ᐅ Use an Air Source Heat Pump or Gas and Solar?

Created on: 11 Jul 2012 19:15
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gigi
Hello,

We are starting to get really frustrated... every builder tells us something different...

We want to build a 130sqm (1,399 sq ft) KfW 70 house with the living room facing south, and we are unsure whether to choose gas or an air source heat pump. Some providers, at almost the same price level, offer us air source heat pumps and claim that the annual costs are significantly (30%) lower compared to gas, while others doubt this.

We understand that insulation with gas/solar systems is usually better because an air source heat pump boosts efficiency more towards KfW 70 standards compared to gas/solar, which might argue in favor of gas. An air source heat pump might fail somewhat sooner, and in case of problems, you can usually get quick and competent local support with gas. With air source heat pumps, there could be more difficulties. Additionally, the noise of air source heat pumps (in our case about 3 meters (10 feet) from the neighbor) is not insignificant. Some say that sooner or later, everyone ends up having issues with neighbors for this reason.

We are interested in air source heat pumps with storage tanks from these providers: Vaillant, Mitsubishi Zubadan, and Rotex.

What we are really curious about is the annual cost for heating and hot water with both systems.

We live near Kassel.

What should we choose, and what would be cost-effective TODAY? What is your opinion on Vaillant?

Regards
Gigi
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Alex85
15 Feb 2018 21:34
This is a gas-powered heat pump. It uses gas instead of electricity, similar to gas refrigerators. You can also install a gas combined heat and power unit instead of a conventional boiler, or a fuel cell powered by gas.
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Baumfachmann
15 Feb 2018 22:03
Fuel cell heating – what an uneconomical madness, 25,000–40,000€ The system is not a perpetual motion machine, and the costs are disproportionate.
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Baumfachmann
15 Feb 2018 22:10
In my neighborhood, someone spent 48,000€ on a heating system and was happy about receiving a few thousand euros in subsidies. Since I showed him my gas bills from the last 3 years and the cost of my heating system, he hasn’t spoken to me anymore.
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Saruss
15 Feb 2018 22:34
People in my neighborhood who come up to me uninvited and bother me, I would also ignore to have my peace. Life is too short for some things.
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Baumfachmann
15 Feb 2018 22:38
Spent a lot of money as well??
By the way, the neighbors asked me about my heating costs.
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Saruss
15 Feb 2018 23:08
Certainly, because nothing is truly free, and “cheap” is not the only factor when deciding on a heating system.
48,000 € is quite a significant amount, but you have to ask yourself, what exactly does it cover?
My neighbor probably invested a similar amount, but his 350 sqm (3,770 sq ft) house with huge glass facades needs heating in winter, and the solar system with battery storage can even support his love for home automation and holiday lighting for several days during winter.

But if you enjoy bragging about how inexpensive your solution was, go ahead. However, you should provide actual numbers and facts instead of spreading hearsay! For comparison, it would be interesting to know the cost of the gas connection, the complete system with fireplace, and—since you’ve lived there for a while—the annual expenses (fees/maintenance?) and heating costs so far (for what size/energy standards)? That way, you would help the forum members better.
(By the way, you can find all information about my system and its costs in the forum).