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Heating systems for a SIPs house in NW Scotland
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We have recently secured a building plot in Wester Ross and are considering a SIPs house in preference to a timber frame. Our builder has recommended that we go with a traditional "wet" oil heating system - there's no mains gas supply in this part of the world - I had hoped though that we would be able to make better use of the insulation properties of SIPs and the planned triple gazed windows. I am looking for ideas on alternatives for both heating and domestic hot water.
Re: Heating systems for a SIPs house in NW Scotland
Dear Michael
I am a Kingspan Tek Contractor, if you want the most cost effective heating solution to install then your builder is probably right as oil is easy to fit and maintain and every plumber knows how to fit it.
Oil might not be the cheapest to run long term, especially with fluctuating fuel prices. Heat pumps should be cheaper to run but the down side is they cost a lot more to install. If you are planning to stay put for a long time then I would use an exhaust air heat pump from NIBE. This would do the ventilation and heating in one go.
Hope this helps .
James, thanks for the reply and the advice, I suppose I was hoping that there may have been some advancements in the electric field but I'll certainly look into the exhaust air heat pump systems you mentioned.
Thanks again
Re: Re: Re: Heating systems for a SIPs house in NW Scotland
Just building an oak frame house in Perthshire, we are going with ground source heat pumps, underfloor heating and solar panels to top up for domestice hotwater.
Like yourself a fairly remote site with no mains gas, so looked at all the options and on a medium to long term perspective the ground source system is the way to go. Expensive at first, but remember you can get two grants, one for the ground source pumps and one for the solar panels.
I work in the oil industry and would suggest medium to longer term oil will get very very expensive.
I can provide a bit more info if of interest.
Steve
Hi Michael,
Not that I can help with your query, but was really interested to read your question as we are in the same position. We are hopefully about to secure a plot (within the next week) in Perthshire. We are leaning towards a SIPs build from an insulation point of view, but weren't sure about heating options. Given that I don't think we will stay any more than 10 years (and budget won't really permit) ground/air source heating not an option. I am just hoping that with SIP's, and triple glazing, the amount of fuel we are going to need will be infinitely less than we are currently using!
I bet you will have amazing views from your new home. Good Luck with your project!
Hi Kirsten, you are right the views are amazing in Wester Ross we were there last week tying up the plot purchase and the quality of light was fantastic. Best of luck with your purchase and build.
Re: Re: Heating systems for a SIPs house in NW Scotland
Got some spare land for an expat ?
Another Wester Ross Newbie! We are going through with a purchase of a croft at moment, hope to complete anytime soon.
So many regulations to comply with and planning points, but views are worth it!
Re: Heating systems for a SIPs house in NW Scotland
I wouldn't rely on one heating source. My house in france uses an oil system, but when that broke we also had a log fire - which we are going to replace with a stove. This managed to heat the whole house - and an open fire is a lot more comforting in Winter.
Re: Heating systems for a SIPs house in NW Scotland
I am renovating a cottage 'off grid' in Perthshire and have narrowed it down to either oil or wood pellet. I have 4K grant towards the wood pellet but there is the uncertainty of whether the renewables tarrif will actually happen next year. Anyone any thoughts???
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