Hello!
Well, the title already says it: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an exhaust air heat pump compared to a ground source heat pump?
If I understand correctly, an exhaust air heat pump does not require drilling, so it is supposed to be cheaper to purchase and install. Is that right? But what about everything else? Are both types suitable for cooling? Can any general statements be made about their cost-effectiveness? Do you have any other thoughts?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
Well, the title already says it: What are the advantages and disadvantages of an exhaust air heat pump compared to a ground source heat pump?
If I understand correctly, an exhaust air heat pump does not require drilling, so it is supposed to be cheaper to purchase and install. Is that right? But what about everything else? Are both types suitable for cooling? Can any general statements be made about their cost-effectiveness? Do you have any other thoughts?
Thank you in advance for your answers.
I
Irgendwoabaier19 Mar 2016 20:34So... where does an exhaust air heat pump get the air from that it uses to extract energy for heating the house and also producing hot water? How cold is it outside in winter? What are the heat losses of the house to the outside—especially on dull winter days?
Despite everything, an exhaust air heat pump can work—but several factors must be considered, from sunlight exposure to insulation and the heating demand of the occupants. Yes, this is basically a topic for fundamental planning—usually not handled by the home builder (although there are positive exceptions)—but by specialists.
And cooling in midsummer—with an average weekly temperature close to 30°C (86°F) as we had last summer—is not something a normal heating system can manage; you need a specialized air conditioning system for that...
Despite everything, an exhaust air heat pump can work—but several factors must be considered, from sunlight exposure to insulation and the heating demand of the occupants. Yes, this is basically a topic for fundamental planning—usually not handled by the home builder (although there are positive exceptions)—but by specialists.
And cooling in midsummer—with an average weekly temperature close to 30°C (86°F) as we had last summer—is not something a normal heating system can manage; you need a specialized air conditioning system for that...
T
toxicmolotof19 Mar 2016 20:42Isn’t it the case that an exhaust air heat pump is integrated into a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery system? That’s at least how I understood it. But since I haven’t installed one myself, I’m not familiar with it, nor with how the cooling function works.
However, I know my geothermal heat pump, and technically it cannot provide cooling. Although there are versions that can.
Usually, you get underfloor heating with these systems for heating. And whether you want a cold floor in summer... I personally wouldn’t. My feet tend to get sore quite quickly then. Also, you have to be careful that nothing condenses anywhere. That needs to be planned properly.
However, I know my geothermal heat pump, and technically it cannot provide cooling. Although there are versions that can.
Usually, you get underfloor heating with these systems for heating. And whether you want a cold floor in summer... I personally wouldn’t. My feet tend to get sore quite quickly then. Also, you have to be careful that nothing condenses anywhere. That needs to be planned properly.
N
nordanney19 Mar 2016 20:46An exhaust air heat pump may be cheaper to purchase, but the house will likely be significantly more expensive because you need very high energy efficiency in the building envelope (insulation, windows, etc.) for the heat pump to work properly.
With geothermal energy, an average house is sufficient. Considering how low the heating costs already are with geothermal (for example, our house with 300m² (3,229 sq ft) of heated area plus hot water for 5 people = €50 monthly), there is hardly any room for further savings. By the way, our house is formally rated KfW 70.
If you plan to build to KfW 40 or better anyway, then choose the exhaust air heat pump and invest the money saved into the house – you will need it.
With geothermal energy, an average house is sufficient. Considering how low the heating costs already are with geothermal (for example, our house with 300m² (3,229 sq ft) of heated area plus hot water for 5 people = €50 monthly), there is hardly any room for further savings. By the way, our house is formally rated KfW 70.
If you plan to build to KfW 40 or better anyway, then choose the exhaust air heat pump and invest the money saved into the house – you will need it.
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