ᐅ Which heating and cooling system is the most effective?

Hello everyone,

I would like to gather information about different heating systems. I am a complete beginner and work in an office environment, so unfortunately, I have very little prior knowledge.

We have decided to build a single-family house using timber frame construction. The options we are considering are:
Gas condensing boiler and ventilation system
Air-to-water heat pump with ventilation function
Air-to-water heat pump with outdoor or indoor installation
and air-to-air heat pump

The only information we received was that an air-to-water heat pump results in very low electricity costs. The air-to-air heat pump was heavily promoted by Bien-Zenker because it can cool rooms very effectively, which you would notice. Furthermore, for this company, the cooling function is only enabled in a house with a 55 energy standard. For a 40 standard, you have to include a photovoltaic system; otherwise, the function is locked. In a 40 plus house, however, it is enabled again.

We are planning an Efficiency House 40 with appropriate heating and cooling technology. Which option makes the most sense there?

150 m² (1600 sq ft) single-family house, 600 m² (6500 sq ft) plot.

The Bien-Zenker system is essentially an air-to-air heat pump. It is well suited for nearly passive houses. Otherwise, it is less ideal, since ultimately you are heating with air and electricity.

A gas condensing boiler works well if natural gas is available and you don’t want to deal with thermodynamics or similar complexities. In other words, set it once and it runs.

On the other hand, an air-to-water heat pump is suitable in all other cases and is better for those who like to experiment.

It should also be noted that the initial investment costs with a gas heating system are generally significantly lower than for any type of heat pump.

For effective cooling, chilled ceilings, thermally activated concrete slabs, and of course the well-known split heat pump with indoor units are all good options.

Mycraft schrieb:

of course the well-known split heat pump with indoor units.

Just to avoid any potential (and already occurring) misunderstandings, @Mycraft is referring to the systems commonly known in everyday and trade language as split air conditioning units.

We are still facing the choice:

Either:
Gas boiler (the plot is fully developed including gas connection) + photovoltaic system (including storage) or
Air-to-water heat pump + photovoltaic system (including storage).

But why always with a storage tank?

Either because of KfW 40+ standards or due to poor information or a persuasive salesperson