Everyone dreams of reducing their energy bill. Building a detached house in the South-West is an excellent idea when you want to benefit from economical heating. But be careful, there are certain mistakes to avoid! Maisons SIC, a builder of new homes in the South West for 50 years, explains how to choose your economical heating.
Mistake 1: Underestimating the importance of thermal insulation, an obstacle to economical heating
If today's new houses are more economical to heat than old houses, it is thanks to their efficient insulation.
This insulation is mandatory for new constructions, via very strict rules, notably requiring high-level insulation. A requirement that significantly reduces energy consumption.
Building regulations in the South West emphasize all architectural elements, including walls, floors and roofs. Every detail, from doors to bay windows, is subject to relentless rigor in terms of installation and construction.
Moreover, craftsmen must prove their expertise, because the insulation follows strict regulations, thus contributing to the implementation of economical heating. This is the case for the teams of Maisons SIC !
To learn more about efficient heating systems, see our article on best economical heating solutions.
The standards to follow for good thermal insulation of a new house
The 2020 environmental regulations (RE 2020) require new homes to have a high level of energy performance, with particularly careful thermal insulation, using materials that minimize their greenhouse gas emissions.
RE 2020 requires in-depth treatment of thermal bridges, ensuring a homogeneous and efficient thermal envelope.
Insulating materials, whether traditional or biosourced, such as glass wool or cellulose wadding, offer a diverse and adaptable palette to all projects. Manufacturers favor certified solutions, recognizable by labels attesting to their quality.
Interior or exterior insulation?
The majority of houses opt for interior insulation, favoring an optimal balance between performance, ease of implementation and cost.
Other alternatives, such as distributed or external insulation, prove relevant depending on the specificities of the constructions, particularly for houses with a wooden or metal frame.
Interior insulation, aimed at the application of insulation on internal wallsnes, requires careful selection of insulation, to reconcile low thermal conductivity and high thermal resistance.
Techniques vary, including the use of insulating panels or insulation within a frame, with a diversity of materials, each presenting its own advantages and disadvantages, particularly in terms of cost, performance, and impact. ecological.
On the other hand, external thermal insulation (ITE), applied in new constructions, is also available in various methods for walls, roofs, and floors.
Either it's about insulation under cladding, gluing insulation on facades, or applying insulating coating, each approach offers varied thermal performances and aesthetics.
Although each promises energy savings, the quality of production remains fundamental. In both approaches, it is imperative to seek the expertise of professionals, combining respect for the budget and acquisition of optimal thermal comfort in compliance with current regulations.
Choose your favorite Maisons SIC, builder of individual houses for over 50 years in the South-West and its professional team, it means ensuring optimum thermal insulation.
Mistake 2: Only thinking about the initial costs of economical heating (and not long-term return on investment)
When we embark on the great adventure of building our new house in the South-West, we often focus on the initial costs, especially when it comes to economical heating of our future home.
Of course, the initial investment in a heating system represents a significant expense, but reducing this vision to just the initial installation is a common mistake. Owners of new homes are sometimes tempted to seemingly less expensive heating solutions initially.
However, the key lies in long-term vision and appreciation of the return on investment what economical heating of your home offers over several years.
Considering expenses and savings over the entire life cycle of the system is essential to informed and sustainable financial management of its habitat.
It is imperative to take into account operating costs, maintenance and monthly savings generated by an energy efficient system.
Thus, adopting ecological and economical heating requires an in-depth analysis of available technologies, weighing up the initial investment, the financial assistance available, and the long-term savings.
The ultimate objective being to opt for a solution which, while being ecologically responsible, ensures optimal thermal performance and generates substantial savings over time.
- Also read : Gas, electric, wood, solar, heat pump: which heating is the most economical in a new house?
Mistake 3: Neglecting the advantages of electric heating: new economical models
When someone says “electric heating”, you think big electricity bill, toasters and a whole list of other inconveniences.
But forget your preconceptions! Technological developments have disrupted the world of electric heating, calling into question certain preconceived ideas concerning it, particularly in terms of energy savings in the context of new construction.
Although electric heating has been criticized for its high energy consumption, incompatible with the 2020 Thermal Regulations, we should not neglect the advantages of recent models.
Modern electric heaters, thanks to substantial innovations, come in several versions — inertia, storage, and radiant, among others.
The electric inertia heater, for example, is praised for its energy efficiency and its ability to provide constant, gentle heat. With dry or liquid inertia options, these radiators store heat to diffuse it continuously, even when turned off, thus providing optimal thermal comfort. It is particularly a wise choice for living rooms where a stable and comfortable temperature is desired.
On the other hand, the electric radiator with double heating body perfectly illustrates the synthesis between rapid temperature rise and efficient heat maintenance, while controlling energy consumption. Although it is one of the most expensive on the market, its performance and thermal comfort can justify the investment, especially when managed intelligently. Another significant criterion when choosing a radiator is its power, which must be adequate in relation to the volume of the room to be heated.
By considering these parameters, as well as the thermostat, the programmer, and the energy label, users can now opt for economical and efficient electric heating., which not only respects environmental standards but also ensures indisputable thermal comfort.
It remains essential to always guide your choice according to the specific characteristics of the accommodation and the lifestyle habits of the occupants, in order to guarantee a balance between comfort, economy, and respect for the environment.
Mistake 4: Not taking into account the regional climatic factor and its influences on economic heating
Is regional climate really a key factor in choosing economical heating for your home? Yes of course !
It determines the amount of heat needed to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
For example, a house in the Alps will require a more robust heating system than a house on the Mediterranean coast, as a mix between wood heating and electric heating with inertia radiators.
Climate directly influences energy consumption. In the cooler regions of the South-West (such as the Pyrenees), a more powerful heating system is necessary. This could be a central heating system or a geothermal heat pump.
Conversely, in warm regions (such as on the Atlantic coast), air conditioning may be more important. An efficient cooling system, such as a reversible central air conditioner, may be necessary.
In the South-West, in general, the climate is rather mild. A moderate heating system, such as an air-to-air heat pump, may be sufficient. It is an economical and ecological choice. Additionally, using a solar water heater can be a great option to further reduce energy costs.
There are several options for cost-effective heating of your new home in the South West.
Heat pumps, for example, are very efficient and can be used for heating and cooling. Condensing boilers are another economical option that uses water vapor energy to heat your home. Finally, passive solar systems use energy from the sun to heat your home, which can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Mistake 5: Choosing economical heating but not for the real needs of your home (surface to be heated)
Choosing economical heating for your new home without taking into account the real needs of your home is a common mistake. The surface to be heated is a determining factor in the choice of heating system.
The surface to be heated directly influences the heating capacity required. A large house will require a more powerful heating system than a small apartment. For example, a heat pump may be sufficient for an apartment, but a detached house might require a condensing boiler.
It is important to choose an economical heater that suits the size and layout of your home. For example, if you have a large house with many rooms, you might consider a central heating system. If your house is small, a supplementary heating system might be enough.
There are several options for cost-effective heating of your home. Electric heaters are an economical option for small areas. For larger areas, central heating systems (such as underfloor heating) are often more efficient. Air-air or air-water heat pumps are also a great option for mid-sized homes.
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To avoid accumulating errors, when you are building a house in the South-West and you want suitable economical heating, call on the professionals of Maisons SIC !
