ᐅ LWW, Gas, or Geothermal Operating Cost Experiences

Created on: 19 Feb 2017 19:41
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G-Star1988
Hey everyone,

We are currently planning our small house and are facing the big question of which type of heating system to choose.

Gas heating + domestic hot water
Heat pump (air-to-water)
Geothermal energy

I have researched the different types extensively. It is also clear that the initial investment costs vary.

Which heating system is the most cost-effective in terms of operating expenses?

Here are a few key details:
KfW-55 standard
About 140m² (1,500 sq ft)
Controlled ventilation system
Underfloor heating on ground floor and upper floor

Thank you very much for your advice
P
Peanuts74
22 Feb 2017 13:19
Then I would choose the air-to-water heat pump (which we also have). This way, you won’t have a chimney draft that could potentially limit your room layout, one less hole and fewer connections in the roof, and you won’t need a chimney sweep or a roof hatch, plus possibly no roof access steps.
G
G-Star1988
22 Feb 2017 13:22
Thank you. So, geothermal energy would qualify for a subsidy of €4,500 (about $4,900). That means instead of €13,000 (about $14,200), the cost would be only €8,500 (about $9,300).

So, geothermal energy with a probe: €8,500 (about $9,300)
Compared to an air-to-water heat pump: €3,500 (about $3,800)

Difference: €5,000 (about $5,500)
P
Peanuts74
22 Feb 2017 13:23
When it comes to heating costs, this should really be a secondary concern. Typically, you pay at least $1,000 per month for the house anyway. Whether you pay $10 more or $5 less per month for heating doesn’t make much of a difference (in my opinion).

Other factors, like whether I want the chimney sweep to come every year or if I would like to have a fireplace, are much more important to me.
G
G-Star1988
22 Feb 2017 13:23
Yes, I had pushed the thought aside that the chimney sweep has to come for gas appliances. I don’t want to take that on timewise, so gas and the fireplace are out.
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G-Star1988
22 Feb 2017 13:25
I think, since the difference now is only 5000€ (approximately), I am strongly leaning towards geothermal energy. Thank you very much for your opinions and tips.
P
Peanuts74
22 Feb 2017 13:26
G-Star1988 schrieb:
Thanks. So, the geothermal system would receive a subsidy of 4,500€ (about 4,500 euros). That means instead of 13,000€ (13,000 euros), it would only cost 8,500€ (about 8,500 euros).

So geothermal with probe 8,500€ (about 8,500 euros)
Compared to air-to-water heat pump with 3,500€ (about 3,500 euros)

Difference 5,000€ (about 5,000 euros)

Assuming you save $20 per month (I’m not sure of the exact amount; maybe someone can share their annual consumption), it would take over 20 years (without interest!) for the investment to pay off.