Yeah, I hear you—cloudy days just wreck solar gains, no matter how much you baby the insulation. I used to be stubborn about keeping it all solar too, but after one too many ice-cold wake-up calls, I caved and wired in a backup. Sometimes you just gotta pick comfort over bragging rights... unless you really like cold showers, I guess.
Sometimes you just gotta pick comfort over bragging rights... unless you really like cold showers, I guess.
Totally get it. I tried to tough it out too, but honestly, the cost of a backup is nothing compared to waking up dreading your own shower. Solar’s great when it works, but I’m not about to freeze just to save a few bucks. If you’re on a budget, even a cheap immersion heater as backup can make all the difference—no shame in mixing tech if it means you’re actually comfortable.
Honestly, I tried to be hardcore about it too, but after a week of lukewarm showers in winter, I caved. Solar’s awesome most days, but a little backup heat never hurt anyone. Comfort beats pride when you’re shivering at 6am...
Comfort beats pride when you’re shivering at 6am...
Yeah, I hear you. I’ve got a few rentals with solar hot water and honestly, tenants always ask about backup in winter. Even with good insulation, those cold snaps just don’t cut it. I tried to tough it out myself once—lasted maybe three days before I switched the booster on. Pride’s nice, but warm showers are nicer.
Yeah, I get that. Sometimes you just have to hit the booster, no shame in it. Solar’s great most days, but when it’s freezing, comfort’s gotta win. Better to be safe than stubborn—cold showers can be rough, and honestly, not worth the risk if you ask me.