I’ve always felt that building an energy efficient house works best when using the right ingredients to obtain the desired results. I’ve been involved with the construction of several SIP homes here in the Rocky Mountains, so, the first main ingredient, SIP’s, is taken care of. But the big question is always, what’s the best way to heat the house? At this altitude (8600 ft.), with the cool days, air conditioning is really not a concern. But with cold winters and the high cost of propane, heating is the main concern. I’m thinking passive solar with a hot water solar system and a hot water storage tank and in-floor radiant heat with boiler backup would be the most efficient and cost effective, but I’m open to suggestions. What would be the perfect recipe? Steve GrandCountySIPs.com

wood

RE: Best heating system for a SIP home.


That would depend on two main things. 1) Budget 2) climate (location).

We just finshed a SIP home in So. Cal. We used ERV in combo with hydronic radiant floors.

If budget allows I would also check out rebates on geothermal. In low humidity areas you can actually reverse pump to 'cool'

Steve,
You are very close. Google Solar Harvest and see what they did. You have the advantage of living in an area(Colorado) with high Solar Insolation. Along with Solar Harvest I would suggest Super Insulating(R-40 walls), and using active solar and a large storage tank(1000's of gallons).

One idea that I'm toying with is using a direct vent pellet stove not only for temporary space heating but also as way to recharge the storage tank during cold cloudy periods(pump the stored water thru it). And, of course, with all of that hot water, using radiant heat.

Good Luck!

PanelCrafter,

Thank you for your reply. I think you hit the nail on the head. That was exactly waht I was thinking about. If you had a superinsulated home, you wouldn't need much of a solar system to heat it, and with a solar electric system, you could easily be completely off the grid, and do it for a reasonable amount, with a payback.

Thanks again, Steve
GrandCountySIPs.com