ᐅ Lowering the Supply Temperature in Underfloor Heating Systems More Complex Than Expected?
Created on: 9 Mar 2023 22:07
J
JohnnyEH
Hello everyone!
We are currently discussing the supply temperature for the underfloor heating system with our prefab house provider.
The house is a timber frame panel construction and meets the KFW40 standard.
According to the construction description, the provider sets the supply temperature of the underfloor heating to 35°C (95°F). We mentioned that we consider this outdated for a new build and would prefer a supply temperature of around 30°C (86°F). We were then told that with a supply temperature of 30°C (86°F), a larger heat pump and a completely different heating system design would be required, and the additional costs could quickly reach five figures. Such extra costs obviously would not make financial sense.
Until now, I thought the supply temperature was primarily determined by the pipe spacing and would be lower if the pipe spacing was reduced.
Why could a lower supply temperature lead to a larger heat pump? What am I missing?
I should add that the heating load calculation and the exact determination of the heat pump have yet to be done. In any case, a Vaillant Arotherm Plus will be used.
Additionally, a question about the floor covering.
We know that tiles are optimal for underfloor heating but vinyl is almost equivalent. We will also have an active underfloor cooling system installed (via the air-to-water heat pump). Does either floor covering—tiles or vinyl—have advantages for cooling? Or would laminate flooring actually be the best option for cooling?
We are currently discussing the supply temperature for the underfloor heating system with our prefab house provider.
The house is a timber frame panel construction and meets the KFW40 standard.
According to the construction description, the provider sets the supply temperature of the underfloor heating to 35°C (95°F). We mentioned that we consider this outdated for a new build and would prefer a supply temperature of around 30°C (86°F). We were then told that with a supply temperature of 30°C (86°F), a larger heat pump and a completely different heating system design would be required, and the additional costs could quickly reach five figures. Such extra costs obviously would not make financial sense.
Until now, I thought the supply temperature was primarily determined by the pipe spacing and would be lower if the pipe spacing was reduced.
Why could a lower supply temperature lead to a larger heat pump? What am I missing?
I should add that the heating load calculation and the exact determination of the heat pump have yet to be done. In any case, a Vaillant Arotherm Plus will be used.
Additionally, a question about the floor covering.
We know that tiles are optimal for underfloor heating but vinyl is almost equivalent. We will also have an active underfloor cooling system installed (via the air-to-water heat pump). Does either floor covering—tiles or vinyl—have advantages for cooling? Or would laminate flooring actually be the best option for cooling?
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RotorMotor16 Mar 2023 13:01JohnnyEH schrieb:
A fan heater (1800W) is included with us – although I’m not sure if it’s stylish yet 😉.
An electric (towel) radiator doesn’t make sense energy-wise, right?I can’t imagine using a fan heater at all.We installed electric radiators separately so the towels don’t stay damp.
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WilderSueden16 Mar 2023 13:03No, from an energy perspective, that’s complete nonsense. But it’s definitely the easiest solution if you want to warm up the bathrooms with low flow temperatures. The electrician just installs an outlet, and the plumber mounts the radiator. Done. Not much coordination needed, unlike with underfloor heating.
We decided against it. You don’t spend that much time in the bathroom anyway. We don’t have any issues with damp towels; we installed one towel rail per adult, and everything dries quickly on those.
We decided against it. You don’t spend that much time in the bathroom anyway. We don’t have any issues with damp towels; we installed one towel rail per adult, and everything dries quickly on those.
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RotorMotor16 Mar 2023 14:20From an energy perspective, it doesn’t matter whether the heat comes from a fan, radiator, or panel. They all convert one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity into one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of heat.
One advantage can be that you can direct the heat more towards areas where people tend to feel colder, for example, near the exit of the shower.
For us, the important thing was to be able to dry towels.
One advantage can be that you can direct the heat more towards areas where people tend to feel colder, for example, near the exit of the shower.
For us, the important thing was to be able to dry towels.
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