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.
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.
Then set the underfloor heating so that it switches off in time when you start the stove and can restart again afterward... Otherwise, you’ll just end up opening the windows and heating for nothing.
My wife really wanted a stove, which is fine... but as soon as it’s on, the patio door is thrown open because it gets unbearably warm inside (4 kW stove), and the underfloor heating keeps running continuously since we use the stove very differently. The air/exhaust chimney, stove including accessories and installation didn’t come cheap either. By now, I would have preferred to spend that money on something else. The time spent going to the forest to cut wood, the work involved, and the space needed for storage are not insignificant either. I’d rather work for the company that supplies the wood and earn more per hour than what I get in kind from wood plus the effort at home.
Wouldn’t it be more cost-effective to heat the domestic hot water with gas during the summer instead of investing in an expensive solar thermal system if gas is already so cheap? You can get more photovoltaic panels for that price.
Also, remember the chimney sweep costs for the stove and, depending on the gas system, the heating technician’s fees for regular maintenance and adjustments.
My wife really wanted a stove, which is fine... but as soon as it’s on, the patio door is thrown open because it gets unbearably warm inside (4 kW stove), and the underfloor heating keeps running continuously since we use the stove very differently. The air/exhaust chimney, stove including accessories and installation didn’t come cheap either. By now, I would have preferred to spend that money on something else. The time spent going to the forest to cut wood, the work involved, and the space needed for storage are not insignificant either. I’d rather work for the company that supplies the wood and earn more per hour than what I get in kind from wood plus the effort at home.
Wouldn’t it be more cost-effective to heat the domestic hot water with gas during the summer instead of investing in an expensive solar thermal system if gas is already so cheap? You can get more photovoltaic panels for that price.
Also, remember the chimney sweep costs for the stove and, depending on the gas system, the heating technician’s fees for regular maintenance and adjustments.
E
ErikErdgas23 Dec 2014 19:14Hello,
the idea of building an age-friendly bungalow is excellent for staying in the property for a long time. You didn’t mention a basement, which also goes against this concept; in this case, a shed or a large garage on the property would be more suitable. Installing a gas condensing boiler in the hallway, utility room, or service area is easily feasible. Underfloor heating would also be beneficial for a condensing boiler system because it lowers the return temperature, allowing the condensing effect to work efficiently. There is enough space on the flat roof for a solar collector system, even if the angled collectors might not be very visually appealing. A system of about 10 sq m (108 sq ft) for the stated living area will not only cover the daily hot water demand of 80 to 120 liters (21 to 32 gallons) but also significantly reduce gas consumption during transitional seasons and winter. This solution could also meet a potentially interesting KfW standard, making financially attractive financing options possible.
Best regards, Erik
the idea of building an age-friendly bungalow is excellent for staying in the property for a long time. You didn’t mention a basement, which also goes against this concept; in this case, a shed or a large garage on the property would be more suitable. Installing a gas condensing boiler in the hallway, utility room, or service area is easily feasible. Underfloor heating would also be beneficial for a condensing boiler system because it lowers the return temperature, allowing the condensing effect to work efficiently. There is enough space on the flat roof for a solar collector system, even if the angled collectors might not be very visually appealing. A system of about 10 sq m (108 sq ft) for the stated living area will not only cover the daily hot water demand of 80 to 120 liters (21 to 32 gallons) but also significantly reduce gas consumption during transitional seasons and winter. This solution could also meet a potentially interesting KfW standard, making financially attractive financing options possible.
Best regards, Erik
Sorry,
Erik Erdgas, how do you know what the actual hot water demand is?
The other statements also sound very generalized.
Anyone building today should focus more on the building fabric—insulation of exterior walls, windows, and roof.
And avoid installing technology that is actually unnecessary.
Because then any type of heating system uses less energy.
Heating energy is less of an issue today because the insulation of new buildings is good to very good.
In my opinion, hot water demand is sometimes neglected in "model calculations."
This is where you need to start and "let the cat out of the bag."
Erik Erdgas, how do you know what the actual hot water demand is?
The other statements also sound very generalized.
Anyone building today should focus more on the building fabric—insulation of exterior walls, windows, and roof.
And avoid installing technology that is actually unnecessary.
Because then any type of heating system uses less energy.
Heating energy is less of an issue today because the insulation of new buildings is good to very good.
In my opinion, hot water demand is sometimes neglected in "model calculations."
This is where you need to start and "let the cat out of the bag."
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