The standard included ducted heating system (can't remember which model) is insufficient for a 48 square house. We've upgraded to the Brivis MX35i for ~$14k.
There's also the option to upgrade to the HX35i which is the high efficiency model for an extra $852. As we've max'd out our budget for the house, we've downgraded to just the MX35i but will probably ask them to put it back up to the HX model as it should pay itself off over the long run. (I tried to get some stats on how long it would take to pay off but couldn't find any useful comparisons. One forum poster said 30% more efficient and pays off in 1.5 years.. I'll be more conservative and say 3 years which is still pretty good return. Good for the budget and good for the environment)
This is the add-on airconditioner. We've only ever had evaporative air conditioning in the past and there's no way I'm putting evaporative into a new house. It's fine when it is <30 degrees but when it's baking hot in Summer, when you most need it, evaporative just carks it and can't bring the temperature any lower than the low 30s.
Here is the standard outlet diagram for our house. The locations are all predetermined and all you can really choose is which vent is which zone. Zones are marked Z1 or Z2. Each level has
For upstairs, we tried asking for one of the vents to be moved away from the window as that will be the most likely bed head location. The most we could get away with was to off centre it as apparently moving it too far away would impact the energy rating of the house.
Love how the master ensuite has an outlet there. Will come in handy for winter showers!
Update: After clarifications with my BC, we only have two zones (not four!). Extra zones on top of this will cost ~$900 per zone. We've just done a Post Contract Variation to rezone just to separate upstairs from downstairs.
I upgraded to the HX35i heating unit and have no regrets, our gas bills are pretty cheap.
ReplyDeleteHave you included a zone between upstairs and downstairs? make sure you get 2 thermostats if you do. Upstairs is generally 5 +/- degrees then downstairs.
Also note that the cooling unit is some times noisy.
Thanks! Yep, triple checked again.. it comes with 2 thermostats and 2 zones for each floor.
DeleteHopefully the higher ceilings make the noise more bearable :)
Thanks for the diagrams, I was looking for the thermostat locations (T in a circle as you mentioned), however couldn't find them. Is it on a different diagram?
ReplyDeleteDownstairs is where the hallway doors are. Upstairs is on top of the stairs on the plumbing stack wall
DeleteAh now I see them, thanks.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I contacted Brivis recently asking about the 22 kilowatt system, apparently the ones in the system are now obsolete, there are new models available on the Brivis website. Still 22 kilowatts and I believe similar output, however the type of gas coolant used is different.
ReplyDeleteYou mean it's obsolete before I've even installed it? doh!
DeleteBrivis is truly really amazing. For 50 years they've established their name and brand to the people. Check their blog update http://goo.gl/VLq0cH
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ReplyDelete