ᐅ Heating System Concept for a New Single-Family Home of Approximately 190 m²: Split Heat Pump vs. Ground Source Heat Pump
Created on: 1 Mar 2019 11:22
C
chridre
Hello everyone,
We are currently working with our architect to prepare our building permit / planning permission application. To make good use of the time, I have already asked a heating company for a cost estimate regarding heating, bathrooms, and plumbing.
They proposed two different heating system options:
Split heat pump: Buderus Logaplus package WPLS.2 -8 (an equivalent ELCO unit could also be offered here)
Ground source heat pump: Buderus Logaplus package WPS 1-1 WPS 8K-1, 1HK E plus, buffer tank (an equivalent ELCO unit could also be offered here)
The price difference (after deducting the BAFA subsidy) is about €6,000 (approximately $6,500). According to the heating company, the ground source heat pump will not pay off in energy savings compared to the split system, although it has a slight advantage in efficiency. However, they estimate the ground source heat pump to be lower maintenance and more durable. They also openly admit to being more convinced by the ground source system. In the end, though, the conclusion is that both solutions are “solid” options.
In principle, I find the idea of geothermal energy convincing, but in practice I would like to be able to justify the additional €6,000 (about $6,500) cost rationally.
The system will be installed in a new single-family home without a basement, roughly 190m² (2,045 ft²), with underfloor heating.
So, is this partly a matter of personal belief? Or are there still many missing details I haven’t considered for a final evaluation? What other questions should I be asking myself to move forward in my decision-making?
Best regards from the Ruhr area
Christian
We are currently working with our architect to prepare our building permit / planning permission application. To make good use of the time, I have already asked a heating company for a cost estimate regarding heating, bathrooms, and plumbing.
They proposed two different heating system options:
Split heat pump: Buderus Logaplus package WPLS.2 -8 (an equivalent ELCO unit could also be offered here)
Ground source heat pump: Buderus Logaplus package WPS 1-1 WPS 8K-1, 1HK E plus, buffer tank (an equivalent ELCO unit could also be offered here)
The price difference (after deducting the BAFA subsidy) is about €6,000 (approximately $6,500). According to the heating company, the ground source heat pump will not pay off in energy savings compared to the split system, although it has a slight advantage in efficiency. However, they estimate the ground source heat pump to be lower maintenance and more durable. They also openly admit to being more convinced by the ground source system. In the end, though, the conclusion is that both solutions are “solid” options.
In principle, I find the idea of geothermal energy convincing, but in practice I would like to be able to justify the additional €6,000 (about $6,500) cost rationally.
The system will be installed in a new single-family home without a basement, roughly 190m² (2,045 ft²), with underfloor heating.
So, is this partly a matter of personal belief? Or are there still many missing details I haven’t considered for a final evaluation? What other questions should I be asking myself to move forward in my decision-making?
Best regards from the Ruhr area
Christian
Hello chridre,
have you considered consulting an energy advisor? They are true specialists and can help you thoroughly review your quotes.
Also, keep possible subsidies or grants in mind, such as from KfW, which can often help save additional costs and might change the overall assessment of the offers.
When we did a renovation, we contacted Eveecon, who arranged the right energy advisor for our specific needs. They also apply for the appropriate funding on your behalf and support you during the construction. Much less stress—I can only recommend it 🙂
have you considered consulting an energy advisor? They are true specialists and can help you thoroughly review your quotes.
Also, keep possible subsidies or grants in mind, such as from KfW, which can often help save additional costs and might change the overall assessment of the offers.
When we did a renovation, we contacted Eveecon, who arranged the right energy advisor for our specific needs. They also apply for the appropriate funding on your behalf and support you during the construction. Much less stress—I can only recommend it 🙂
Hi,
1. I would be cautious with split units. These usually require somewhat larger refrigerant quantities, and the threshold for the annual leak test for these systems is 5t CO2 equivalent GWP. Almost all split units exceed this limit. A leak test (>100€ / >100 dollars) then significantly increases the annual operating costs of a heat pump. For this reason, it is better to opt for monobloc units. The advantages areNo refrigerant technician is needed during installation, which lowers costs The leak test threshold for monobloc units is 10t CO2 equivalent GWP. Most air-source heat pumps stay well below this limit. 2. Even for an air-source heat pump, a seasonal performance factor (SPF) of around 3 is quite low. You should look for units with an SPF greater than 4. There are several good models available for that.
3. As an alternative to boreholes, you should research the concept of a horizontal trench collector (also called loop field). This can be installed very cost-effectively in new buildings and comes close to the efficiency of boreholes. After deducting the BAFA subsidy, this option can even be cheaper than an air-source heat pump. Additionally, it achieves a seasonal performance factor above 5. For a standard house, that means about €400 (around 430 dollars) less per year compared to an SPF of 3.
Best regards,
gnika77
chridre schrieb:
I looked into the Buderus Logaplus WPLS.2 (the split unit), [...] My total drilling costs here are €10,600 gross (2 boreholes at 70 meters (230 feet) each, including accessories, pipe trench up to 20 meters (65 feet), plus fault-based borehole insurance), which comes to a steep €151 per meter (46 dollars per foot). With your price, after deducting the subsidy, I would come out about the same, that’s correct.
1. I would be cautious with split units. These usually require somewhat larger refrigerant quantities, and the threshold for the annual leak test for these systems is 5t CO2 equivalent GWP. Almost all split units exceed this limit. A leak test (>100€ / >100 dollars) then significantly increases the annual operating costs of a heat pump. For this reason, it is better to opt for monobloc units. The advantages are
3. As an alternative to boreholes, you should research the concept of a horizontal trench collector (also called loop field). This can be installed very cost-effectively in new buildings and comes close to the efficiency of boreholes. After deducting the BAFA subsidy, this option can even be cheaper than an air-source heat pump. Additionally, it achieves a seasonal performance factor above 5. For a standard house, that means about €400 (around 430 dollars) less per year compared to an SPF of 3.
Best regards,
gnika77
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