wrote in message
...
On Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:39:21 -0500, "Ray"
wrote:

Recently I read somewhere that it's possible to add an auxiliary tank to
supply water heaters.

The purpose is, water comes from underground into a storage tank, where
the
temperature of the water is raised by ordinary basement temperatures --
especially in furnace rooms.

This water then feeds water into the heating tank at a considerably higher
temperature, thereby saving energy costs.

This is common sense. Is this technology available now?

It's called a tempering tank.

It doesn't make quite as much sense as it appears in most cases.


How bout if the tank is buried?

Ackshooly, two tanks:

One buried, in the winter, the other exposed in the house someplace, with a
fan perhaps, in the summer.

The Qs a What is the likely temp differential in both cases, resulting
in how much $$ savings, and what will the payback period be? And, initial
costs? Proly not cheap. Sheeit, crappy make-up tanks for compressed air are
not cheap, and it don't get much simpler than THAT!

I suspect the payback period will be substantial.

Intuitively, I agree with the statement that $$ spent on solar heating are
much better spent $$ -- and likely mostly DIY, at that -- poss. ALL diy.

But, I think the premise, at least, of the OPs suggestion is good, if not
the practicality/economics.
--
EA