ᐅ Using a Fireplace and Heat Recovery Ventilator as a Heating System?

Hello everyone,
we are planning to buy a house that is built using passive house standards. The heating system will be a ventilation unit with a heat recovery exchanger.
My question is, does anyone have experience with this? Is this really an effective type of heating? Additionally, a small heat pump will be installed to reheat the supply air when needed.
Won’t this cause a high electricity bill? Since the domestic hot water is also heated by an electric tankless water heater.
Is it allowed to install a wood stove in the house, or would that cause issues with the ventilation system?

Thank you very much

Hello,

Hasenteath schrieb:
Hello everyone,
we are planning to buy a house that is built using the passive house standard. The heating system will be a ventilation system with a heat recovery exchanger.
My question is, does anyone have experience with this? Is this really an effective way to heat a house? Additionally, a small heat pump will be installed, which can preheat the supply air when needed.

This question has come up several times. In short, the basic principle can definitely work, provided that planning and sizing are done properly. Without specific data (heating load, etc.), it is hard to give a clear assessment.

Hasenteath schrieb:
Doesn’t this cause a huge electricity bill? Since domestic hot water is also heated with an instantaneous water heater.

That depends. In a passive house, heating system requirements vary widely depending on hot water demand, so separating the systems can make sense. For high hot water demand, a domestic hot water heat pump can be a worthwhile alternative.

Hasenteath schrieb:
...Is it allowed to install a wood stove in addition, or will it cause problems with the ventilation system?

From an installation perspective, there should be no problem as long as room air independence and appropriate certification are ensured. However, even small stoves produce quite significant heating output for a passive house’s room, so overheating is likely to occur frequently.

Best regards