Hello and thanks in advance for any replies!
We have been living for a few years in a bungalow from the 1970s. Okay, it’s not located in Africa, but in northern Germany, although we do have warm summers here and the number of hot days is increasing rather than decreasing.
Inside the house, temperatures can reach 26–27°C (79–81°F) on really hot summer days, and it’s quite difficult to sleep at night. The house is actually in decent condition, the roof and windows were replaced less than 10 years ago, so I’m hesitant to upgrade everything to passive house standard. Besides, we don’t really have the budget for that.
During the day, we already do everything we can to keep the sun out—roller shutters (not everywhere), blinds, etc. At night, I only want to open the windows partially because, being a bungalow, all windows are easily accessible from outside.
I’m considering what would be the most sensible solution but feel a bit overwhelmed by the many options. I understand I will need professional advice at some point. But is there anyone who can objectively compare all solutions rather than just promoting one?
So I ask you: What are your opinions and experiences?
Climate split system (two indoor units)
Decentralized ventilation
In theory, a centralized ventilation system could also be an option to cover most areas
What do you think about ventilation with an earth tube (ground heat exchanger)? Sounds quite interesting.
All options are available with or without heat recovery, with or without a heat pump.
Oh, and if the system is also more economical for heating in winter than our low-temperature oil heating, that would be great as well.
We have a fireplace—what about the risk of negative pressure with that?
The living area is 165 m² (1776 sq ft). Cooling would primarily be needed in the bedroom and two children’s rooms. Maybe through the hallway, and then it spreads into the rooms?
So overall, I find this topic complicated because of the many possible solutions. Decentralized ventilation seems most interesting to me if it can also cool and be cheaper than oil heating. It’s also appealing because I can keep the windows closed, which significantly reduces burglary risk.
Thank you very much to everyone who read this long message and shares their opinion. I hope the text is clear.
Greetings from the north (Africa)
We have been living for a few years in a bungalow from the 1970s. Okay, it’s not located in Africa, but in northern Germany, although we do have warm summers here and the number of hot days is increasing rather than decreasing.
Inside the house, temperatures can reach 26–27°C (79–81°F) on really hot summer days, and it’s quite difficult to sleep at night. The house is actually in decent condition, the roof and windows were replaced less than 10 years ago, so I’m hesitant to upgrade everything to passive house standard. Besides, we don’t really have the budget for that.
During the day, we already do everything we can to keep the sun out—roller shutters (not everywhere), blinds, etc. At night, I only want to open the windows partially because, being a bungalow, all windows are easily accessible from outside.
I’m considering what would be the most sensible solution but feel a bit overwhelmed by the many options. I understand I will need professional advice at some point. But is there anyone who can objectively compare all solutions rather than just promoting one?
So I ask you: What are your opinions and experiences?
Climate split system (two indoor units)
Decentralized ventilation
In theory, a centralized ventilation system could also be an option to cover most areas
What do you think about ventilation with an earth tube (ground heat exchanger)? Sounds quite interesting.
All options are available with or without heat recovery, with or without a heat pump.
Oh, and if the system is also more economical for heating in winter than our low-temperature oil heating, that would be great as well.
We have a fireplace—what about the risk of negative pressure with that?
The living area is 165 m² (1776 sq ft). Cooling would primarily be needed in the bedroom and two children’s rooms. Maybe through the hallway, and then it spreads into the rooms?
So overall, I find this topic complicated because of the many possible solutions. Decentralized ventilation seems most interesting to me if it can also cool and be cheaper than oil heating. It’s also appealing because I can keep the windows closed, which significantly reduces burglary risk.
Thank you very much to everyone who read this long message and shares their opinion. I hope the text is clear.
Greetings from the north (Africa)
B
Benutzer1921 Jun 2019 23:09Bookstar schrieb:
How to install air conditioning like all huts in Africa and be happy... Sorry if this is a stupid question, but can you also use an air conditioner just for ventilation? Or does the compressor always run and consume electricity?
