6 Home heating alternatives

These systems use liquid or air to absorb solar radiation in a device called a collector. The stored heat can then be distributed through a building's existing heat system.

The cost of an active solar heating system is determined by the size of the house, the existing heating system and local climate. But a system using 4-6 collectors to provide heat for a 2,000 square foot house can cost between $15,000 and $20,000, according to Apricus Solar, a global solar thermal systems company.

In terms of efficiency, the right active solar heating system can provide 40% to 80% of a home's heating needs, according to the Department of Energy.

During the winter, however, active solar heating systems are not capable of entirely replacing a conventional heating system.

But active solar heating systems can also cut down on other utility costs by heating water during the summer.

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