ᐅ Air-to-water or ground-source heat pump?

Created on: 6 Jul 2011 11:48
I
isiebeck
Hello everyone,

We have now talked to several companies about house construction, and regarding heating systems, opinions seem to differ quite a bit. Here are the different statements we have received:

Air source heat pump
Annual costs between 400 - 800 euros
Efficient down to -25°C (−13°F)
Efficiency drops to zero below -15°C (5°F)

Ground source heat pump
With horizontal ground collectors
Very efficient
More expensive
Ground becomes too cold
Ice layer forms
Plants die

We are a bit unsure what to believe now.

4 people in total, 2 are in favor of air source heat pumps and 2 for ground source heat pumps...

Who has experience with these types of systems? Especially regarding maintenance costs.

Thanks in advance!
P
perlenmann
7 Jul 2011 10:14
Why is the idea of an outdoor unit actually nonsense? It may be true that there is also an indoor unit with supply and exhaust air, but outdoor units do exist!
€uro
7 Jul 2011 10:17
Hello,
isiebeck schrieb:
...We are now a bit unsure about what of this is actually correct....
These assessments essentially reflect what can be expected in practical operation.
Without an accurate sizing, preferably not provided by the seller, the question cannot be answered reliably.
The "operating costs" result from a consumption forecast considering the actual, specific parameters.
In one case, the brine heat pump will prove to be appropriate, and in the other case, the air-source heat pump will be more suitable or reasonable.
Anyone who provides "operating costs" as a flat rate without knowledge of the framework conditions is generally not trustworthy!

Best regards
B
Bauexperte
7 Jul 2011 10:46
Hello,
perlenmann schrieb:
I don’t know what was calculated for the air source heat pump, since it’s a total price without breakdown.

Are you serious? At the very least, you should know the additional cost compared to the condensing boiler including solar .... Manufacturer ....
perlenmann schrieb:
Why is it nonsense about the outdoor unit? There may be a version with indoor supply and exhaust air, but outdoor units do exist!

Yes, of course there are systems where essentially everything is integrated into one unit. But there are also so-called split systems with an indoor and an outdoor unit. I am confronted daily with claims that “these systems are so noisy” that I’m surprised not to be dreaming about it yet 😕 Even with split systems, there are differences, and unfortunately I have to say that German manufacturers don’t really take noise reduction of the outdoor units seriously. However, there are reputable air conditioning manufacturers who also specialize in air-to-water heat pumps, and their outdoor units are anything but loud; sound pressure level Lp / dB(A) well below 35 – the legal limit is 35 dB(A).

These outdoor units are far from noisy and, for very sensitive neighbors, can be easily installed above the garage; then you can’t hear anything at all 🙂

Best regards
I
isiebeck
7 Jul 2011 10:54
I have since done some more research. The issue will probably be the unused area needed for the flat solar collectors. Especially since we do want to keep some bushes in the garden 🙂 Drilling downward will likely be quite expensive as well. Regarding maintenance costs, I wasn’t looking for exact figures but rather rough guidelines.

Otherwise, we are planning a house without a basement, with about 145-150 square meters (1,560-1,615 square feet) of living space.
P
perlenmann
7 Jul 2011 11:31
Bauexperte schrieb:
Hello,


You can't be serious, right? At least you should know the extra cost of the condensing boiler including solar .... brand ....


Actually, solar was never an option due to the unfavorable orientation and the small dormer leaving no space for solar panels.

As for the noise from the air source heat pump, that's what I was told; I haven't heard one myself. But they definitely aren't attractive, and not everyone can hide them on the garage.
€uro
7 Jul 2011 14:45
Hello,
isiebeck schrieb:
... Regarding maintenance costs in general, I wasn’t looking for exact numbers but more for reference points.
Well, "reference points" are clearly not enough for me, especially when it concerns a major investment decision. Both aspects are important: the investment itself and the later consumption. There is definitely a significant connection between the two. Ultimately, you will have to live with the chosen solution for about 20 to 25 years.

Best regards