Any resources for a self build without a central heating system?

scaldybelt

As energy costs spiral into the future, I would love to know what info is available on building a home which is so well insulated that it wouldn't need an expensive central heating system. Maybe a wood burning stove could be installed purely for those rare sub zero nights in our ever warming climate.

Does anybody have any links to providers/research on this type of building method?

I find it incredible to believe that a home will not only cost you for the initial installation of both insulation and central heating, but that you then have to shell out an ever increasing amount on running costs for that system in its lifetime.
I read recently of a guy in the US who built a house in the Rockies in the mid eighties which had such good insulation that it only needed a small stove to get it comfortable when the temperature was reaching -20 to -40 degrees outside.

CJhaughey

scaldybelt wrote:

As energy costs spiral into the future, I would love to know what info is available on building a home which is so well insulated that it wouldn't need an expensive central heating system. Maybe a wood burning stove could be installed purely for those rare sub zero nights in our ever warming climate.

Does anybody have any links to providers/research on this type of building method?

I find it incredible to believe that a home will not only cost you for the initial installation of both insulation and central heating, but that you then have to shell out an ever increasing amount on running costs for that system in its lifetime.
I read recently of a guy in the US who built a house in the Rockies in the mid eighties which had such good insulation that it only needed a small stove to get it comfortable when the temperature was reaching -20 to -40 degrees outside.

You could fit a small woodburner as you suggested, or if you don't mind paying a little electricity you could fit a air to air heat pump and use that to heat your house and cool it in summer, of course you would also specify a Heat heat recovery ventilation system to retain your heat and keep the house dry.
as you say a well insulated house that has paid attention to passive solar heating, and airtightness and insulation will pay for itself long term

paulocon

Hi,

A few bits and pieces

SEI's Guide to Building an Energy Efficient Home
http://www.sei.ie/uploadedfiles/InfoCentre/Buildingenergyeffhome.pdf

SEI's Guide to Renewable Energy in the Home is also available from the SEI website and is a good read.

Info on Grant available for Renewable Energy Systems in the home
http://www.selfbuildinireland.com/article.php?start=0&articleId=9

Hope that helps...

scaldybelt

Thanks for these details/links.

Very useful.