ᐅ Additional Cost for Cooling Function in Air-to-Water Heat Pump?
Created on: 7 Oct 2020 22:08
M
moHouse
Hello,
we are having a Vaillant Arotherm Split VWL 75/ with uniTower VWL 78/5 IS installed.
I read on the manufacturer's website that the aroTherm split can also be used for cooling with underfloor heating (which we have), provided it is "properly designed."
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find more information. What does "properly designed" mean exactly?
We will definitely ask our contact person about this at the next appointment. I just like to be prepared beforehand to know if it will cause additional costs or what exactly needs to be done.
With another builder, we were once quoted a four-figure additional cost for the cooling function. However, I no longer remember which heating model was supposed to be installed then.
we are having a Vaillant Arotherm Split VWL 75/ with uniTower VWL 78/5 IS installed.
I read on the manufacturer's website that the aroTherm split can also be used for cooling with underfloor heating (which we have), provided it is "properly designed."
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find more information. What does "properly designed" mean exactly?
We will definitely ask our contact person about this at the next appointment. I just like to be prepared beforehand to know if it will cause additional costs or what exactly needs to be done.
With another builder, we were once quoted a four-figure additional cost for the cooling function. However, I no longer remember which heating model was supposed to be installed then.
We were offered cooling for the air-to-water heat pump for €2800. After researching online (unfortunately there isn’t much information available), the general consensus was that it would only achieve 1-2 degrees cooler at most.
Therefore, we decided to invest around €5000 in an air conditioning system instead and did not take the cooling package. From a purely physical standpoint, I don’t really understand what the cooling package would be good for (except possibly for cold feet). After all, the underfloor heating is installed at the floor level, and it is the warm air that rises, not the cool air.
Therefore, we decided to invest around €5000 in an air conditioning system instead and did not take the cooling package. From a purely physical standpoint, I don’t really understand what the cooling package would be good for (except possibly for cold feet). After all, the underfloor heating is installed at the floor level, and it is the warm air that rises, not the cool air.
untergasse43 schrieb:
I completely agree. We are investing the extra cost in a Mitsubishi split air conditioning system with three indoor units. That way, it will at least be cool when needed.Funny, we did exactly the same.My Panasonic heat pump already included a cooling function, which I used quite often in summer. It can help prevent rooms from overheating during the peak summer months, assuming there is proper shading. Cold floors are definitely a benefit, but in the bathroom you can simply turn off the underfloor heating loop. I don’t have any additional technical cooling equipment. You just need to limit the supply temperature to avoid condensation. I have never set it lower than 18°C (64°F). I find the cooling function quite useful, but I wouldn’t pay a four-digit amount for it; I would rather go for a proper air conditioning system that also dehumidifies. You still get humidity when cooling with underfloor heating, and that’s often the uncomfortable part. You could also connect a loop from the heat pump to a fan coil unit to have an air conditioning system, but then there are additional details to consider.
Snowy36 schrieb:
But don’t you find the cold tiles in the bathroom uncomfortable? Or does it not make a noticeable difference? Not really, at least not for us. We don’t have floor tiles anywhere in the house. I set the minimum supply temperature for cooling to 20°C (68°F). That’s not too uncomfortable for us. Since the whole house is treated this way, the temperatures stay comfortable throughout. We have an open-plan design, and except for the guest toilet and utility room, the few doors are always open—so the air distributes quite well. But in my opinion, this is really a matter of personal preference; some people prefer it lightly tempered, while others like some areas in the house to have very cold air. Vive la différence...
Shading naturally needs to be considered as well. Without it, there is no point in thinking about the underfloor heating cooling function.
Conclusion: If it’s included or costs only a few hundred extra, then it can/should be done. Otherwise, it’s better to opt directly for active air cooling.
kati1337 schrieb:Yes, that’s a valid point. Physics can be tricky… You usually need cooler air starting at about 1 meter (3 feet) height, which the basic cooling function alone cannot provide without additional measures.
From a purely physical standpoint, I can’t really see the benefit (except for cold feet). After all, underfloor heating is installed at floor level, and it is warm air that rises, not cool air.
Conclusion: If it’s included or costs only a few hundred extra, then it can/should be done. Otherwise, it’s better to opt directly for active air cooling.
Mycraft schrieb:
Shading is, of course, an additional factor. Without it, there’s no point in considering the cooling function of underfloor heating.
Yes, that’s also an important aspect. Physics is tricky... Cooler air is needed mainly starting at about 1 meter (3 feet) above the floor, and the cooling function alone cannot provide that without additional measures.
Conclusion: If the cost increase is minimal or only a few hundred extra, then it makes sense to include it. Otherwise, it’s better to skip it and go directly for active air conditioning. Good point. I might also decide to forego the cooling function of the underfloor heating and install air conditioning in 2-3 rooms instead.
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