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By Christopher Lollini

When most people think of the term solar power, they typically conjure up an image of a home with a collection of solar panels on its roof generating electricity for its owner. While it is true that the vast majority of home solar power systems are conventional PV solutions that are used in this way, the power of the sun can also be used to heat your home. Solar radiant heat uses the warming power of the sun to either heat the home directly, or by the circulation of water through a floor or wall that has been heated by the sun.

Old Concept, Updated Technology

Radiant heat is a very old concept that was first used in large-scale construction by the Romans. The original roman baths used radiant heat to warm the building and the water used in the baths and was a quite effective use of radiant heat for its time. Modern solar radiant heat systems use the same concept as these early models and have updated the collection and distribution methods to improve the efficiency of the system dramatically.

Modern System Components

A modern solar radiant heat system consists of a bank of solar collectors that are normally located on the roof of the home. Even though these solar collectors appear similar to PV solar panels, their construction is completely different. Inside these solar collectors are a series of small pipes. These pipes are exposed to the sun and when water is circulated through them it is warmed to a very high temperature. This hot water is then returned to the home and sent through a series of pipes that are located in the floors or walls of the home. This circulation of hot water will warm the objects in the room through radiation of the heat. If these pipes are located in the floor, this heat will rise and warm the entire room very comfortably.

Unparalleled Heating Comfort

The advantages of solar radiant heat are many and it provides a very comfortable and consistent heat for your home. Unlike conventional forced air heating, there are no drafty areas when you use solar radiant heat and it also doesn’t dry out the air like many of the forced air systems do. By using the power of the sun to heat the water used in this type of heating system, it becomes a very affordable alternative to a gas or oil fired burner and can easily save you thousands of dollar a year on your heating bills.

Windows Work Wonders

Another more direct form of solar radiant heat relies on large windows located on the southern facing side of the home to allow the sun to penetrate into the home. This sunlight will heat up the floor and walls that it strikes and these surfaces will slowly release this heat as the home cools in the evenings. This form of passive solar radiant heat is used in many of the modern energy efficient homes being built today and can help to significantly lower a homes heating bills with the warmth it provides. There are even specialized materials that can be applied to the walls and floors of a home to improve their ability to collect and retain this solar radiant heat and increase the benefits it provides.

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By Anna Hart

Bathroom accessories can make or break a bathroom’s decor. Bathroom accessories come in many styles. Bathroom accessories come in many colors. The careful shopper will take time to choose both the right style and the right color.

Bathroom accessories in lavender are an example. Lavender bathroom accessories can be had in a variety of styles and a variety of hues. You can find bathroom accessories in dainty lavender flowers on pristine white ceramic. You can find bathroom accessories in lavender wicker with chrome, brass, or bronze bases.

As you seek out bathroom accessories in lavender, you will want to ask yourself several questions. These will help you zero in on what you really want before you begin shopping.

1. Color:

There are many shades of lavender. Visit a paint store and find the shade you wish to feature. Are you looking for lavender blue or lavender green? You may remember the old lullaby lyrics that begin with the words, “Lavender’s blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green. When you are king, dilly dilly, I shall be queen.” You may want to copy out the lyrics and frame them for your bathroom wall. Set a theme with them, and combine bathroom accessories in lavender blues and lavender greens.

2. Style:

Do you want bathroom accessories in lavender flowers, or in abstract swirls? Do you prefer simple, clean lines, or more ornate designs? Do you enjoy retro purple lavender or watery, pearl lavender?

Think about the color of your walls and floor before you make decisions on your bathroom accessories. Remember the secret to ideal color combinations: the 60-30-10 rule. Use about 60 percent of one dominant color in your bath decor. Use 30 percent of a lesser color. Use only 10 percent of your accent color.

In this case, lavender bathroom accessories will probably comprise your ten percent of accent color. The lavender should go well with the dominant and lesser colors on walls, floors, and fixtures.

Bathroom Accessories in Lavender Flowers

If you prefer flowers, you might want to look for lavender/purple flowers such as the following on bathroom accessories.

1. Lavender itself flowers from the herb 2. Lavender iris 3. Lavender and yellow pansies 4. Lavender wisteria 5. Lavender lupine Other Bathroom Accessories in Lavender

Lavender bathroom accessories are available in more than just flowers.

Dragonflies are often depicted in lavender on shower curtains, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, dispensers, and other bathroom accessories.

Whimsical cherubs in lavender, gold, and white are featured in some bathroom accessories. In others, these colors appear on the gossamer gowns and wings of woodland fairies.

Plain lavender bathroom accessories are readily available. The color and style are simple and cooling. They blend well with most bath decors.

Towels and rugs in lavender should match or closely complement the hues used in your other bathroom accessories.

Budget Bathroom Accessories in Lavender

Your budget will go further if you shop garage sales and thrift stores for bathroom accessories in lavender shades. You might want to be creative by selecting objects such as a lavender tumbler or simple vase for a toothbrush holder. Add a lavender dessert dish to hold your soap.

Helpful Tip

When using bathroom accessories in lavender, include a lovely bouquet of dried lavender. Its cool color and relaxing aroma can quickly turn your bath into a luxury retreat.

About the Author: 2007, Anna Hart.Anna Hart invites you to read more of her articles about bathroom accessories at

easybathroomremodeling.com

.Anna has also posted articles on that site about bathroom decorating. If you want to learn more about

bathroom decorating ideas for a budget makeover

, you wont want to miss her article on the subject.

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