heating & water advice needed for new Adelaide Hills build

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heating & water advice needed for new Adelaide Hills build

(6 posts) (6 voices)

Started 9 years ago by MissPanz
Latest reply from Johnnojack

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MissPanz
Member

I've been a lurker on these forums for years marvelling at the knowledge here so I'd like to tap into it for my own purposes.
We're in the throes of a fully off grid small home build on the Fleurieu Penisula in SA. We've got our solar (off grid4.5KW) and tanks in, all good.

We're planning to put in a slow combustion fireplace(Regency Berwick)as the main source of heating as this seems to be the right size for the house.
House is about 112sq m and the output of the Berwick is about 15-18kw. The fireplace is going into a freestanding central column and the architect has put vents in the top & bottom of the back of this to get some airflow in and (hopefully) utilise excess heat.
Now, we are also planning on installing a solar ventii to power a drying cupboard and I cant see why this cant also be used as a backup ambient heat source (just leave the door of the cupboard open).

My concern is that we are lacking in background heat, we haven't put in slab heating (too pricey & used wafflepods in the slab) but the house is well insulated (at least 5.5), faces north and has good solar gain. The house is long and while it has a shared living/dining area most other areas can be shut off with sliding doors. We wont be able to be there all day every day to keep fires stoked either.
I've been considering the Eccopanel as ambient heat source although Im a bit unsure as to their demand on the off grid solar and they're not the most attractive accessories.

Also Im concerned about hot water, have decided on evacuated tube and Apricus gas boosted seem to be a good choice but the house is a bit of architectural loveliness (I think) and Im unwilling to put big panels and tanks on top.
We are a two person, fairly frugal household (no plasma's etc) and we are trying to do the lowest energy choices for everything (LED lights, appliances)but still have energy leeway for gracious living...in short we want to be warm and comfortable and not reliant on the dog for heating

What do you think about my heating planning, sound or not?
and hot water?
Advice and suggestions (installers etc) all gratefully accepted.

Posted Monday 27 May 2013 @ 5:30:13 am from IP #
Greg
Member

I agree with your thoughts on additional heating. If you are not there and it's overcast you won't get a lot of solar gain so will need an additional form of heating and the solar ventii won't help much when it's overcast either. The thermal mass of the slab will help but it won't be enough.
I've no experience with ecopanels but I would think they would be inferior to a heat pump given the efficiencies involved, so maybe have a think / look at them reverse cycle etc.
There will be other posters who can help here for sure.

Posted Monday 27 May 2013 @ 8:01:37 am from IP #
TonyT
Member

Links that may be useful:
http://www.ata.org.au/forums/topic/8847#post-42633
http://www.ata.org.au/forums/topic/8847#post-42625

Posted Monday 27 May 2013 @ 8:41:01 am from IP #
Greentalk Aus
Member

I have also been looking into solar air heating solutions, and basically want to use it for the same purpose as you - drying room and also as an an ambient heat source. From what I have learned, the SolarVenti will provide a good heat contribution when ducted into a main room of the house (lounge, kitchen etc.) but if it is ducted into a drying cupboard the air may struggle to circulate through the house.

A friend of mine recommended a product called SAM (solar air module) which has worked really well for them. The SAM is a modular system, allowing you to mount as many modules on the house as needed. You could mount modules for your drying room, then also for a main room in the house to allow for better heat distribution. Might be worth looking into.

Posted Tuesday 28 May 2013 @ 5:27:26 am from IP #
Eamon
Member

I would seriously consider the Solarventi option for both the heating solution and for room air drying. Still made in Denmark and having gone through some R&D over the past two years. It is renowned for its ability & efficiency, the product range has now been greatly modified to suit the Australian weather by adding the solar PV (38w) to the external mounting. This now achieves greater output and also allows for two or three fan outlets to be installed. There is also an new unit called the SV20 available. On top of that, to prove its worth Solarventi are now offering a five year warranty. How good is that!!

Posted Friday 31 May 2013 @ 12:58:56 pm from IP #
Johnnojack
Member

Just adding MHO that an electric heater(Eccopanel) would kill yout Stand-alone system batteries quickly, at a time when they will be getting their lowest solar input. My best advice for heating - start collecting firewood and build a decent woodshed. Also Google "masonary heater"

Posted Saturday 1 Jun 2013 @ 5:09:35 am from IP #

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