In the meantime we have to decide on the cooling/heating systems for the house. We have FINALLY received the quotes from the eco energy guys who have taken literally months to let us know how much it will cost and relative benefits of hydronic heating and cooling etc. The builder and eco energy guy will get together with us next week - which should give us all a thrill
We have looked into the dry evaporative cooling method (underfloor pipes) but don't think this system will be efficient enough to cope with the hot weather. We are very keen on hydronic heating but not sure about the cooling method.
Another option is the hydronic cooling system which is forced cooling and uses the same pipework and water system as the heating. We will find out all the details in the next few days, however it is a coiling tank system which centrally stores cool water and runs it through the hydronic system cooling both slab and pumping cool air into the house. Exactly how the cooling works remains to be understood!
Apparently the cooling system is 13 kw of air transfer (500 ltre). Each room can be independently controlled for air temp and on hot days we can divert the hot air from the house to heat the water in the h/w system.
Now if you can understand the above you are ahead of me. However my heart thumps in glee to think our energy bills could reduce and we are helping to reduce greenhouse emissions.
Has anyone heard of this type of cooling system and if so can you let us know the pro's /con's.
The selection process is nearly over and we were very pleased with the builder's standard spec which was above our expectations. I'll post the selections in the next few days. I really hope this ends up working out for us as I would truly love an eco friendly house.
cheers
I just have to say this.
Beetle
(I've studied the workings but still don't get how the panels don't get very hot).
Yak_Chat
