ᐅ Ground Source Heat Pump, Solar Panels, and Fireplace for Heating?

This is a prefab house supplier, and somehow I assumed they would offer a few heating system options based on practical experience.
When choosing, I then asked myself: will the heating system be sufficient for me? – There are plenty of horror stories out there...

So, I first tried to understand what my house’s energy consumption will be and what capacity the heating system provides.

At least now, I have a good question for the builder:

On what basis is the suggestion to offer THIS heating system in the prefab house made?

For myself, I take away that next time I should describe the situation more clearly.

Thank you,
haunt

haunt schrieb:
This is a prefabricated house supplier. Somehow, I assumed they would offer a few heating systems to choose from based on experience.

Of course, that is standard practice for every general contractor / main contractor. The question is whether the systems are truly energy-efficient and cost-effective.

haunt schrieb:
...When deciding, I asked myself: will the heating system be sufficient for me? – You hear enough horror stories...

You can only find out if the actual demand and consumption have been calculated reliably. Until then, it’s all marketing or guesswork! Whether you base a major investment decision on this is something everyone must decide for themselves.

Best regards.

That means I am now having the builder create a heating demand calculation, comparing it with the heating solution, and it’s best to also have someone knowledgeable as a backup?

For the foundation slab and related work, I already have a building inspector on hand. Can I rely on an energy consultant, or who would be the best person to contact for this?

Best regards,

Haunt

Hello,

haunt schrieb:
So, I’m now having the heating demand calculation done by the construction company, comparing that with the heating solution, and it’s best to have someone knowledgeable as a backup?

There are several options:
1. You have your provider present all the necessary calculations to you and, ideally, have an expert review them.
2. You agree with your provider that these calculations are done externally, and then they install the system. At least the revenue for this trade stays within the company.
3. The trade is completely outsourced, which more and more builders are doing, and fully contracted out. However, in this case, the provider loses the associated revenue. Therefore, their "credit" for this will likely be minimal. Scaling down the scope in general contractor/main contractor projects is usually unfavorable for the builder. On the other hand, scaling up can make sense, for example by ordering a sealed shell and contracting the rest independently. The provider can still participate in some way. These tend to be regional general contractors/main contractors. With large national firms, you will probably have less success.

haunt schrieb:
... Can I rely on an energy consultant or whom should I turn to for this?

The term "energy consultant" is not a protected professional title. Essentially anyone can call themselves that, including building material retailers or chimney sweeps. However, that does not make them HVAC engineers. This requires several years of university-level study.
Suitable are small engineering offices from your region or online specialists focusing on small projects. There are now quite a few of these. Large engineering firms are usually less appropriate and typically have much higher costs.

Best regards