ᐅ New construction with underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation, and air conditioning
Created on: 18 Jan 2022 12:06
R
Ramona13
Hello 🙂
First of all, we haven’t planned a floor plan for our future house yet, so we don’t have any idea of the required dimensions. I’m more interested in getting an idea for our wish list.
As mentioned in the title, for the new build we want underfloor heating, a centralized ventilation system, and air conditioning. From what I have read so far, it seems like I would need three separate systems for this... for example, an air-to-water heat pump for regular heating (hot water and underfloor heating), a device for ventilation, and a standalone split air conditioning system (several indoor units), since ventilation alone doesn’t provide real air conditioning. I have also read about cooling through the underfloor heating system, but I imagine that would be uncomfortable, as I usually walk barefoot or wear socks inside the house 😉
Am I on the right track with this approach, or are there good combination units that can cover these functions? Has anyone experienced this setup themselves?
We also plan to install photovoltaic panels on the roof, so electricity consumption is not my primary concern when comparing individual systems versus a combination unit, but rather the space requirements. My server cabinet also needs power and cooling 😎
Thanks and best regards
Ramona
First of all, we haven’t planned a floor plan for our future house yet, so we don’t have any idea of the required dimensions. I’m more interested in getting an idea for our wish list.
As mentioned in the title, for the new build we want underfloor heating, a centralized ventilation system, and air conditioning. From what I have read so far, it seems like I would need three separate systems for this... for example, an air-to-water heat pump for regular heating (hot water and underfloor heating), a device for ventilation, and a standalone split air conditioning system (several indoor units), since ventilation alone doesn’t provide real air conditioning. I have also read about cooling through the underfloor heating system, but I imagine that would be uncomfortable, as I usually walk barefoot or wear socks inside the house 😉
Am I on the right track with this approach, or are there good combination units that can cover these functions? Has anyone experienced this setup themselves?
We also plan to install photovoltaic panels on the roof, so electricity consumption is not my primary concern when comparing individual systems versus a combination unit, but rather the space requirements. My server cabinet also needs power and cooling 😎
Thanks and best regards
Ramona
D
Deliverer19 Jan 2022 09:29I built almost the same way and would do it again. Well, actually no—I would now build passively and skip the heating system part. But definitely include air conditioning!
When planning, keep in mind that a new build has similar "cooling loads" as heating loads. So, if the heating system requires about 4 kW total (if it’s more, either the heating system or the house design is wrong), you don’t need a 3.5 kW air conditioning unit in every room. Usually, one 2.5 kW unit placed in the warmest spot in the house is enough, running gently at low power. Assuming doors are open, this is the quietest, most cost-effective, and draft-free way to keep the entire house at a comfortable temperature. Of course, this won’t work if you have unshaded skylights and only turn on the AC after work.
Regarding proper shading: definitely use shading. But unfortunately, that won’t help with humidity. 25°C (77°F) at 35% humidity feels fine in a T-shirt. The same temperature at 75% humidity is just uncomfortable and clammy.
When planning, keep in mind that a new build has similar "cooling loads" as heating loads. So, if the heating system requires about 4 kW total (if it’s more, either the heating system or the house design is wrong), you don’t need a 3.5 kW air conditioning unit in every room. Usually, one 2.5 kW unit placed in the warmest spot in the house is enough, running gently at low power. Assuming doors are open, this is the quietest, most cost-effective, and draft-free way to keep the entire house at a comfortable temperature. Of course, this won’t work if you have unshaded skylights and only turn on the AC after work.
Regarding proper shading: definitely use shading. But unfortunately, that won’t help with humidity. 25°C (77°F) at 35% humidity feels fine in a T-shirt. The same temperature at 75% humidity is just uncomfortable and clammy.
Mycraft schrieb:
It works just as well the other way around. The required cooling capacity is similarly manageable.To remove the heat, yes. But if the sun continues to shine unobstructed through the nowadays common large glass surfaces, a standard air conditioning unit might be overwhelmed, right?
kati1337 schrieb:
Another "issue" with modern houses is that insulation isn't only effective during winter. I can already confirm this from my experience. I currently live in a converted attic apartment from 2016 that is very well insulated (it used to be an unheated roof space). When all the blinds are closed, the rooms stay cool even in summer, but if the balcony stays open too long, the heat builds up inside 🤨
Hangman schrieb:
Only if the sun continues to shine unchecked through the nowadays commonly large glass surfaces, would a standard air conditioning unit be overwhelmed, right?Why would it? After all, the same houses are successfully heated in winter even at double-digit subzero temperatures. As already mentioned, it works just as well the other way around.Admittedly, you are fighting against a huge thermonuclear reactor called the sun, but it provides the necessary electricity at exactly that moment.
The system obviously has to be suited to the house, and as Deliverer already said, sometimes a simple off-the-shelf unit with 2.5–3.5 kW (8,500–12,000 BTU) powered by photovoltaic panels is sufficient. These days, we no longer build cardboard houses like in the USA, and there’s no longer a draft around every corner like in grandma’s times. Heat stays inside despite shading (without shading, a modern building is just a sauna). Ventilating away this heat is more or less pointless. Added humidity makes it even more challenging. An active air conditioning system is a simple and cost-effective solution.
Ramona13 schrieb:
When all the blinds are closed, I also have cool temperatures here in summer, but if the balcony has been open too long even once, the heat lingers in the room 🤨Well, you seem to be very well informed about modern houses… regarding insulation, temperatures, ventilation needs, solar gain, and infiltration, etc.
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