Feb 3, 2009 6:00 am US/Eastern
EnergyWatch: Soda Can Solar Heaters
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
An old technique for adding heat to a home is getting a new look. Not only does it use the sun, it uses recycled soda cans. CBS 3'S Pat Ciarrocchi has the story.
In the Ehrnstein home, everything pretty much looks like any other house. It's on the roof where things are different.
"I just like the idea that we're using the free energy from the sun," said Cynthia Ehrnstein.
They have a soda can solar heating system called Cansolair. Cans, painted black, heat up under the sun. That hot air is vented safely into the house.
The Ehrnstein family says the air flow in the house feels great. "So the air must be circulating better because of that additional input vent," said Cynthia.
This isn't a new idea. On the web, you can find instructions on building your own soda can heater with cans, black paint, and some woodworking skills.
For the Ehrnstein, the cans are a supplement -- not the only heating source. They still use some natural gas. But they figure the four thousand dollar investment was worth it.
Andrew Ehrnstein said, "I have no idea what's gonna happen with natural gas prices in the future. But I'm pretty sure that the sun's gonna keep shining, and I figured if it only does thirty percent, this system will pay for itself in less than five years."
There are a limited number of dealers so far, but those numbers are poised to rise as interest in solar heating grows.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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