Central Heating- Heat pumps versus gas
Filed under Choosing a heating appliance, Space Heating.
May 24th, 2010
Hi, We are thinking of installing central heating into our 1920s bungalow (120 m2) in central Wellington. It has a renovated open plan kitchen/dining/living area but apart from that has the original layout. Ceiling and underfloor and some walls will be insulated.
Has anyone had experience with gas or heat pump central heating? Any opinions on whether the vents are best positioned in the floor or the ceiling? We would welcome any feedback.
Ross
6 Comments
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Sarah Free, Energy Advisor, October 11th, 2010 on 9:45 pm
Interesting point Nicole.
Do you know why the ceiling vents are more effective? I’m wondering if there is less heat loss as the ceiling cavity is less draughty and /or warmer or is it that the extra pressure needed to force the warm air downwards leads to better heat distribution in the room.
If anyone can enlighten me I’d be glad to know more.
Cheers, Sarah
Dave, October 12th, 2010 on 2:33 am
For heating the heat needs to mix at floor level, therefore proper “downjet” diffusers should be used, if the outlets are in the floor well you have a slight advantage, the fan speed can be reduced for floor systems, that said as long as the stud height is below 3m there is no problems either way.
Gas or heatpump technology. Efficiency needs to be effective.
Gas is fast, the outlet temperature is typically 55-60º leaving the grille, great for a working family, this means you can use it effectively, 20 mins b4 you get up and just switch it on when you get home. No need to leave it on all day. Use it when you need it.Heatpumps are good but run cooler approxmately 40-45º this means the air needs to be circulated a lot more to acheive, 6AM when its 0-4º outside a heatpump is going to take a lot longer, NZ tends to have a high moisture content in the air which is going to ice the outside unit. To combat this the heatpump needs to tick over and maintain an ambience, they are most efficient in this mode, although they will still lose efficiency due to icing, if you are home and need the heating on all day and night then a heat pump system may be more cost effective. Personally I would oversize the heatpump, if you need 5kw get 7kw.
Dave
Dave, October 12th, 2010 on 2:38 am
Ducted central heating will deal with a wet house, HRV will too but you will be cold.
jim donaghy, October 28th, 2010 on 10:05 pm
I’m in a rented house which lost its chimney in a earthquake. Thru a property manager landlord finally supplied a heat pump (toshiba floormounted)In may last. First install did not work and was replaced by another inside unit which 1/ leaves a layer of cold air at floor level 2/ wont work at at all in frosty weather but continuosly de-ices with resulting high power cosumption 3/when set to lowest ie 17 room builds up to 23-24. I have never known the “pump” to shut off. Ask local agents (invercargill) to investigate.Guy spent about 15 min on site.Set switch to hi-power and fan to auto. Declared all ok PROPERTY MANAGER RECEIVED A BILL FOR $300 Apparently all my fault (I been an Agrade mechanic for 48 years but cant read room temperature)My landlady lives in Auckland and wont know anything about this yet. Heatpumps? I wouldnt have one on my backside for a wart. Currently use gas heater. About a third of the cost Air quality is better and i keep warm jim @ tuatapere ps I have been heating one room only
Susan, July 19th, 2010 on 8:50 am
Hi,
I’m interested in the same think as Ross. I’m tossing up between a gas central heating system, an HRV/SYAS system, or getting my windows ‘double glazed’ with using those magnetic seals over top of the windows. Basically the house is cold and wet inside, and I can’t affor to do all three options. Which should I do first? and has anyone tried the magnetic seals? Like Magnetite?
Thanks,
Susan