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
ypg schrieb:
Well, the mechanical ventilation with heat recovery doesn’t use gas, only electricity. Normally yes, but mine has a water heating coil, so gas 😉
ypg schrieb:
And to be honest, comfort was affordable for me. But now it’s also about small steps for collective savings. For me, this has nothing to do with enjoyment, as you called it. That’s why I’m joining in! Good attitude 🙂
F
fach1werk3 Aug 2022 11:11Dear Dogma, our control system is designed for comfort and prioritizes gas. It is not programmed for leaner times. Whether one wants to wait until there are already problems is probably an individual decision. I like to have something in reserve, and for that, I need to start planning early; I can’t just pull it out of thin air. I do see myself as part of the collective responsibility for getting through more difficult times. If I were a gas supplier, next winter I would dilute the gas (for example, with oxygen) to the extent that an individual turning the valve all the way up would still face limits. I would also prioritize industry higher.
Professionally, I am seeing and hearing three things:
The news regarding energy supply for the coming winters and the intentions and advice from lower authorities are… almost apocalyptic. I will not go into detail!
During meetings, owners of simpler houses want to share and save. Those in very upscale homes mostly tell me that they don’t care, they will pay. Or, if they are elderly, they believe they will manage just fine.
Heating engineers or specialists will still come out for optimizations if they like me, otherwise not. Of course, I want these optimizations done before the heating season starts. In 5–6 weeks, the first people will begin heating.
Best regards,
Gabriele
Professionally, I am seeing and hearing three things:
The news regarding energy supply for the coming winters and the intentions and advice from lower authorities are… almost apocalyptic. I will not go into detail!
During meetings, owners of simpler houses want to share and save. Those in very upscale homes mostly tell me that they don’t care, they will pay. Or, if they are elderly, they believe they will manage just fine.
Heating engineers or specialists will still come out for optimizations if they like me, otherwise not. Of course, I want these optimizations done before the heating season starts. In 5–6 weeks, the first people will begin heating.
Best regards,
Gabriele
F
fach1werk20 Sep 2022 17:12Yes, we have also started heating, using the high-efficiency Swedish stove. Disappointing. First, the contractor forgot to install the external air supply, which he will somehow retrofit this October. I deliberately left the new chimney exposed. But during the first fire, the stove filled the house with smoke unless it was running at full power. We investigated this issue. The chimney needs to be taller. He can do that at the same time as installing the external air supply. The company responsible has an excellent reputation, and we did not cut costs... which, being Swabians, would have been possible. Yesterday, gas prices doubled, and as I well know, this is not the end of the rise but just the beginning. I am curious to see if the calculated 5 meters (16 feet) of hardwood will really be enough. Based on calculations, 9000 kWh; gas with hot water was under 11000 kWh. The stove is not water-heated.
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