ᐅ As expected – Which Heating System Is Best for a New Build?

We are currently looking for a home builder.
And everyone seems to recommend a different heating system as the ultimate solution.

Planned:

A detached single-family house with 130 m² (1400 sq ft) of living space above a basement.
Gas is available in the development area.
We definitely plan to have a wood stove (so a chimney will be built for sure).

The goal is at least KfW 70 standard, and if cost and benefits make sense, preferably better.

So far, we have the following options:

1. Gas condensing boiler with solar support for hot water
2. Air-to-water heat pump
3. Air-to-air heat pump

Another builder told us that with pellets (due to the good CO2 balance), we can achieve KfW 70 even without solar. Possibly even better with solar.

I know it’s difficult to make a "remote diagnosis" since there are many factors.
Currently, the usage pattern is such that generally no one is home on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
This will obviously change once we have children.

We would accept the loss of space in the basement for pellets or oil heating if this type of system is recommended.

Thank you very much in advance for your tips and opinions.

Hello,

wadi1982 schrieb:
We are currently looking for a general contractor.

I seriously doubt that; this is more likely about a general contractor with construction management responsibilities!
If you want to build or buy, these distinctions should be understood first. 😉

wadi1982 schrieb:
...And everyone somehow offers us a different heating system as the ultimate solution.

That’s logical—each seller is pushing what they have in stock and what naïve builders have to take on. 😉

wadi1982 schrieb:
...
So far, our options are:

1. Gas condensing boiler with solar support for domestic hot water
2. Air-to-water heat pump
3. Air-to-air heat pump

Item 3 is almost certainly unsuitable for a KfW 70 standard home, as the heating demand is probably too high! => A bottomless pit for future heating costs!
Item 1 can only be achieved if an often uneconomical solar thermal system for single-family houses is “bought along”! Unless the 15% rule is applied, which makes the solar thermal system optional.
Item 2 is an alternative, but only if the necessary conditions are met (including compatible control curves).
Pellet heating is very favorable in terms of primary energy on paper due to the primary energy factor. However, it often makes little sense in terms of final energy consumption, partly due to high initial investment!

Best regards

First of all, thank you.

I forgot one point. There definitely should be a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery installed.

Does this change any of the recommendations?

wadi1982 schrieb:
...A mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery will definitely be installed.
Does this change any of the recommendations?

Basically, no. This will reduce the heating load and thus the annual heating demand. However, the effect is due less to the recovered energy and more to the controlled ventilation compared to natural ventilation through windows.
The recommendation is: first, carry out a careful and accurate calculation (ventilation, standard heating load, room heating loads, heating surfaces), then select the appropriate heating system (manufacturer/device).

Best regards.

Okay. Thank you.