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Looking to update an 80s built bungalow in Notts that currently has a gas boiler and water filled radiators that I believe are leaking as a couple of the rads slowly end up with air up top. I believe the original concrete slab encapsulated the copper rad supply pipes without protection and they have corroded in floor.
Looking also to go into the loft space with an ecotruss type solution.
From here I see ashp are the current controversial topic although most big houses here in Canada use ducted ashp in their HVAC systems successfully. We also have ashp hybrid hot water tanks making an interesting entry to the market.
Should solar PV also be a consideration?
Seems like a good opportunity while the house is in pieces to install a decent future proof system. Any suggestions as to what that looks like for an effieint solution with low cost of operation would be welcome
Hmm.. coat = Cost...
Because ASHPs work at a lower water temperature the work best by giving a constant source of heat, so heating up a large thermal mass like an insulated floor slab using underfloor heating and then keeping that heat in through massive insulation and air tightness. For ducted air heating, you need mechanical ventilation and heat recovery where you install ducting throughout and rely on even higher levels of insulation to keep in the heat. You really need to be thinking of insulating the floor slab, internal and external insulation as well as new windows and doors to get this to work effectively.
IIRC the gas in radiators can be from some chemical reaction rather than air getting in. Leaks in underfloor pipes would result in water escaping rather than air getting in anyway
Is the system an open one with a tank or a closed one with an expansion chamber?
Forced air systems that are popular in North America are quick to heat up but more expensive to run, but gas is cheap over there.
I'd start with external insulation, better insulation to roof then radiators sized to be suitable for an air source heat pump.
What you do depends on how long you see yourself being there.
I guess I'd need to do some sums to check, but if a place is so well insulated, why not dispense with "central heating" altogether and use panel or oil filled rads. Solar PV and wet solar for hot water, depending on needs, we are bathers not showerers here. A conservatory on the sunny side, with vents to carry that heat indoors could make a big difference too to maximise solar gain.