central heating system new build-lots of questions!

[mercury1]

Hi,
In middle of newbuild, deciding on heating system. We think we are going for the following and would like to hear your thoughts on it. Solar panels; oil central heating with underfloor heating downstairs, rads upstairs; solid fuel stove with back boiler.
Just wondering if back boiler can be used to heat ufh or is it just rads?
Also, can anyone recommend a good solid fuel stove to use?
Any ideas on price for above?
Have you seen solar panels on front of a house and how do they look?
All thoughts/ideas gratefully accepted
Thanks

 

[noelf]

What has your architect said?
Best way is simple, keep it simple.
Look at the long term servicability of the system you will install.
Research it using the Uk and irish profile.
Ask about systems up to 10 years old and how they have performed.
Remember we live in Ireland and always have a back up plan.
Traditional systems are now very efficient, they may be slightly more expensive to run but thay are a hell of alot cheaper and easier to maintain long term.
Oh yes if you are on a well or a shared scheme take a look at the water available to you. And how the systems stand up to the mineral content in your water, hard water etc. Check your kettle or the neighbours.
Daveyjones on the site also knows his stuff and theengineer also.
But beware of some of the advice you get too.