ᐅ Which heating method would you choose and why?

Created on: 22 Nov 2009 20:00
T
Tobinger
Hello,
I am planning to build in the near future and cannot decide between gas and geothermal energy. The single-family house with KfW 70 standard (basement, ground floor, first floor, and attic conversion) has 163 sqm (1754 sq ft) of living space and will be occupied by 2 people. Underfloor heating is also planned. What is the most cost-effective way to heat domestic hot water and the heating system? What is the best investment and why?

Good luck
€uro
10 Dec 2009 10:35
Hello,
parcus schrieb:

For a new building meeting KfW70-2009 standards, I would choose a direct expansion heat pump.

I see this somewhat differently. Building (insulation standard), location (climate), user behavior, and building services (heating, hot water, ventilation) form a unified system and should always be considered together for an economical solution. Without knowledge of the individual influencing factors, a general recommendation for a specific concept seems superficial.
Many of the so-called system comparisons published online raise doubts about their objectivity for me.
Best regards
P
parcus
10 Dec 2009 11:05
@€uro

The parameters don’t really matter much in this case 😕

In this comparison between pellet heating and air-to-water heat pumps, only the investment and operating costs are relevant. Since the investment costs, also due to subsidies, are quite close to each other, ...
The maintenance costs of a pellet system are generally higher, not to mention the lifecycle.

Air-source heat pumps only become interesting from KfW 70-2009 standard onwards,
until even those become uninteresting.

Where do you see a possible alternative?

Best regards
L
luemmelchris
10 Dec 2009 15:55
I have decided to go with a ground source heat pump using a brine collector. Yes, it requires electricity, but I am also installing a photovoltaic system on the roof. While this system obviously won’t cover the pump’s entire energy demand, overall I will generate more electricity than I consume. This way, I will be self-sufficient in the future and won’t have to worry about any electricity price increases.

This may be debatable in some respects, but in this case, I reserve the right to see it this way, to have a clear conscience, and to set aside a strict cost-benefit analysis. I believe that not everything in building has to be economically driven; I plan to live here for 30 years, so long-term thinking is necessary.

And no manufacturer can tell me how long a pump will actually last.
P
parcus
10 Dec 2009 16:34
@luemmelchris

Well, if you have to finance a photovoltaic system, it naturally adds quite a bit to the cost.

The energy companies’ demand here is that this technology still needs to become about two-thirds cheaper.

We’ll just have to see what new applications like concentrator photovoltaics will bring.

Best regards
L
luemmelchris
10 Dec 2009 16:37
What should I add on? My photovoltaic system pays for itself and even generates a surplus of at least €800 (based on past values).
P
parcus
10 Dec 2009 16:55
when you have to finance a photovoltaic system
I’m stating the premise: “financing.” This is not very sensible for any form of investment.

You hardly earn more than a savings account interest rate, but you take on a high risk.
Additionally, there is the current issue that many people forgot to register their system in 2009 and are now not receiving any compensation.

Best regards