Just out of curiosity, to better understand the slope of the heating curve, what flow temperatures do you typically run at 0°C (32°F) outdoor temperature, given a certain indoor temperature and insulation level, when using a combination of underfloor heating and a heat pump?
Background of the question:
My logic tells me that if I want, for example, 22°C (72°F) room temperature, the flow temperature must be at least 22°C (72°F) or higher, since I learned that there needs to be a temperature difference for heat transfer to occur.
So if my heating system turns on at 12°C (54°F) outdoor temperature, my flow temperature should logically start somewhere around 22°C–25°C (72°F–77°F). Accordingly, at only 5°C (41°F) outside, it should be around 27°C (81°F), and at 0°C (32°F) close to 30°C (86°F).
The system design usually takes the location and outdoor temperature down to about –12°C (10°F). If at 0°C (32°F) flow temperature is already 30°C (86°F) according to my logic, then at –12°C (10°F) the flow temperature should be about 40°C (104°F). But most underfloor heating designs for heat pumps are based on a maximum flow temperature of 35°C (95°F).
Of course, the insulation of the house and the indoor temperatures still play a role. Or is the increase in flow temperature actually so gradual that it only rises by about 0.5–1°C (1–2°F) for outdoor temperature drops in 0–5°C (0–9°F) increments?
Background of the question:
My logic tells me that if I want, for example, 22°C (72°F) room temperature, the flow temperature must be at least 22°C (72°F) or higher, since I learned that there needs to be a temperature difference for heat transfer to occur.
So if my heating system turns on at 12°C (54°F) outdoor temperature, my flow temperature should logically start somewhere around 22°C–25°C (72°F–77°F). Accordingly, at only 5°C (41°F) outside, it should be around 27°C (81°F), and at 0°C (32°F) close to 30°C (86°F).
The system design usually takes the location and outdoor temperature down to about –12°C (10°F). If at 0°C (32°F) flow temperature is already 30°C (86°F) according to my logic, then at –12°C (10°F) the flow temperature should be about 40°C (104°F). But most underfloor heating designs for heat pumps are based on a maximum flow temperature of 35°C (95°F).
Of course, the insulation of the house and the indoor temperatures still play a role. Or is the increase in flow temperature actually so gradual that it only rises by about 0.5–1°C (1–2°F) for outdoor temperature drops in 0–5°C (0–9°F) increments?
Sure, a bit of rough comparison is always included.
Even though the data cannot be compared one-to-one, I think the values can provide homeowners who have not yet dealt with their heating system some basic reference points.
If you are just starting to look into your heating system and find a comparable house (energy efficiency standard like KfW level, heated living area, indoor & outdoor temperatures, heat generator, etc.) and notice that your own supply temperature is x°C (x°F) higher, then there might be some potential for optimization and savings.
I’m not aiming for a highly scientific analysis under laboratory conditions, especially if someone also bombards me with formulas and physical principles until I’m fed up.
Even though the data cannot be compared one-to-one, I think the values can provide homeowners who have not yet dealt with their heating system some basic reference points.
If you are just starting to look into your heating system and find a comparable house (energy efficiency standard like KfW level, heated living area, indoor & outdoor temperatures, heat generator, etc.) and notice that your own supply temperature is x°C (x°F) higher, then there might be some potential for optimization and savings.
I’m not aiming for a highly scientific analysis under laboratory conditions, especially if someone also bombards me with formulas and physical principles until I’m fed up.
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