Air-Water Heat Pump vs. Gas Heating/Solar

Hello again everyone,

we visited four house-building companies (more to follow) and are still not sure which heating system is better for us. The air-to-water heat pump is more expensive and - according to our knowledge - is more reasonable in combination with underfloor heating. The combination of heating with gas and using a solar system for hot water is often already included in the price and we do not necessarily need underfloor heating. But what about the follow-up costs? We have often heard about high electricity costs, especially when the winter is very cold and the system heats with electricity. We are two people (definitely not more) and are planning a bungalow with about 100sqm living space. Oh yes, we don't heat much; a room temperature of 20 degrees is sufficient for us. It would be great to read your opinions/experiences.

May I ask in advance why you want to build?

Best regards, Yvonne

Are you allowed to...

Because we like to have our peace, my wife works in a three-shift system and sleeping is often difficult in an apartment building.
Self-determined living, also as a retirement provision... among other things...

I am a bit surprised by your question in this context.

Are you allowed...

Because we like to have our peace, my wife works in a three-shift system and sleeping is often difficult in a multi-family house.
Self-determined living, also as retirement provision... among other things...

I am a bit surprised by your question in this context.

Well, I ask because you mention that you don’t necessarily need underfloor heating.
I could have asked the counter-question of what you need a house for, but that’s not really my question (I have one myself )

As a future builder and homeowner, I would install some "cozy extras" (if financially possible) that you don’t normally have in an apartment - underfloor heating is one of them.
Lately, I have often read here that underfloor heating should be standard... whether that is the case is up to everyone to decide (for some, a double garage is standard )

I can’t help you much technically with your decision on which heating system to choose.
You have to feel comfortable with the technology, after all you share a roof together

Best regards Yvonne

First of all, it is no wonder that after dealing with 4 house-building companies, one still cannot determine what is sensible and suitable. But actually, all good all-in-one house-building companies have their own "concept." As a rule, you can rely on the fact that it fits! If you want to know exactly, there are experts who can create precise calculations based on the individual building structure to determine which heating system is most effective. Of course, it does not have to be underfloor heating; you can also plan with radiators. For example, a gas heating system fits better here because heat pump heating systems work best with low process temperatures and are not effective in combination with radiators, since radiators have a smaller surface area compared to the screed in underfloor heating.

We face the same question and our decision basis looks like this: producing domestic hot water with solar in summer. In winter, gas heating if city pipes are on the property.

The chimney stove I wanted anyway heats up and I reduce my gas consumption. Gas costs compared to electricity costs are lower today and with the Swedish stove I can save additionally.

Furthermore, I save on the purchase costs, as you say, this type of heating is already included. Underfloor heating is a must for us anyway – if we are building anyway, then with underfloor heating and not having radiators everywhere. Later you can still convert to an air-water heat pump, the necessary pipes for that are already there.