B
boxandroof21 Jun 2019 23:10Consider what is more important to you in terms of budget: ventilation, heating, or air conditioning. I see these as separate priorities for you. An all-in-one solution rarely works well. For ventilation, I would either keep it very simple without heat recovery (central exhaust), or use a few good decentralized units with heat recovery but without any ground heat exchangers. Ventilation does not cool, and it won’t remove heat during the night. Ventilation is mainly about comfort.
Combining photovoltaic panels with air conditioning makes a lot of sense. Also, the suggestion by nordanney to use (the right) air conditioning for heating is good, as it allows you to heat more cheaply, especially during transition seasons, compared to fossil fuel heating. The investment in a sufficiently large photovoltaic system will pay off on its own. You can use the electricity generated, among other things, to operate the air conditioning.
Combining photovoltaic panels with air conditioning makes a lot of sense. Also, the suggestion by nordanney to use (the right) air conditioning for heating is good, as it allows you to heat more cheaply, especially during transition seasons, compared to fossil fuel heating. The investment in a sufficiently large photovoltaic system will pay off on its own. You can use the electricity generated, among other things, to operate the air conditioning.
B
boxandroof21 Jun 2019 23:21Benutzer19 schrieb:
How economical is heating with heat pump technology in an air conditioner?If it’s not freezing cold outside, it is more economical than oil/gas heating, provided the system is properly designed. However, it’s not a complete replacement for a heating system. I would consider it a bonus and possibly take it into account when choosing the air conditioning unit.H
hampshire22 Jun 2019 08:18About photovoltaics: While the panels do cast shade, heat tends to build up underneath them. There is no effect on the interior temperature. Photovoltaics are definitely a good idea but only address the issue if they are used to power a cooling system.
Simple trick:
When it’s very hot, hang a large damp bath towel on a drying rack. Let the narrow end rest in a large bucket of water. Use a fan to blow air onto the towel. The evaporative cooling lowers the room temperature by a few degrees. Capillary action keeps the towel continuously wet. Refill the water occasionally. This works well for the few truly difficult days of the year and/or for cooling the bedroom during tropical nights.
Simple trick:
When it’s very hot, hang a large damp bath towel on a drying rack. Let the narrow end rest in a large bucket of water. Use a fan to blow air onto the towel. The evaporative cooling lowers the room temperature by a few degrees. Capillary action keeps the towel continuously wet. Refill the water occasionally. This works well for the few truly difficult days of the year and/or for cooling the bedroom during tropical nights.
B
boxandroof22 Jun 2019 09:28hampshire schrieb:
Regarding photovoltaics: The panels do cast some shade, but heat builds up underneath. There is no effect on the interior.There are several reports online confirming this effect. It also makes sense to me since the panels need or should be ventilated from behind, and the sun no longer shines directly on the roof tiles. I will be able to share my own experience on this in a few months.B
Benutzer1922 Jun 2019 09:52Hello,
cooling is the most important thing for me. I’m happy to have heating through the air conditioning system as a side benefit, but I don’t see it as a complete replacement. That’s how I understand it so far and had assumed.
Regarding photovoltaics: we have a flat roof with an area of almost 200 sqm (2150 sq ft). Are there usually no issues with the roof’s waterproofing during installation and afterwards? How much does a photovoltaic system typically cost? I know this is probably a very general question. Are there any subsidies or grants available? I would probably have to finance it with a loan. When does such an investment pay off? Oh, and I read something about small business status applying from a certain photovoltaic system size? Sorry for all the questions.
cooling is the most important thing for me. I’m happy to have heating through the air conditioning system as a side benefit, but I don’t see it as a complete replacement. That’s how I understand it so far and had assumed.
Regarding photovoltaics: we have a flat roof with an area of almost 200 sqm (2150 sq ft). Are there usually no issues with the roof’s waterproofing during installation and afterwards? How much does a photovoltaic system typically cost? I know this is probably a very general question. Are there any subsidies or grants available? I would probably have to finance it with a loan. When does such an investment pay off? Oh, and I read something about small business status applying from a certain photovoltaic system size? Sorry for all the questions.
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