Hello everyone,
The planned construction start for our approximately 160m² (1,722 sq ft) bungalow is scheduled for early 2013. We are currently still in the planning phase. Now the question arises: which heating system should we choose? Can you recommend anything?
I would like to move away from oil or gas heating systems. Technically, I am already convinced of pellet heating, but I would prefer to be independent. What alternatives are left then? Heat pump?
Best regards, EarlGrey
The planned construction start for our approximately 160m² (1,722 sq ft) bungalow is scheduled for early 2013. We are currently still in the planning phase. Now the question arises: which heating system should we choose? Can you recommend anything?
I would like to move away from oil or gas heating systems. Technically, I am already convinced of pellet heating, but I would prefer to be independent. What alternatives are left then? Heat pump?
Best regards, EarlGrey
Hello EarlGrey,
We are also planning to build a house, and I have spent a lot of time considering the heating technology. In recent years, building companies seem to favor air-to-water heat pumps because they apparently help to easily meet energy efficiency regulations (energy saving ordinance) and have very few requirements to comply with.
I have now moved away from spending extra on heating technology since we are not dependent on the equity bonus from KfW funding programs. Heating systems have a limited lifespan and should pay for themselves within that period (20-25 years?).
For our planned townhouse with 165 m² (1,775 sq ft) and a single-layer brick wall, I calculated the savings with an air-to-water heat pump compared to a gas condensing boiler: in my opinion, it was less than 100 euros per year. Calculate how much interest you would earn by investing that money and then buying the latest technology in 20 years.
[KfW-55.]
In my view, bungalows have a lot of exterior surface area relative to living space, which means that to achieve a KfW 55 standard, you would need a highly insulating wall structure (e.g., lightweight timber construction or thick external thermal insulation composite system [ETICS]) and expensive roof insulation (24 cm WLG-32 or similar), plus invest a significant amount into the building services.
[My recommendation:]
Instead, invest in a proper centralized mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. About 30-70% of heat is lost through ventilation, and around 80% of those ventilation losses can be saved this way. The costs of ventilation with heat recovery (filters + fans) remain relatively constant over the years, while heating costs will increase. The more you invest in this, the more you will appreciate the savings in the future.
[Renewable energies:]
In my opinion, these are the most reasonable options:
1. Pellet heating if you have enough space for a pellet storage.
2. Ground source (brine-to-water) heat pumps with seasonal performance factors (SPF) of at least 4, preferably 5. If deep drilling is too expensive or not permitted, a horizontal ground collector might be a good alternative.
However, you must be aware that these investments most likely will not pay off financially, but at least your conscience will be clear.
Good luck with your decision!
We are also planning to build a house, and I have spent a lot of time considering the heating technology. In recent years, building companies seem to favor air-to-water heat pumps because they apparently help to easily meet energy efficiency regulations (energy saving ordinance) and have very few requirements to comply with.
I have now moved away from spending extra on heating technology since we are not dependent on the equity bonus from KfW funding programs. Heating systems have a limited lifespan and should pay for themselves within that period (20-25 years?).
For our planned townhouse with 165 m² (1,775 sq ft) and a single-layer brick wall, I calculated the savings with an air-to-water heat pump compared to a gas condensing boiler: in my opinion, it was less than 100 euros per year. Calculate how much interest you would earn by investing that money and then buying the latest technology in 20 years.
[KfW-55.]
In my view, bungalows have a lot of exterior surface area relative to living space, which means that to achieve a KfW 55 standard, you would need a highly insulating wall structure (e.g., lightweight timber construction or thick external thermal insulation composite system [ETICS]) and expensive roof insulation (24 cm WLG-32 or similar), plus invest a significant amount into the building services.
[My recommendation:]
Instead, invest in a proper centralized mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery. About 30-70% of heat is lost through ventilation, and around 80% of those ventilation losses can be saved this way. The costs of ventilation with heat recovery (filters + fans) remain relatively constant over the years, while heating costs will increase. The more you invest in this, the more you will appreciate the savings in the future.
