No Propane!

A cold front is in and I just sold my propane tank to a young couple.

My main heat source is now the sun.

I have been opening and closing curtains to take advantage of direct sun and that heat gain.  Closing them to slow heat loss.

Last month I made an active solar heater that works like a solar oven.

In this case the glass “top” is a west window.  Two “oven” sides are 1x4s attached to the sides of the window frame.  The third side is the window sill whic allows about 1×32 for cold air uptake.  The forth side is at the top and is open.  It leaves 4×32″ for warm air to escape.

I attached foil bubble insulation to the sides and it stretches across the back.  

On sunny afternoons it generates a warmed air current just over 100º.  A south window would generate heat most of the day.

My back up heat became two oil filled radiators.  My electric bill for first month operation was $35.  Only $10 more than last year.  Much better than the average propane bill of $125 last year.

Liberty!