With soaring bills and inflation, it is becoming complicated to save energy. But when you have your house built in the South-West, you can take control of your heating sources. And by combining them intelligently, it is possible to reduce your energy bills. Maisons SIC, a builder of individual houses in the South West for over 50 years, explains how to do it.
Home heating and energy savings: the importance of energy diversity
Heating is a major expense for French households, representing around 70% of the energy consumption of residential buildings. It is also responsible for a significant portion of CO2 emissions.
As the site explains What energy, the French spent on average €1 in 684, the equivalent of more than a month's salary at the gross minimum wage, for their heating bill alone.
To reduce these impacts, it is important to reduce energy demand by improving the insulation and ventilation of homes.
It is also possible to combine several heating sources to optimize energy efficiency and reduce the bill.
Energy diversity consists of combining different heating sources, such as renewable energies, fossil fuels and electricity. She allows to take advantage of the benefits of each of these sources while reducing the inconvenience.
Installation of a mixed heating system requires the intervention of a qualified professional. There is financial aid for the installation of efficient heating systems, such as energy saving certificates (EEC) or aid for the anah.
Maisons SIC, a professional in the construction of new homes for over 50 years, is here to support you in your choice of heating.
The energy savings achieved through energy diversity vary depending on the configuration of the home and the heating sources chosen. On average, it is possible to make savings of up to 30% on the heating bill.
The advantages of combining several heating sources
The combination of several sources of heating has many advantages, especially in terms of reduced energy consumption, thanks to the complementarity of the different heating sources, which can supplement each other depending on needs and climatic conditions.
This energy mix also allows improved thermal comfort. Indeed, each heating source has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, a heat pump is very efficient in heating a home in winter, but it can be less efficient in summer. By combining a heat pump with electric heating or wood heating, it is possible to benefit from optimal thermal comfort all year round.
Finally, the diversification of energy sources has ecological advantages: it makes it possible to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Which “main” heating to choose for your home: the different choices to optimize your energy savings
The choice of main heating for your home depends on several criteria, such as climate, surface area, orientation, level of insulation, ecological footprint and housing budget.
There are then two main categories of energy sources: fossil energies and renewable energies.
- Fossil fuels (gas, fuel oil, electricity) are the most widespread and the most accessible, but they are also the most polluting and the most subject to price fluctuations. They offer good energy efficiency, but contribute to global warming. They are suitable for urban areas and homes connected to the network.
- Renewable energies (solar, wood, geothermal, aerothermal) are the cleanest and most stable, but they are also the most expensive to purchase and the most dependent on climatic conditions. They offer low energy efficiency, but reduce CO2 emissions. They are suitable for rural areas and self-contained housing.
To optimize energy savings, it is recommended to combine several heating sources, favoring renewable energies and using fossil fuels as a complement.
- Also read : Gas, electric, wood, solar, heat pump: which heating is the most economical in a new house?
The different sources of heating in a new house
There are two main categories of heating systems: centralized systems and individual systems.
- Centralized systems produce heat from a single source (boiler, pompe à chaleur) and distribute it throughout the home through a network of pipes or conduits. They offer a uniform temperature and optimal comfort, but require complex and expensive installation. They are suitable for large areas and well-insulated homes.
- Individual systems produce heat from several sources (stove, radiator) and distribute it locally in each room. They offer adjustable temperature and flexibility of use, but consume more energy and take up more space. They are suitable for small areas and poorly insulated homes.
In order to achieve real energy savings, choose your main heating (which can be central heating in a large house), if possible using renewable energy (such as a heat pump) and add individual systems, based on fossil or renewable energies (solar heating, wood stove, etc.).
The 4 criteria for choosing heating sources for real energy savings
Choosing a heating system is a significant investment, which must be considered based on several criteria.
To achieve real energy savings, it is important to take into account the following 4 criteria:
- Investment cost : The initial investment cost is an important criterion to take into account, particularly for households with limited budgets. It is important to compare the prices of the different solutions available, taking into account the size of the home and the heating needs.
- Running cost : The operating cost is the most important criterion for achieving energy savings. It is linked to the energy consumption of the heating system and the price of energy. It is important to compare the energy performance of the different solutions available.
- Energy performance : The energy performance of a heating system is measured by its coefficient of performance (COP). A high COP means that the heating system is more efficient and uses less energy.
- Thermal comfort : Thermal comfort is an important criterion to take into account, particularly for people sensitive to the cold. It is important to choose a system heating which helps maintain a comfortable temperature in the accommodation.
Energy diversity for energy savings: what possible combinations?
The combination of several heating sources is an effective solution for reducing energy consumption, improving thermal comfort and diversifying energy sources. It offers great flexibility and allows you to adapt to everyone’s needs and budget.
How to combine heating sources?
There are two ways to combine heating sources: by complementarity and by substitution.
- By complementarity: The association by complementarity consists of combine heating sources that have complementary characteristics. For example, a very efficient heat pump in winter with electricity for when it is less cold.
- By substitution: Association by substitution consists of combining heating sources that can replace one another. For example, a condensing boiler can be used to supplement a heat pump when outside temperatures are low.
Examples of combinations of heating sources
Here are some examples of combinations of heating sources that will allow you to make real energy savings:
Heating systems | Housing type | Energy consumption | Benefits | Drawbacks |
Heat pump + condensing boiler | Medium to large sized accommodation | Moderate to heavy consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort Diversification of energy sources |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation |
Wood stove + central heating | Medium to large sized accommodation | Significant consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort Diversification of energy sources |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation Wood consumption |
Heat pump + electric heating | Medium-sized accommodation | Moderate consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation Electricity consumption |
Gas central heating + wood stove | Medium to large sized accommodation | Significant consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort Diversification of energy sources |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation Wood consumption |
Solar heating + electric heating | Medium-sized accommodation | Moderate consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation Electricity consumption |
Central heating + condensing boiler | Medium to large sized accommodation | Moderate to heavy consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation |
Wood stove + solar panels | Medium to large sized accommodation | Moderate to heavy consumption | Reduced energy consumption:
Improved thermal comfort Diversification of energy sources |
High initial investment cost
Complexity of installation Wood consumption |
Faced with the complexity of an energy mix, it is important to be supported by a professional to choose the most suitable heating sources and make the best energy savings.
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Contact Maisons SIC, professional in the construction of new houses for over 50 years, to support you in your choice of heating.