency. When the system develops issues, solar hot water repairs Adelaide must be conducted on time, without spending too much cash.