ᐅ Modernizing a House with Night Storage Heaters: What Are the Options?

Good day everyone,

My wife and I are currently in the process of purchasing a house built in 1976. It is equipped with night storage heaters, some of which are partially “modernized” models, and a hot water boiler (is that the correct term?).

Our plan is to modernize the house as follows. I would appreciate it if someone could take a look and let me know if I am making any mistakes or overlooking anything:

- Replace the hot water boiler with a hot water heat pump (basement model without an outdoor unit)
- Keep the night storage heaters for now but minimize their use or limit them to certain rooms if possible
- Install air-source heat pump air conditioning units in these rooms: two children’s bedrooms, one living room, one bedroom, and possibly one office
- Add a pellet stove in the living room with ventilation to the hallway and kitchen
- Install a photovoltaic system with battery storage

Is this plan realistic, or is it just an idealistic idea? A complete renovation of the house is not planned due to its well-maintained condition.

I would appreciate your feedback.

Best regards,

Christopher

Then, without storage heaters, only an air-to-air heat pump (i.e., air conditioning with a heating function). These are always more efficient than direct electric heating.
An air-to-water heat pump is only advisable without an outdoor unit if the basement is thermally separated from the rest of the house. Otherwise, it will extract heat from the living spaces.

How high has the energy/electricity consumption been so far?
Have you received any figures on that?
And how much living area do you heat with it?

Joedreck schrieb:

Then without storage heaters, just the air-to-air heat pump (essentially an air conditioner with heating function). These are always better than direct electric heating.
Air-to-water heat pumps only without an outdoor unit if the basement is thermally separated from the rest of the building. Otherwise, it will draw heat from the rooms.

-How exactly should I understand that? What would thermal separation mean? The air-to-water heat pump would be installed in the laundry room where the "boiler" is now. This room has its own door, so it is a closed-off space.

Nida35a schrieb:

What was the energy/electricity consumption so far?
Did you get any figures?
And how much living area do you heat with it?

I can’t say exactly. We have estimates of electricity costs between 250 and 330 Euros. The area to be heated is about 170 m (560 ft)².

There are stairwells that are open and extend down to the basement. The heat pump requires a relatively large amount of ambient air to heat the hot water. If it were open, it would draw heat from the living areas. Therefore, you will need an opening to the outside. The energy has to come from somewhere.

exelzur schrieb:

I can't say exactly. We have estimates of 250–330€ electricity costs. Approximately 170 sqm (1830 sq ft) to be heated.

Be prepared for this to be an old contract. Without knowing the house, I expect a significant increase in these costs.