Hello!
We are planning to have a house built and are currently still in the initial planning phase. However, after a conversation with the architect, we are already considering heating options.
We are not building a KfW-certified house, but one strictly following the Energy Saving Ordinance. It will have about 220m² (2,368 sq ft) of living space plus a basement.
In various building specifications from contractors (we are having a turnkey build), we often see heat pumps that require an additional outdoor unit beside the system in the utility room. For aesthetic reasons, we are not very keen on that.
What alternatives are there for this kind of setup?
Gas heating combined with solar (the gas connection is available)?
Geothermal heat pumps?
Or other air-to-water heat pumps that do not require an outdoor unit?
We will probably have a hipped roof (with regard to solar panels). With a flat roof, the panels look quite unattractive.
We are planning to have a house built and are currently still in the initial planning phase. However, after a conversation with the architect, we are already considering heating options.
We are not building a KfW-certified house, but one strictly following the Energy Saving Ordinance. It will have about 220m² (2,368 sq ft) of living space plus a basement.
In various building specifications from contractors (we are having a turnkey build), we often see heat pumps that require an additional outdoor unit beside the system in the utility room. For aesthetic reasons, we are not very keen on that.
What alternatives are there for this kind of setup?
Gas heating combined with solar (the gas connection is available)?
Geothermal heat pumps?
Or other air-to-water heat pumps that do not require an outdoor unit?
We will probably have a hipped roof (with regard to solar panels). With a flat roof, the panels look quite unattractive.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
However, when it suddenly gets significantly warmer, the underfloor heating adjusts very slowly.The underfloor heating doesn’t compensate for that at all... when it gets warmer outside, the boiler just switches off, and that’s it... the screed, walls, and furniture then first need to cool down enough before the underfloor heating kicks in again.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
We want a system that is fully controlled electronically.That’s difficult in a modern house... I can already tell you that your south-facing side will generally get too warm...
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
So is it actually normal to have a whole day at 23.5°C (74°F) instead of the desired 21°C (70°F) during strong temperature increases?What do you consider a strong temperature increase and for how long?
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
Ideally, we would have air conditioning, but that’s probably something that is expensive to maintain and also requires high investments for a 220m² (2,370 sq ft) house.You don’t have to air-condition the whole house... and it’s not as expensive as you might think...
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
On the other hand, I’ve heard there are heating systems (heat pumps) with integrated cooling functions. But I doubt that this is the same as an air conditioner.You’re right to doubt that... they only provide a few degrees of cooling difference and basically only cool the floor... it’s more of a sales gimmick...
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
You write that individual room control is unnecessary.Yes, it is. In modern, airtight houses with ventilation systems, underfloor heating, and plenty of insulation, temperature differences from room to room are only possible or achievable to a limited extent.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
Is that outdated?No, it’s not outdated. It is even required by energy saving regulations, but—as so often with politics—it doesn’t quite reflect reality.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
So, an underfloor heating system can be designed so that the bathroom is preferably at 23°C (73°F), the bedroom at 18°C (64°F), other rooms at 21°C (70°F), and the kitchen at 20°C (68°F)?More or less: bathroom 23–24°C (73–75°F), everything else 20–21°C (68–70°F). When the house is occupied and you want the bathroom cozy, you usually don’t go below 20°C (68°F) elsewhere if you want reasonable costs.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
That would be very bad for resale since it’s a very individual thing.No, not really, because you can always adjust things somewhat, and people tend to want similar temperatures... but you can’t have 24°C (75°F) in your kitchen—and nobody really wants that anyway...
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
It will be very difficult to verify correct installation and planning of the underfloor heating. And if something goes wrong, it surely won’t get easier to claim warranty and provide the necessary proof.Yes, life doesn’t get easier…
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
Speaking of the outdoor sensor: it’s mounted on the north side, so it tends to detect cooler temperatures.Which it should, or don’t you have any rooms facing north? It’s definitely cooler there than, for example, on the east side.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
What alternatives are there to air conditioners per room? Is there nothing that can run through the mechanical ventilation system?The only alternative to air conditioning if you really want cooling is thick monolithic walls... but whether you want that is another question...
Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning are apples and oranges...
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
By the way… back to the original topic: is gas plus mechanical ventilation actually a reasonable combination? Or is mechanical ventilation mainly recommended only with heat pumps?Mechanical ventilation doesn’t directly relate to the heating system and is always useful in modern houses... regardless of how you heat.
R
R.Hotzenplotz6 Jun 2017 08:29Mycraft schrieb:
What do you mean by a strong temperature increase, and for how long? About one day, from 21 to 23.5°C (70 to 74°F).
Mycraft schrieb:
That’s what you should do, right? Or don’t you have rooms on the north side? It’s cooler there than, for example, on the east side. Yes, we purposely place the bedrooms and living areas there. To the south, we put the kitchen, bathrooms, cloakroom, etc., which are used less constantly.
The initial topic was heating. From what I’ve read so far, I lean more towards gas than a heat pump. But I think a calculation should be done after the architect’s plans to determine which option is more cost-effective.
R.Hotzenplotz schrieb:
About one day from 21 to 23.5°C (70 to 74°F).
Yes, we also specifically place the bedrooms and living rooms there. To the south, more likely the kitchen, bathrooms, cloakroom, etc., rooms that you don’t need to use for long periods.
...As a general rule, living areas should be on the south side, with utility rooms on the north side.
Brief regards
R
R.Hotzenplotz6 Jun 2017 08:59ypg schrieb:
The living areas should be located on the south side, with utility rooms to the north – speaking generally.
Best regardsNo, we don’t want to sit in the heat during summer. Definitely not. That won’t determine our house orientation. Besides, we don’t want the living room on the side of the main entrance. It’s hardly ever 21°C (70°F) or less in summer anyway. But I also don’t want the rooms to get hotter than absolutely necessary.
Additionally, where we watch TV, we can easily do without direct sunlight.
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