ᐅ Condensing Gas Boilers and Solar Thermal Systems in New Construction: What Are the Benefits?

Hello everyone,
does it make sense to combine a gas condensing boiler with solar thermal in a new build? Our developer always praises an air-to-air heat pump. From my understanding of physics, this seems rather inefficient to me. He argues there have been significant technological advancements in the last two years.
The plan is for a KfW 70-standard house.
Thank you very much for your answers.

Does it make sense to combine a gas condensing boiler with solar thermal in a new build?

Solar thermal only makes sense if you absolutely need it to achieve KfW 70 standards... Often, it turns out to be a losing investment, especially if you have to finance the whole system...

An air-to-air heat pump is also not the most efficient type of heat pump... It depends on the specific model, its coefficient of performance (COP), and your heating demand... The COP values advertised in marketing are often not achieved in practice... Furthermore, what your electricity provider charges also plays a role...

Air-to-air heat pumps are a matter of personal preference. For me, I would never consider using one. However, I also want radiators instead of underfloor heating.

As far as I know, for KfW 70 you can use better insulation instead of the solar system... but a professional can give you a more accurate answer 😀

When it comes to heating issues, I’m always glad that there is district heating available at our building plot ^^

Hello,

Shism schrieb:
When it comes to heating issues, I’m always glad that there is district heating available at our building site ^^

And district heating is exactly something that would be too unpredictable for me 😉

Kind regards

praaluno schrieb:
...does it make sense to combine a gas condensing boiler and solar thermal in a new build?

It is one option among many. It is practically the most commonly chosen and convenient standard model by general contractors. However, from an economic point of view, solar thermal systems in single-family homes are usually not worthwhile.

praaluno schrieb:
...Our developer is always enthusiastic about an air-to-air heat pump. ....The plan is for a KfW 70 house.

This will very likely turn out to be a money pit ;-)

Best regards.