the German plastic failed to cope with the temperature range and expansion/contraction in France
I think you'll find it just had the wrong specification of plasticisers in it to cope with the temperature range rather than being 'German'...
Do not get a woodburner, they are the work of the devil.
On the PV v Solar heating I would probably max out my allowance of PV first and then fit solar heating with what roof space is left. I am a big fan of solar water heating due to the efficiency but due to feed in tariffs and my use of electricity more than hot water I would get the PVs sorted first and then fit the heating in what space is left.
Insulation first. How much depends on the existing building fabric. Obviously a complete new build can be done with almost zero heating energy required... an existing 400 year old stone cottage, erm, not so much possibility for improvement.
Heating:
none? great
some? stove in a central location, or maybe ASHP/GSHP
lots? fairly normal wet setup, UFH preferably. I like fires, so it'd be nice to have a big multifuel stove in a living space, linked up with a regular timed automatic boiler, but not necessary.
Plenty of interesting points, ta.
It's a 60 year old place, but needs a bit of input.
I just thought that whilst I had the empty place to bits (I've got a few months overlap before we move in) I'd see what I could do...
I think a woodburner will be fitted - just cos they look great are a nice fire is nice!!
DrP
I've got a 6 year old house. It's got underfloor heating:
+ creates a lovely "warm all over the house" feeling - no hot spots / cold spots
+ Nice under your feet
+ provides a stable all day level of comfort - we find it works best with it coming on and off a few times a day to sort of "top up" the heat in the floor
- Can be expensive if you have it on constantly
- Can take a while for it to deal with quick changes in outdoor temperature e.g. come back from holiday, house is v cold...it can take a day or 2 to get back up to temp again
- It's more expensive / complicated than a regular radiator system
On balance, I'd miss it if we moved.
I've also got 2 water heating solar panels. These are great - lots of hot water on sunny days and it's effectively free hot water as you don't need the boiler on anywhere as much. Of course, you do need sunshine!
