ᐅ Air-to-Water Heat Pump vs. Gas Heating / Solar Energy

Created on: 8 Dec 2014 15:24
B
Bauherrinnen
B
Bauherrinnen
8 Dec 2014 15:24
Hello everyone,

We have visited four homebuilding companies so far (more to come) and are still unsure which heating system is better for us.
The air-to-water heat pump is more expensive and—based on what we know—is usually more suitable in combination with underfloor heating.
The combination of gas heating and a solar system for hot water is often already included in the price, and we don’t necessarily need underfloor heating.
But what about the ongoing costs?
We have often heard of high electricity bills, especially when the winter is very cold and the system runs on electricity.
We are two people (definitely not more) and plan a bungalow with about 100m² (1,076 sq ft) of living space.
By the way, we don’t heat much; a room temperature of 20°C (68°F) is enough for us.
It would be great to read your opinions and experiences.
Y
ypg
8 Dec 2014 17:33
May I ask in advance why you want to build?

Regards, Yvonne
B
Bauherrinnen
8 Dec 2014 17:38
Are you allowed...

Because we like to have peace and quiet, and my wife works in a three-shift system, it is often difficult to sleep in a multi-family building.

Independent living, also as a form of retirement planning... among other reasons...

I am a bit surprised by your question in this context.
Y
ypg
8 Dec 2014 17:53
Bauherrinnen schrieb:
Are you allowed...

Because we like to have peace and quiet, my wife works a rotating three-shift schedule, and sleeping is often difficult in a multi-family building.
Independent living, also as a form of retirement provision... among other reasons...

I am a bit surprised by your question in this context.

Well, I ask because you mentioned that you don’t necessarily need underfloor heating.
I could have asked the opposite question—why do you need a house at all—but that’s not really my point (I have one myself ).

As a future homeowner, I would want to install some “comfort extras” (if the budget allows), which you usually don’t have in an apartment—underfloor heating is one of them.
Lately, I’ve read here more than once that underfloor heating should be standard... whether that’s true is up to each person to decide (for others, a double garage is standard ).

Regarding your choice of heating system, I can’t offer much technical advice.
You have to feel comfortable with the technology, after all, you’re sharing a roof.

Best regards, Yvonne
V
vokono
8 Dec 2014 23:30
First of all, it’s no surprise that after consulting four homebuilding companies, it’s still unclear what is practical and suitable. However, most reputable all-in-one homebuilders have their own established "concept." Generally, you can trust that it will work well!

If you want to be certain, there are specialists who can perform detailed calculations based on the individual building structure to determine which heating system is most efficient.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be underfloor heating; you can also plan for radiators. In that case, for example, a gas heating system might be more appropriate because heat pumps work best at low operating temperatures and are less efficient when combined with radiators, which have a smaller surface area compared to the screed in underfloor heating.
F
fire00
23 Dec 2014 08:23
We are facing the same question, and our decision basis looks like this: produce domestic hot water with solar energy in summer. In winter, use gas heating if the city’s pipes are available on the property.

The fireplace, which I wanted anyway, heats as well and reduces my gas consumption. Gas costs are currently lower compared to electricity costs, and the wood stove allows me to save additionally.

Furthermore, I save on the initial investment; as you mentioned, this heating type is already included. Underfloor heating is a must for us anyway—if we are building anyway, then with underfloor heating instead of having radiators everywhere. You can always switch later to an air-to-water heat pump; the necessary pipes for that are already installed.

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