ᐅ Gas heating or heat pump – air source (e.g., Mitsubishi) or groundwater source
Created on: 6 Dec 2019 09:58
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ludwig88sta
Hello,
basically, you can never really know for sure until maybe 5–10 years later whether the heating system you finally chose was a good decision. The development of gas and electricity prices definitely plays a major role.
Since we are planning a single-family home with about 180–200 m² (1,940–2,150 sq ft) in Bavaria, the question of the "right" heating system naturally arises. At first, I was even interested in a fuel cell heating system, which produces heat and electricity using gas, but currently I am more focused on either a standard gas heating system or a heat pump. I find the fuel cell heating system still too "new" and untested. Maybe it will be more common in 15–20 years.
- Gas heating with relatively low initial costs, good efficiency, and if gas prices don’t soar, I think it’s the most economical purchase? Also, it doesn’t need a fan outside the house that sounds noisy and somewhat spoils the appearance of the house. Of course, no one knows how environmental policies will treat gas heating in the future. This investment could also backfire.
Alternatively,
- an air-source heat pump. Since we are also planning a photovoltaic system, maybe the operating costs (electricity) can mostly be covered by our own solar power? Obviously in winter, when it’s very cold and the panels don’t produce much electricity, this might not be the case. A friend told me about a Mitsubishi heat pump that only switches on the electric heating element at -15 or -20°C (5°F or -4°F). Until then, you only have electricity costs to maintain the heat pump cycle, right? Does anyone have experience with the Mitsubishi heat pump? At what temperature does your heat pump turn on the electric heater?
- The groundwater heat pump scares me a bit because of the higher upfront and installation costs. Drilling two wells, plus maintenance costs for the wells after a few years, etc. Or do you make that back due to better conditions in winter (no cold air because groundwater temperature is fairly constant), so the higher initial costs pay off in the end?
How did you decide and why?
Thank you very much for your opinions and experience reports.
ludwig88sta
basically, you can never really know for sure until maybe 5–10 years later whether the heating system you finally chose was a good decision. The development of gas and electricity prices definitely plays a major role.
Since we are planning a single-family home with about 180–200 m² (1,940–2,150 sq ft) in Bavaria, the question of the "right" heating system naturally arises. At first, I was even interested in a fuel cell heating system, which produces heat and electricity using gas, but currently I am more focused on either a standard gas heating system or a heat pump. I find the fuel cell heating system still too "new" and untested. Maybe it will be more common in 15–20 years.
- Gas heating with relatively low initial costs, good efficiency, and if gas prices don’t soar, I think it’s the most economical purchase? Also, it doesn’t need a fan outside the house that sounds noisy and somewhat spoils the appearance of the house. Of course, no one knows how environmental policies will treat gas heating in the future. This investment could also backfire.
Alternatively,
- an air-source heat pump. Since we are also planning a photovoltaic system, maybe the operating costs (electricity) can mostly be covered by our own solar power? Obviously in winter, when it’s very cold and the panels don’t produce much electricity, this might not be the case. A friend told me about a Mitsubishi heat pump that only switches on the electric heating element at -15 or -20°C (5°F or -4°F). Until then, you only have electricity costs to maintain the heat pump cycle, right? Does anyone have experience with the Mitsubishi heat pump? At what temperature does your heat pump turn on the electric heater?
- The groundwater heat pump scares me a bit because of the higher upfront and installation costs. Drilling two wells, plus maintenance costs for the wells after a few years, etc. Or do you make that back due to better conditions in winter (no cold air because groundwater temperature is fairly constant), so the higher initial costs pay off in the end?
How did you decide and why?
Thank you very much for your opinions and experience reports.
ludwig88sta
L
ludwig88sta11 Dec 2019 12:23I am considering an air-to-water heat pump (due to the planned underfloor heating).
Most of the warm air should come through a central controlled ventilation system with heat recovery, right?
A solar system alone won’t be enough to heat the domestic hot water sufficiently during winter and transitional seasons, so you definitely need a heating system for that. How does a passive house manage this in winter? They still need at least a heating system for the hot water (showers) and possibly for space heating as well, don’t they?
Most of the warm air should come through a central controlled ventilation system with heat recovery, right?
A solar system alone won’t be enough to heat the domestic hot water sufficiently during winter and transitional seasons, so you definitely need a heating system for that. How does a passive house manage this in winter? They still need at least a heating system for the hot water (showers) and possibly for space heating as well, don’t they?
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nordanney11 Dec 2019 12:32ludwig88sta schrieb:
Most of the warm air should come through a central controlled ventilation system with heat recovery, right?No, it has heat RECOVERY but no heating function. That's what heaters are for. ludwig88sta schrieb:
How does a passive house handle winter then? They still need at least some heating for the hot water (showers).For example, through a domestic hot water heat pump.L
ludwig88sta11 Dec 2019 13:02nordanney schrieb:
No, it has a heat RECOVERY function, not a heating function. For that, you would use heaters.
For example, a domestic hot water heat pumpYes, that’s what I meant. Thanks.
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hampshire11 Dec 2019 13:15ludwig88sta schrieb:
Basically, you can never say for sure right now, but maybe only after 5-10 years can you confidently determine whether the heating system you ultimately chose was a good decision. Developments in gas and electricity prices definitely play a major role. If it’s just about the cost calculation, you’re absolutely right.
When it comes to climate protection considerations, you can definitely make better or worse choices when selecting the systems.
Regarding the type of heat and heat distribution in the house, you can more quickly tell whether the concept worked well.
There are simply several perspectives to consider.
ludwig88sta schrieb:
How did you decide and why? We made an emotional decision. Investment costs played a minor role, and we took operating costs into account to the extent that we have our own forest right next to the house, so we produce the energy source ourselves. We heat with a masonry heater and wood. We love the comfortable warmth the stove provides.
Of course, not everyone likes this kind of light, and during this time of year the stove needs to be fed, plus cutting and storing wood involves effort. That goes without saying. We actually enjoy it.
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