Save gas - optimize control?

We built five years ago. A gas line was installed specifically for us, which of course we paid for. We bought what we thought we could afford. Our wallet was... empty. A few weeks ago, I called the heating technician who maintains the system and asked what else we could do from the system side to help save gas. Together with me, he adjusted the system settings differently. It turned out that the Wolf system prioritizes gas as an energy source over solar thermal energy. We could not lower the minimum temperature generated with gas below 45 degrees (previously 55 degrees), and we could not reverse the prioritization. Both areas were protected from access. We would tolerate it if the water coming out while showering was only lukewarm once in a while and if the boiler runs once a week as a precaution against Legionella. I will now write to the manufacturer to ask if anything can still be done by reprogramming. We chose the heating technician that the factory described as particularly skilled with their products, although his travel distance is not ideal. Our bungalow is not really well suited for solar power between taller houses. Of course, it is already clear that the gas heating system probably will not last long and we will have to invest heavily. I just don’t see yet how electricity consumption is supposed to save us. What does the collective intelligence say? Can you optimize the controls further? What else could be optimized? Best regards, Gabriele

Alternative 1: Factory service, they should definitely have access to these areas and be able to set the boiler correctly. However, they are usually quite expensive (with my old Weishaupt oil condensing boiler, one visit was about €180 per hour). Alternative 2: special H from technik f0rum. The tone there is, let's say, at least an acquired taste. However, help is provided through sometimes endless question-and-answer exchanges.

The access data can often also be found on the internet. Otherwise, contact customer service. It is your system. You have the right to access it.

And of course, the most important thing is probably lowering the flow temperature. And then heating continuously. No setbacks or such. And heat all rooms, no differences of more than 3 degrees.

We don't really need to heat right now, but the tip is good; I get the same operating instructions for heat pumps as well. For the flow line, I have to see what works. A good Swedish stove has recently been planned for the living area for next winter. When I wanted to buy it, my better half found it paranoid. When I insisted on a demonstration model, too. When I wanted it purely mechanical, as well. I only did it out of principle; if there’s going to be an emergency plan, it should at least be one that always works. But that will make the combination with the gas boiler difficult, which in turn has to work with the solar thermal system. I still need to get smarter about that. The dealer has known since spring that he won’t be able to get any stoves from the Swedes this year. Meanwhile, the technical engineers no longer recommend the water-bearing stove but one that runs without electricity; I sometimes have professional talks with the experts. The stove was meant as an emergency heater, but at the time of purchase, I thought it would only be lit for fun anyway, and I spent the money for my peace of mind. We can and will take part in saving as much as we can. I will miss the sauna. Or I’ll make it more economical by inviting the other girls so that more people can benefit from it. Best regards, Gabriele

That's interesting.. right now we are outside on the terrace talking with our neighbor about exactly the same topic! We have also had a Wolf solar thermal gas boiler with a 300L storage tank for 5 years. We see that the boiler is now reheating with gas despite the solar thermal system. From our point of view, that makes no sense when the solar system shows 130 degrees! We have also set the cut-off temperature to about 45 degrees. In the exchange of ideas, we now had the idea that this is exactly the wrong direction. Maybe it should be set to 65 degrees and reheating should only occur from 45 degrees. (We hope this is programmable like that). The hope is that the hot water will last until the next day when the solar system delivers again. Is this line of thinking correct?

That's interesting.. we are currently outside on the terrace talking with our neighbor about exactly the same topic! We have also had a Wolf solar thermal gas boiler with a 300L storage tank for 5 years. We see that the boiler is now reheating with gas despite solar thermal. From our point of view, this makes no sense when the solar system shows 130 degrees! We have also set the delivery temperature to about 45 degrees. During the exchange of ideas, we now had the idea that this is exactly the wrong direction. Maybe it should be set to 65 degrees instead, and reheating should only occur from 45 degrees on. (We hope this is programmable). The hope is that the hot water lasts until the next day when the solar system delivers again. Is this way of thinking correct?

I don't know the size of your collectors. But I am sure that a well-adjusted solar thermal system does not require reheating with gas from May to mid-September. At 130° your system is in stagnation.