We built our house 5 years ago. A gas line was installed specifically for us, which we of course paid for. We bought what we thought we could afford. Our budget was... limited.
A few weeks ago, I called the heating technician who services our system to ask what else we could do from the system side to save gas. Together, we adjusted the system settings. It turned out that the Wolf system prioritizes gas as an energy source over the solar thermal system. We couldn’t lower the minimum temperature produced by gas below 45°C (113°F) — previously it was 55°C (131°F) — and we couldn’t reverse the priority. Both settings were protected from alterations. We would accept it if, for example, the water is only lukewarm while showering sometimes, and if the boiler occasionally runs as a precaution against legionella once a week.
I am now going to contact the manufacturer to see if reprogramming might be possible. We chose the heating technician the manufacturer recommended as particularly skilled with their products, even though his travel distance is not ideal. Our bungalow is not really well suited for solar power production as it is surrounded by taller buildings.
Of course, it’s clear that the gas heating system probably won’t last long and that we will need to invest significantly. However, I don’t yet see how electricity consumption will save us.
What does the collective intelligence say? Can you optimize the controls further? What else could be improved?
Best regards,
Gabriele
A few weeks ago, I called the heating technician who services our system to ask what else we could do from the system side to save gas. Together, we adjusted the system settings. It turned out that the Wolf system prioritizes gas as an energy source over the solar thermal system. We couldn’t lower the minimum temperature produced by gas below 45°C (113°F) — previously it was 55°C (131°F) — and we couldn’t reverse the priority. Both settings were protected from alterations. We would accept it if, for example, the water is only lukewarm while showering sometimes, and if the boiler occasionally runs as a precaution against legionella once a week.
I am now going to contact the manufacturer to see if reprogramming might be possible. We chose the heating technician the manufacturer recommended as particularly skilled with their products, even though his travel distance is not ideal. Our bungalow is not really well suited for solar power production as it is surrounded by taller buildings.
Of course, it’s clear that the gas heating system probably won’t last long and that we will need to invest significantly. However, I don’t yet see how electricity consumption will save us.
What does the collective intelligence say? Can you optimize the controls further? What else could be improved?
Best regards,
Gabriele
F
fach1werk2 Aug 2022 19:03Dear Steffi, great to hear that you’re now getting more solar heat!
By the way, our dishwasher is currently running on solar hot water as well. The standby control system we have in operation now doesn’t allow any gas consumption. For me, it’s a semi-manual control, since the pumps can still start automatically, but the gas cannot. We don’t get any error messages. I could activate a one-time gas boost if I find it necessary.
I’m not sure yet whether I’ll call Wolf customer service. The email sounded very much like liability avoidance. I prefer creative, intelligent troubleshooting in coordination to decide how much we can go without. We have no control over how customer service would handle it.
By the way, our dishwasher is currently running on solar hot water as well. The standby control system we have in operation now doesn’t allow any gas consumption. For me, it’s a semi-manual control, since the pumps can still start automatically, but the gas cannot. We don’t get any error messages. I could activate a one-time gas boost if I find it necessary.
I’m not sure yet whether I’ll call Wolf customer service. The email sounded very much like liability avoidance. I prefer creative, intelligent troubleshooting in coordination to decide how much we can go without. We have no control over how customer service would handle it.
fach1werk schrieb:
Oh, and our dishwasher is currently running on solar-heated water.Cool 🙂fach1werk schrieb:
The standby mode we have now in operation allows no gas consumption. For me, it’s a partly manual control because the pumps can still start automatically, but the gas cannot. We don’t get any error messages. I could trigger a single gas boost if I find it necessary.While we are still looking for the standby mode, we check consumption every day. So far, it seems all solar energy is being used. We also have the “one full load please” button for emergencies, so everything is fine. By the way, we have switched off our mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. The quiet in the house is really nice. You get used to the constant hum so quickly. I have to add that we discovered one of our duct pipes had come loose… but it kept working 😳 That’s what happens when you convert a small freezer room into a storage room. You lose control :p
Dogma schrieb:
What kind of gas consumption do you have in summer that everyone wants to stop it right now?Does everyone want to stop it? I think it’s an individual decision. No one is forced to save. Personally, I see it differently. We try to take it in stride and see how long this period without gas consumption can last. I don’t see any reason not to give it a try. What about you?
ypg schrieb:
Does everyone want to turn it off?
I think it’s an individual decision. No one is obligated to save. Personally, I see it differently. We try to take a relaxed approach and see how long this no-gas consumption can last. I don’t see any reason not to try. What about you? It feels like yes... This wasn’t meant as a criticism or distortion or anything like what often happens. Everyone should do whatever they want. 😉
I just wanted to understand what people expect to gain by doing this in the middle of summer, when you only really need gas once a week to prevent legionella.
I have already looked myself for ways to save gas. For me, it’s the mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery.
Dogma schrieb:
I have already looked into where I could save gas. For me, it’s the controlled ventilation system. Well, the controlled ventilation system doesn’t use gas, only electricity.
I believe about 80% of homeowners don’t care at all about limiting their consumption or monitoring it. The other 20% are now focusing on their technology, if they weren’t already doing so before. Even the mentioned 1-degree temperature reduction, which is supposed to save 6%, didn’t matter to those who could afford it before.
Honestly, comfort was affordable for me. But now it’s also about small steps toward collective savings. For me, this has nothing to do with pleasure, as you called it. That’s why I’m taking part!
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