We built our house 5 years ago. A gas line was installed specifically for us, which we of course paid for. We bought what we thought we could afford. Our budget was... limited.
A few weeks ago, I called the heating technician who services our system to ask what else we could do from the system side to save gas. Together, we adjusted the system settings. It turned out that the Wolf system prioritizes gas as an energy source over the solar thermal system. We couldn’t lower the minimum temperature produced by gas below 45°C (113°F) — previously it was 55°C (131°F) — and we couldn’t reverse the priority. Both settings were protected from alterations. We would accept it if, for example, the water is only lukewarm while showering sometimes, and if the boiler occasionally runs as a precaution against legionella once a week.
I am now going to contact the manufacturer to see if reprogramming might be possible. We chose the heating technician the manufacturer recommended as particularly skilled with their products, even though his travel distance is not ideal. Our bungalow is not really well suited for solar power production as it is surrounded by taller buildings.
Of course, it’s clear that the gas heating system probably won’t last long and that we will need to invest significantly. However, I don’t yet see how electricity consumption will save us.
What does the collective intelligence say? Can you optimize the controls further? What else could be improved?
Best regards,
Gabriele
A few weeks ago, I called the heating technician who services our system to ask what else we could do from the system side to save gas. Together, we adjusted the system settings. It turned out that the Wolf system prioritizes gas as an energy source over the solar thermal system. We couldn’t lower the minimum temperature produced by gas below 45°C (113°F) — previously it was 55°C (131°F) — and we couldn’t reverse the priority. Both settings were protected from alterations. We would accept it if, for example, the water is only lukewarm while showering sometimes, and if the boiler occasionally runs as a precaution against legionella once a week.
I am now going to contact the manufacturer to see if reprogramming might be possible. We chose the heating technician the manufacturer recommended as particularly skilled with their products, even though his travel distance is not ideal. Our bungalow is not really well suited for solar power production as it is surrounded by taller buildings.
Of course, it’s clear that the gas heating system probably won’t last long and that we will need to invest significantly. However, I don’t yet see how electricity consumption will save us.
What does the collective intelligence say? Can you optimize the controls further? What else could be improved?
Best regards,
Gabriele
A good 1000 kWh, or even slightly more, could be saved through optimizations of the system. We have also been saving a maximum of 9000-10000 kWh for years with about 150 m² (1600 sq ft), but not significantly more. It works thanks to optimizations and the technology inside the house.
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fach1werk26 Jun 2022 20:10That is a great guideline, thank you!
I am so grateful for this thread!
"Never change a running system" has been and still is my motto when it comes to building services.
We also have a Wolf system with a solar thermal system (300 liters (79 gallons)) and controlled residential ventilation—basically what was required at the time…
When we come back from vacation, we will check everything thoroughly. Thanks to you, @fach1werk 🙂
"Never change a running system" has been and still is my motto when it comes to building services.
We also have a Wolf system with a solar thermal system (300 liters (79 gallons)) and controlled residential ventilation—basically what was required at the time…
When we come back from vacation, we will check everything thoroughly. Thanks to you, @fach1werk 🙂
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fach1werk7 Jul 2022 09:28Brief interim message:
@haydee: Together with Wolf, it was quite easy to turn off the heating circuit. The pumps are still operational. That was the previous summer setting.
@steffi: I wasn’t able to quickly set up a more efficient programming. You not only have to specify the type of heating system but also the control unit, and within that classification, you need to know which circuit board is installed. The technical support line can’t immediately help with that. I had no choice but to photograph all the labels with a CE mark, some were well hidden, and send the inquiry in writing. The answer hasn’t arrived yet. It might be difficult to apply. It could be that manufacturers have an easier time if they offer control units that can be exchanged. Best regards, Gabriele
@haydee: Together with Wolf, it was quite easy to turn off the heating circuit. The pumps are still operational. That was the previous summer setting.
@steffi: I wasn’t able to quickly set up a more efficient programming. You not only have to specify the type of heating system but also the control unit, and within that classification, you need to know which circuit board is installed. The technical support line can’t immediately help with that. I had no choice but to photograph all the labels with a CE mark, some were well hidden, and send the inquiry in writing. The answer hasn’t arrived yet. It might be difficult to apply. It could be that manufacturers have an easier time if they offer control units that can be exchanged. Best regards, Gabriele
fach1werk schrieb:
Shutting down the heating circuit was quite easy together with Wolf. The pumps remain operational. This used to be the summer setting.So... the burner no longer ignites? Could you briefly explain?F
fach1werk7 Jul 2022 10:14The storage tank has two separate sections, one for potable water and one for heating, non-circulating water. The burner is currently not operating the heating section. The settings were basic; someone just needed to explain it. To turn it off: set the heating circuit to standby. To turn it on: navigate through the menu back to the heating circuit, set the heating circuit to automatic, and confirm. It had stayed that way for five years.
It might be necessary for the pumps to keep running if the solar thermal system gets too hot and needs to dissipate heat.
Since then, not a bit of gas has been used; I have been keeping track.
Please keep in mind: I know very little to nothing about heating systems.
It might be necessary for the pumps to keep running if the solar thermal system gets too hot and needs to dissipate heat.
Since then, not a bit of gas has been used; I have been keeping track.
Please keep in mind: I know very little to nothing about heating systems.