GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

Convert propane combi-boiler with air source heat pump

user-7297034 | Posted in General Questions on

Hi like-minded people! I live at 8000 ft amsl in SW Colorado and have a pv system that powers my home utilizing our utility’s net metering program. But, I rely on propane to fuel a combi-boiler that provides hot water and heats the water for my passive infloor system. I’d like to convert the propane water heating system to an air source heat pump system. Is it possible? Can I utilize my combo-boiler, or keep it as backup for the coldest days? Thanks!

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. paul_wiedefeld | | #1

    Yes, it’s possible but uncommon. You’re looking for an air to water heat pump and they do best at in-floor heating due to the low temps required. You can keep the combination boiler as backup.

  2. Expert Member
    Akos | | #2

    Propane costs around me about the same as electric resistance heat.

    A small resistance boiler is pretty cheap. If you have the PV capacity to offset the cost, the fact that it is running at COP1 doesn't matter much. You can even add a large buffer tank to store excess PV during the day instead of sending it back to the grid.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |