Heating new build

[bms1]

Hi all. I am getting ready to start a new build i am considering a few options UFH throughout using air to water system or UFH heating downstairs only powered by oil burner, radiators upstairs powered by the oil burner and a stove with a back boiler had been set on the air to water system until recently but lately have been thinking if the house is insulated to a high spec it will be easily heated so do i need the expense of all that and will it ever pay for itself.Any opinions experiences appreciated. House is 2900 sq ft two storey.
Thanks.

 

[callanrory]

I am in the same position unfortunately. I can link a thread for you that was up on the site recently regarding Air to water heat pumps

http://www.askaboutmoney.com/showthread.php?t=78318

I am of the same opinion as you and my house is also 2900ft2. DJ01 commented that his fuel costs are in the region of €1,700 per annum which is not currently all that much cheaper than oil. I feel strongly that this is due to the amount of electricity being used to run the compressor in the Air to water unit.
I looked at also Wood pellet boiler (with large 10-15m3 hopper in garage) with 2 solar panels.
This comes in around €5-7k cheaper than air to water and as efficient. I did a energy rating on both are they are coming out like for like due to the electricity being used to run the compressor. With good insulation and air tightness, you should still bring your new build in with an A3 rating

 

[bms1]

I think electricity prices will continue to rise so you wont be any better off than with oil as most of our electricty comes from fossil fuels as far as i know.I find it hard to believe that air to water and geothermal are the be all and end all in the next few years i think there are bound to be newer and more efficient technologies coming out.