[Renewable energies:]
In my opinion, these are the most reasonable options:
1. Pellet heating if you have enough space for a pellet storage.
2. Ground source (brine-to-water) heat pumps with seasonal performance factors (SPF) of at least 4, preferably 5. If deep drilling is too expensive or not permitted, a horizontal ground collector might be a good alternative.
However, you must be aware that these investments most likely will not pay off financially, but at least your conscience will be clear.
Good luck with your decision!
Hello,
If it were different, everyone would have the same system.
First and foremost, an accurate basic assessment is necessary. This includes determining the actual demand (capacity, energy) for heating, hot water, and if applicable, ventilation. With these results, it is then relatively easy to find the appropriate solution or to evaluate the respective investment or financing requirements. In my opinion, anything else is like looking into a very cloudy crystal ball and is not reliable at all.
Best regards.
EarlGrey schrieb:Experience from others is generally only partially useful because every construction project has unique circumstances.
.....as I said, I’m not really a professional in this area and have to rely on other experiences and opinions...
If it were different, everyone would have the same system.
First and foremost, an accurate basic assessment is necessary. This includes determining the actual demand (capacity, energy) for heating, hot water, and if applicable, ventilation. With these results, it is then relatively easy to find the appropriate solution or to evaluate the respective investment or financing requirements. In my opinion, anything else is like looking into a very cloudy crystal ball and is not reliable at all.
Best regards.
K
K.Brodbeck12 Sep 2012 06:33EarlGrey schrieb:
Hello K.Brodbeck,
I don’t really understand much of what you wrote... but an energy-efficient building method is definitely planned. From low-energy house 55 to a passive house. I believe that way we will certainly be better than the legal minimum requirements.
Best regards, EarlHello Earl,
as you have already learned from others, the choice of heating system depends on the building standard you choose. Of course, currently the cheapest option is to build using the simplest method and to pick the cheapest heating system, but I want to clearly distance myself from that suggestion. In my view, money isn’t everything in the world; you also need to think about what you leave behind for future generations! Also, any profitability calculation is merely a crystal-ball prediction—no one knows how prices will develop. The profitability of systems ten years ago has increased significantly due to massive price hikes in recent years, but it could have gone the other way as well.
In my opinion, the most important thing is to consume as little energy as possible; then the type of energy source matters less. That doesn’t mean you should always build in an ultra-energy-saving way at any cost.
You always have to set priorities. In my case, money is obviously the top priority (as with most people), and building with natural materials (ecologically sound building) comes second, followed by aiming for a low-energy building standard. This means I will only build if I can afford a house made of ecological materials (otherwise I’d rather not build at all), and if there is still budget left, I improve the energy standard. These decisions should be checked with cost estimates and decided before or during the building permit / planning permission application.
Depending on the building method, different heating solutions come into question. While an oil, pellet, or wood stove heating system requires regular attention to the fuel and chimney cleaning, and a gas heating system only requires chimney cleaning, an air-to-water heat pump requires almost no maintenance. On the other hand, I recommend a heat pump only if it is used in an energy-efficient house (solar house, passive house or better), and it is only ecological if operated with certified electricity from renewable sources; otherwise, its positive energy balance is lost.
For myself (and us), I am planning a traditional old-style wood stove heating system (a tiled stove in the combined living-dining-kitchen area connected to a combined water storage tank) along with solar thermal collectors on the roof. This way, in summer and during mild transitional seasons, I don’t have to burn wood in the stove just to provide hot water needed every day.
As you can see, there are many different solutions, all tailored to individual needs. Do you want a hassle-free package, or just the cheapest option? Are you thinking long-term or just short-sighted...?
Unfortunately, there is no single heating system that is currently the best; rather, you have to find the best system based on your individual requirements. Your architect should be able to explain all of this to you in detail!
Best regards
K.Brodbeck
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