ᐅ Ventilation combined with underfloor heating in new construction?

Dear community,

Lately, I have often come across the claim that a controlled mechanical ventilation system is essential in new buildings. I am now wondering what impact this has on the heating system. Should an air-to-air heat pump for heating via the ventilation system automatically be preferred, or is a combination of an air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating technically and economically viable as well? How do you assess the user experience in each case?

Thank you!

Romeostar

Romeostar schrieb:

that a controlled residential ventilation system is indispensable in a new build.

Not indispensable, but usually the result of the ventilation concept.
Besides that, it also provides absolute quality of life, always fresh air in the house (and pollen-free in my case during summer).

Romeostar schrieb:

Should an air-to-air heat pump be automatically preferred for heating via the ventilation system?

No. Ventilation and heating are two different things. Heating depends, for example, on the building’s energy efficiency. An air-to-air heat pump requires at least a proper KfW 40 standard as a basis (not just a favorable calculation!).

Romeostar schrieb:

Is a combination of an air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating technically and economically sensible?

That is the standard approach.

Romeostar schrieb:

How do you assess the user experience?

In short: never without it again. Whether central systems (more common in new builds) or decentralized systems (typical for renovations).

Romeostar schrieb:

Lately, I’ve often come across the statement that a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery is essential in new builds.

In new builds with their airtight windows, the need often quickly exceeds 5 air changes per day. Very few can achieve this in practice through window ventilation alone. There is also the comfort benefit of not having to open windows wide at -10°C (14°F).

Romeostar schrieb:

Should an air-to-air heat pump that heats via the ventilation system be automatically preferred, or is a combination of an air-to-water heat pump with underfloor heating also technically and economically sensible?

An air heating system is cheaper to purchase (which is why it’s popular as a basic setup) but has significantly higher operating costs. Therefore, in the medium term, the option with underfloor heating is better. I also find the comfort with underfloor heating noticeably higher. Even though a modern underfloor heating system has a low surface temperature and mainly only feels warm in the bathroom, the heat is distributed more evenly. I notice this every time we’re somewhere else and I play on the floor with my little one.