Hello!
The plan is to build a new extension using a breathable timber frame construction with Isofloc insulation (approximately 200 sqm (2150 sq ft) – U-value 0.16) attached to an existing solid building (approximately 100 sqm (1075 sq ft) – U-value around 0.22 or possibly worse). A central heating system will supply both buildings (underfloor heating). There will also be a wood stove in the living building (I like that, and it’s perfect for quick heating).
The general goal is to build as affordably as possible—I can’t afford any fancy extras. That’s why initially only a gas condensing boiler, possibly combined with solar for domestic hot water, was planned (this is obviously much cheaper to install than heat pumps with mechanical ventilation and solar systems, even though those options might be more reasonable in the long run).
(I’m not a fan of optimistic calculations that only pay off after 25 years and then turn out to be relatively maintenance-intensive—I probably won’t live that long :rolleyes 🙂.
However, it has now become clear that the gas connection on the property will be relatively expensive (about 35 m (115 ft) to the main connection at the main road). Also, I have read several times that a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (at least for such a relatively airtight new build) might make sense because of moisture issues (mold). And if you have that, you might as well add a heat exchanger and all the other extras... you know how it goes with optional equipment... 😡
So now the choice is between a standard gas heating system (around 15,000 EUR) and a more future-oriented system with mechanical ventilation and all the extras (estimated at a minimum of 35,000 EUR). For the 20,000 EUR difference, I could buy expensive gas for a long time...
Now I’m really unsure...
Is there a reasonable and affordable alternative to gas in this kind of situation?
What do you recommend?
Thanks!!
Best regards,
Mike
The plan is to build a new extension using a breathable timber frame construction with Isofloc insulation (approximately 200 sqm (2150 sq ft) – U-value 0.16) attached to an existing solid building (approximately 100 sqm (1075 sq ft) – U-value around 0.22 or possibly worse). A central heating system will supply both buildings (underfloor heating). There will also be a wood stove in the living building (I like that, and it’s perfect for quick heating).
The general goal is to build as affordably as possible—I can’t afford any fancy extras. That’s why initially only a gas condensing boiler, possibly combined with solar for domestic hot water, was planned (this is obviously much cheaper to install than heat pumps with mechanical ventilation and solar systems, even though those options might be more reasonable in the long run).
(I’m not a fan of optimistic calculations that only pay off after 25 years and then turn out to be relatively maintenance-intensive—I probably won’t live that long :rolleyes 🙂.
However, it has now become clear that the gas connection on the property will be relatively expensive (about 35 m (115 ft) to the main connection at the main road). Also, I have read several times that a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery (at least for such a relatively airtight new build) might make sense because of moisture issues (mold). And if you have that, you might as well add a heat exchanger and all the other extras... you know how it goes with optional equipment... 😡
So now the choice is between a standard gas heating system (around 15,000 EUR) and a more future-oriented system with mechanical ventilation and all the extras (estimated at a minimum of 35,000 EUR). For the 20,000 EUR difference, I could buy expensive gas for a long time...
Now I’m really unsure...
Is there a reasonable and affordable alternative to gas in this kind of situation?
What do you recommend?
Thanks!!
Best regards,
Mike
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