2024-11-07 16:31:00
HOf course, this is not about a popularity election. Although I think it does indicate that many owners are satisfied with their air conditioning. This also applies to myself: in exchange for relatively little electricity, I get my living room with open kitchen perfectly warm.
However, that does not mean that ‘so’ at the IVN building is also the best solution. A close second on the list of recommendations, with 20 percent of the votes, is the infrared panel, and I can also imagine something about that.
Fast and affordable
To briefly summarize: IVN Nature Education has to replace a 24-year-old gas boiler to make a not too large, reasonably insulated space comfortable in the winter. In any case, users are there from Monday to Friday between 10 am and 12 noon, and also irregularly at other times.
Given the limited number of hours that heat is needed, many believe that an air conditioner can provide this quickly and cost-effectively. Turn it on half an hour in advance and you will have a well-heated room at low cost. I also asked what is smarter: two small air conditioners, each with its own outdoor unit, or a split system in which one outdoor unit provides heat to two indoor units. Several readers warn that a split system is more expensive than two air conditioners with their own outdoor units.
Freezing cold?
As mentioned, there are also many readers who see a few infrared panels as the best solution, partly because they require less maintenance. They heat the area under the panel in a very targeted manner. My feeling is that you will soon need four or more panels above two conference tables and that those panels use electricity much less efficiently than an air conditioner or heat pump. All in all, that could be expensive.
A heat pump that you connect to existing central heating radiators is also often mentioned. The advantage is that it is easier to keep the room frost-free at night when it is freezing. That will certainly work. But proponents of air conditioning and IR panels point to a simple solution: set it on a timer and, if there is a risk of frost, let it run for a few hours at night.
Frost protector
A new phenomenon for me is the Frost Guardiana very simple protection against freezing cold. You connect a simple electric heater, or your IR panels or air conditioners, to a thermostat that switches on when the temperature in the house drops below, for example, 4 degrees. Above 7 degrees, the case switches off automatically again.
Yet other readers point out that in Bergen aan Zee, where the IVN building is located, it almost never freezes hard thanks to the nearby sea. If you insulate the building well, it should be able to remain frost-free indoors for at least a few days. And heating is often used during the day, so you shouldn’t have to worry about pipes freezing. Insulating where this can be done better is of course something that many readers recommend.
Still gas
A few readers point out solar collectors or heat pipeswith which you do not get electricity but heat from your roof. Combine that with a large buffer tank and a large part of the heat demand should be covered. If necessary, supplementing with IR panels or air conditioning should be sufficient during longer cold periods.
Five readers stick to gas or wood burning. For example, one person noted that the gas boiler is old, but is not used much and can therefore last for a while. The advice is to keep it on hand for really cold days. Another reader thinks of a new, small HR boiler as the cheapest solution.
However, the IVN does not just look at the price, although it is important. By chance I was offered an almost new gas boiler for a bargain price. But no, that was not the intention. Luckily, I thought then…
Vincent Dekker writes about innovations and developments in the field of green energy, near and far from home. More episodes ontrouw.nl/vincentwilzon. Vincent now also has a podcast, including about heat pumps – listen to it through this link or search for it through the known channels.
Also read:
Even in January, the air conditioning almost runs on solar power
As far as I am concerned, January has produced a special result: despite short days and low sun levels, my solar panels provided almost enough power to heat the living room with the air conditioning.
1731054265
#election #air #conditioning #win #wide #margin
**Interview with Energy Efficiency Expert: Exploring Tankless vs. Traditional Water Heaters**
*Interviewer:* Thank you for joining us today. To start off, can you explain what a tankless water heater is and how it differs from traditional tank water heaters?
*Expert:* Absolutely! Tankless water heaters, also known as on-demand water heaters, heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When you turn on a tap, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit and gets heated, providing hot water only as needed. In contrast, traditional tank water heaters continuously heat a large amount of water and store it in a tank, which can lead to energy waste.
*Interviewer:* What are some pros and cons of using a tankless water heater?
*Expert:* There are several advantages. Tankless water heaters are more energy-efficient since they only heat water when you need it, which can lead to cost savings on your energy bill. They also have a longer lifespan—about 20 years compared to 10-15 years for traditional tanks. However, on the downside, they can have a higher upfront cost and may struggle to provide enough hot water for multiple simultaneous uses.
*Interviewer:* That makes sense. You mentioned energy savings—can you elaborate on that?
*Expert:* Sure! Because tankless heaters operate only when there’s demand, they eliminate the standby heat loss associated with traditional tanks. This means you only pay for the hot water you actually use. Additionally, their efficiency can lead to savings on utility bills over time, offsetting the initial installation cost. However, it’s important to size the unit correctly based on your household’s hot water needs.
*Interviewer:* Are there any particular types of tankless water heaters that homeowners should consider?
*Expert:* Yes, there are both gas and electric models. Gas units typically offer higher flow rates and can be more cost-effective in regions with natural gas availability. However, they require proper ventilation and may not work during power outages. Electric tankless water heaters are easier to install and maintain but usually have lower flow rates and might not be able to serve large households effectively.
*Interviewer:* What about safety and maintenance concerns?
*Expert:* That’s a great question. Safety is generally high with both types, but gas units need attention to ensure proper ventilation and avoid CO2 buildup. In terms of maintenance, tankless heaters may require periodic descaling, especially in areas with hard water, but they generally have fewer parts to maintain compared to traditional models.
*Interviewer:* Lastly, can you discuss the temperature limitations of tankless water heaters?
*Expert:* Certainly! Gas tankless water heaters usually provide higher output temperatures, while electric versions can sometimes struggle to maintain high temperatures with multiple outlets running. Additionally, during extreme weather conditions, gas models may require electricity to power their ignition systems, meaning you could end up without hot water if there’s a power outage. It’s always wise for homeowners to assess their specific needs before making a decision.
*Interviewer:* Thank you so much for sharing your insights today! It sounds like both options have their benefits and limitations, depending on the homeowner’s specific situation and priorities.
*Expert:* It was my pleasure! Each home is unique, so weighing the pros and cons carefully will help homeowners choose the best water heating solution for their needs.
