...it can sometimes be quite confusing!
We have just purchased an old single-family house that needs renovation or refurbishment from top to bottom.
There is an oil heating system from 1990 and a hot water boiler hanging above a bathtub. The pipes are partly made of copper and partly of iron.
Since we are not fans of retrofitting in this way, we don’t want to leave it as it is, but what makes sense and what doesn’t, especially considering the costs involved?
Of course, we are also “informed iiiihbuyers,” and there are already nicely affordable pellet heating systems offered for around 4,000–5,000€ (about 4,300–5,400 USD). We have also received offers from two energy consultants, but those ended up around 14,000–18,000€ (about 15,000–19,500 USD), and that doesn’t even include renovating the old pipes and radiators. A third energy consultant suggested keeping the old oil heating and adding hydronic solar technology, but his offer wasn’t really cheaper either.
We are already sure that we want to replace the iron pipes and old radiators and aim for something like a central hot water supply system, but that’s about it.
Oh, and we are also sure that we want a wood-burning stove in the living room on the ground floor, but that’s really all.
How do you find a sensible, affordable solution that suits our needs without just lining the pockets of the installation company?
We have just purchased an old single-family house that needs renovation or refurbishment from top to bottom.
There is an oil heating system from 1990 and a hot water boiler hanging above a bathtub. The pipes are partly made of copper and partly of iron.
Since we are not fans of retrofitting in this way, we don’t want to leave it as it is, but what makes sense and what doesn’t, especially considering the costs involved?
Of course, we are also “informed iiiihbuyers,” and there are already nicely affordable pellet heating systems offered for around 4,000–5,000€ (about 4,300–5,400 USD). We have also received offers from two energy consultants, but those ended up around 14,000–18,000€ (about 15,000–19,500 USD), and that doesn’t even include renovating the old pipes and radiators. A third energy consultant suggested keeping the old oil heating and adding hydronic solar technology, but his offer wasn’t really cheaper either.
We are already sure that we want to replace the iron pipes and old radiators and aim for something like a central hot water supply system, but that’s about it.
Oh, and we are also sure that we want a wood-burning stove in the living room on the ground floor, but that’s really all.
How do you find a sensible, affordable solution that suits our needs without just lining the pockets of the installation company?
Hello,
The term "energy consultant" is not a protected professional title. It is not uncommon for pure "form filler, subsidy brokers" without sufficient technical training in building services engineering (mechanical and electrical building systems) to operate in this field.
Replacing an old oil heating system is probably not unrealistic, as the specific annual heat demand usually is very high. Retrofitting a solar thermal system afterward is unlikely to bring much economic benefit overall.
In existing buildings, gas condensing boilers are often a sensible substitute for oil, provided it is even feasible. Once that step is undertaken, the hydraulic system and heating surfaces should definitely be closely examined! Also: central domestic hot water preparation!
Best regards
SundM schrieb:Unfortunately, this is often the case and, in my opinion, a significant problem!
...it can sometimes be quite confusing!....
The term "energy consultant" is not a protected professional title. It is not uncommon for pure "form filler, subsidy brokers" without sufficient technical training in building services engineering (mechanical and electrical building systems) to operate in this field.
Replacing an old oil heating system is probably not unrealistic, as the specific annual heat demand usually is very high. Retrofitting a solar thermal system afterward is unlikely to bring much economic benefit overall.
In existing buildings, gas condensing boilers are often a sensible substitute for oil, provided it is even feasible. Once that step is undertaken, the hydraulic system and heating surfaces should definitely be closely examined! Also: central domestic hot water preparation!
Best regards
B
Bauexperte1 Apr 2014 10:35Hello,
Therefore, it is not advisable to blindly trust the first installer or even an "energy consultant," because an old building and its further construction cannot be compared with a new build. It “could” be reasonable for you to replace the oil heating system again; but it also “could” be that installing a gas heating system will prove more economical.
From my experience – as you can read here on the forum – I am not really a fan of the consumer advice centers, since their employees, in my opinion, often use excessive measures. However, as a first point of contact, they can still be helpful for you, as their staff also includes energy consultants. After that, you should find a trusted energy consultant through the VDI and compare both opinions regarding the renovation of the heating system. Ideally, both recommendations will be roughly consistent (don’t forget to ask for references in both cases), and you will have an initial outlook on possible heating system replacement. After that, you can request quotes for the costs.
Best regards, Bauexperte
SundM schrieb:Yesterday there was an enlightening segment on WISO. In the case example, a customer was advised to replace the oil heating system with an air-to-air heat pump, resulting in a dramatic increase in her electricity costs.
There is an oil heating system from 1990 and a hot water boiler hanging above a bathtub; the pipes are partly copper and partly iron. Since we are not fans of retrofitting in this direction, we don’t want to leave it like this, but what is reasonable and what isn’t, especially considering the costs involved???
Therefore, it is not advisable to blindly trust the first installer or even an "energy consultant," because an old building and its further construction cannot be compared with a new build. It “could” be reasonable for you to replace the oil heating system again; but it also “could” be that installing a gas heating system will prove more economical.
From my experience – as you can read here on the forum – I am not really a fan of the consumer advice centers, since their employees, in my opinion, often use excessive measures. However, as a first point of contact, they can still be helpful for you, as their staff also includes energy consultants. After that, you should find a trusted energy consultant through the VDI and compare both opinions regarding the renovation of the heating system. Ideally, both recommendations will be roughly consistent (don’t forget to ask for references in both cases), and you will have an initial outlook on possible heating system replacement. After that, you can request quotes for the costs.
Best regards, Bauexperte
First of all, thank you very much for your answers!
Gas is not an option for us because it is not offered here, and we do not want to install a tank on the property for that.
Next week, we will check what the consumer advice center says and also find out if and where we might be able to get subsidies.
Gas is not an option for us because it is not offered here, and we do not want to install a tank on the property for that.
Next week, we will check what the consumer advice center says and also find out if and where we might be able to get subsidies.
Hello,
Are you sure the gifts are being handed out just to you? ;-)
Subsidies usually only cover excessive investments; however, overall cost-effectiveness is not guaranteed by this!
Best regards
SundM schrieb:
....Next week I will check what the consumer advice center says and also find out if and where we can possibly get subsidies.
Are you sure the gifts are being handed out just to you? ;-)
Subsidies usually only cover excessive investments; however, overall cost-effectiveness is not guaranteed by this!
Best regards
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