Air Source Heat And Ventilation

[bednobs]

hi, im having an extension and we decided it's probably a reasonable time to get rid of the boiler. we are thinking of having the pkom4 system by pichler installed - anyone had this? any comments?

[The Builder]

Nothing to add bednobs. It's a new one on me but it comes from a well-established company with a good reputation.

It's combining a heat pump with a ventilation/heat recovery system.
(Where the heat from cooking/breathing etc is recovered and re-used.)

I'll have a good Google to see if I can find any 'trade' comment.

[bednobs]

thanks mr builder - it sounds great bu that was the salesperson of course! i couldnt find any online reviews.
It's a big change in mindset from "it's a bit cold, bung the heating on"

[The Builder]

I can't find any reviews either.......... except for sales guff.
It has been given a few awards though (bottom of page)...

https://www.pichlerluft.at/heat-pump-combination-unit.html

I've no reservations over the product, only its suitability for your property. Before signing anything, I'd be looking for a full assessment of your building layout; insulation levels; level of air-tightness; heat losses etc.
This is a simple survey and checklist.
I'm not talking about salesman's burble, but an assessment by Pichler's Technical people as to which product is suitable (if it is indeed suitable.)
One possible worry is the stated 1.3kw space heating capacity.
I would like to know if that's enough for your situation.

In the old days, you would just bung in a boiler and crank it up to suit. It's not like that with this kind of tech..
Forget salesmen. I'd want to speak to Pichler Tech. team direct.

Your extension can be easily built to a Spec. suitable for this product.
I'd want to be convinced of suitability for the rest of the house.

[bednobs]

i REALLY appreciate your response; i dont know anyone who doesnt have some sort of boiler

[The Builder]

You're welcome, beds.
I have a Swedish NIBE heat pump. It was specified and supplied by Nuheat, One of the leaders in the renewables field.

It's a new house, pretty huge too. They primarily suggested a certain size of pump, then when I showed them the insulation Spec., they halved the size of the pump. It didn't need the bigger one after all.
Matching a product to the unit is critical.

I know several people who've had heat pumps fitted to existing properties very successfully.
The Pichler won't be cheap. But it'll be a good move if it turns out to be right for you.
Keep us informed, beds :o)

[bednobs]

i think the quote is 20k, which includes everything , from assessment (although they have alreeady used loads of info from us) and installation. Also thinking about getting solar panels with battery storage. One thing i am worried about is the cost to run it

[bednobs]

also includes central vacuum!

[The Builder]

Ok. But this worries me...

"very convenient if your heat demand is low enough to not warrant a formal heating system"
(from their literature.)

It's a 'heat recovery & ventilation' system'. NOT a heating system.
I would need convincing that supplementary heating weren't needed as well.

Solar panels and battery storage would certainly help.
As to cost... their Spec. should include 'costs to run relative to desired interior temperature needed, and outside temperature.

[Old_Geezer]

I've seen enough criticism on the web regarding air heat pumps not to rush into getting one before time. Off the top of my head, apparently you need larger radiators because they don't heat things up as much as a gas c/h system. And they aren't recommended for the north as you're unlikely to get sufficient heat in winter from them to cover all your needs. Then there is the noise apparently. I've zero experience of the pkom4 or any other heat pump system, but I'm very wary of them. They seem as dodgy a decision as forcing all vehicles to go electric, is.

[bednobs]

you dont need radiators though og.
i think there also infra red mats for more immediate heat tb

[Old_Geezer]

Ok, but probably best to search for unbiased opinion of those who had it installed. If it's an air heat pump it still may not supply as much energy as you'd like, regardless how that's delivered. Better safe than sorry.

[The Builder]

Infra red mats? That's interesting.
I still must stress the need for a full heating requirements assessment though.

OG............ Bednobs is looking into a ventilation & heat recovery system ......... NOT an air source heat pump.
I understand your reservations with heat pumps, but I'm afraid it's now a little out-dated.
This, from a Norwegian website.........

'Norwegians typically use either heat pumps, a wood stove or regular electric heaters to hear their houses. The heat pumps are by far the most efficient and cheapest to use, but they are pretty expensive to install.'

And that's from a country with oil & gas coming out of their ears ;o)

[Ryzen]

Central vac systems are ok when new,however can lose suction over time due to dust build up within the pipework.

[bednobs]

thanks for all your input. I dont have anyone IRL to talk about the pros and cons with