Heating type in TFH with MHRV & Solar?

Old Jim · 24-07-2008 5:07pm #1

I am looking for advice on what type of heating system to use. I am at the early design stage of a new build and at the moment, my plan is to build the following:

Timber frame house (1.5/2 storey, ~2000 sq.ft) with good levels of insulation. A MHRV for heat recovery ventilation. Solar Panels for hot water.

What type of heating system might be suitable with this type of setup?

Is another heat distribution method required (e.g. UFH or rads) or can the MHRV be used to heat the house also, by supplying additional energy to it?

I realise that there is pros and cons to each type but general opinions would be helpful.

I believe the ground in the site is favourable for geo-thermal, in case this is helpful.

Thanks.

muffler · 24-07-2008 5:23pm

Moved to RE forum.

AJL · 28-07-2008 2:53pm

Hi
Youcould look Aat an air to air heat pump. I built a SIP panel house with air to air heat pump. I did not go with HRV as air is recirced and did not see financial benefit. It was expensive to put in but heated the house for between 800-900 pa for 3400 sq ft house. This however is some what due to the low heating load of the sip Panel house. I went with solar panels as no other way to heat water other than immersion. I am happy with the set up. Also have a cooling coil that helpa to kepp house comfortable in summertime. If you go with geo i was always advised to invest in one renewABLE RESOURCE AND USE IT TO the maximum. Use it to heat water as expensive to install geo and solar panels.

Old Jim · 29-07-2008 10:54am

Thanks AJL for your reply.
A couple of questions on air-to-air heatpumps
- Does it provide adequate heating on cold days or do you have a backup heat source?
- Can it use the same distribution method as the MHRV i.e ducting?
- Can it heat DHW?
- When you say expensive to install, in what ballpark region are we talking about?

Heating type in TFH with MHRV & Solar?

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