In layman’s terms, how does the DSHH system work?
Simplistically: A large, engineered, high-tech solar collection system (that works even in winter) collects massive amounts of heat and pumps that heat through pipes in the floor slab, heating it up, warming the house. The insulated slab also retains much of the heat due to its excellent thermal mass characteristics. Once up to temperature in the house, the system diverts the excess heat to the under slab, insulated storage system (Heat core). It can then be extracted on demand, for use on none solar days.
The DSHH system works at mains pressure, however the water in the DSHH system, is isolated from your home’s potable water.
Will the DSHH system provide all the heat I need to keep my house warm?
Most assuredly it will, provided the home is suitably designed (we offer free guidelines to customers) and insulated. The DSHH system was designed from the beginning to be a background heat, to maintain a temperature between 18 & 21 degrees depending upon your controller settings, your insolation and the maintaining of a secure thermal envelope.
Current installations are seeing the whole house being kept warm all winter. Results will vary with respect to thermal variables, weather, size & type of home.
My builder says my new house will be warm enough without heating, is this true?
The Inuit may think so, but most people in NZ, Canada, USA, and Southern parts of Australia, would disagree unless the design is specifically engineered to do so.
Studies done by BRANZ, in conjunction with four of New Zealand’s major universities concluded that the average New Zealand house was 6 degrees colder that the minimum healthy winter temperature as determined by the WHO (World Health Organization).
However, there are a few very heavily insulated passive solar homes in the upper North Island where this claim may be valid.
Must I use a DSHH approved builder to install my system?
No, you can use any tradesman you choose to, and our expert staff will confer with them and as required, help train new installers as required. It makes sense that installers who are already experienced, can offer excellent value for the money.
We do suggest you get your selected tradesperson to quote for the installation before you confirm their appointment.
We are happy to offer comparative costs for installations as reported by other customers.
How much does it cost to install my DSHH?
This will depend largely upon the size and location of your house. Once we have been supplied with a draft floor plan we will be able to finalise the materials pricing pricing for you and give you a rough idea of the installation costs.
Generally however, it is similar to that of installing any underfloor hydronic heating system.
How much does it cost to actually run the DSHH system?
Obviously this will depend largely upon the engineered size of the system but a typical 200M2 home would cost less than $20/Yr. The pumps run at minimum 46w and typically only one pump will operate at any one time and then only intermittently. Also the DSHH digital controller consumes 5 watts nominal.
Will my DSHH also heat my domestic hot water?
Most definitely.
In nearly all cases we recommend that the DSHH is integrated with your domestic hot water. This is an option and you are not forced to take it, however; it makes sense to use free hot water, and the cost to integrate can be less than adding a separate solar hot water system. Our hot water pricing generally includes the supply of a special solar hot water cylinder, and added solar panels.
Can you integrate the heat from a Wetback?
Yes the controller has the ability to integrate the hot water generated by a wetback, to not only heat hot water, but also to also heat the home; in that order. We recommend at least a 10kW wetback, a special Hot Water Cylinder is required.
How many DSHH systems are there in NZ?
The number is rising every month. Currently homes in some of the coldest location have the system, including but not limited to: Invercargill (Dipton), Alexandra, Dunedin, Ashburton, Wellington, Gisborne, Ohakune, and Raglan are equipped with the DSHH system.
Are there any DSHH systems operating elsewhere in the world?
The DSHH is the intellectual property of the inventor Ron Theaker who holds the patent; however there are commercial systems that use similar technology heating small communities in Canada and Germany. The expectation is the DSHH system will be sold worldwide over time.
Can you use the DSHH system in an existing home?
Not as a rule. As the heat storage is underneath the full size of the home under the slab, it would be difficult to retrofit. However there are some exceptions to the rule please ask if you think you are interested. Obviously it would be more difficult with a wooden floor as there is very little thermal mass to retain & distribute heat in such a floor. There are other less complicated exceptions, for example:
What about converting existing hot water heating?
Most existing in floor hydronic heating systems can be converted to the DSHH system. As a rule we build the heat containment system (TES or Heat Core) into adjacent land. We constantly run into people who have had to shut down their gas boiler operated hydronic system due to expensive operating costs, the DSHH system is a boon to these people..
Each case we treat individually. Call us for more info: contact us.
Can you use this for cooling as well as heating?
We don’t recommend it as cool air tends to stratify close to the floor, unlike heat which tends to rise and mix. Install a quality DC Inverter Heat Pump for your best cooling option, in fact we often recommend one for heat backup in the early days, as well for summer cooling.
What is the Warranty?
Installation of the system is warranted by the builder and or professional used to install the system. The system is normally installed by the builder. Builders should be Master Builder or Certified Builders and include a comprehensive warranty for all facets of installation. Factory warranty applies to all parts such as control valves, pumps, solar collectors, and pipes. Copies or warranty info available on request
Call us for more info: contact us..
Can the DSHH system be installed in any new building?
Yes. It can be installed in any thermally efficient design with has a concrete slab floor. DSHH have design guidelines that can be added to almost any design to ensure the system operates properly.
The DSHH system can be installed in many 2 story dwellings, where a floating slab is designed into the upper floor. The downside to this is the DSHH system is designed around a 1:1 storage to heated home ratio; in this case the heated part of the home can end up twice the size of the storage. This can create issues for storage in summer, reducing the overall effectiveness of the system, and yet it will still provide significant thermal gain for the home or office.
Note it takes a full summer to get a nominal heat charge in the thermal heat-core, it can take 2-4 years to fully ‘charge’ the heat core depending upon location and circumstances
What about installing the DSHH system into commercial and or Offices?
When installed as part of a design, the DSHH system cam be scaled to suite most one or two storey buildings. The thermal checklist still applies.
This means buildings such as Warehouses, Supermarkets, Offices, Gym’s, Schools, Government buildings. Recreation centers and Swimming pools etc., can all hugely benefit from the installation of the DSHH system.
Call us for more info: contact us.
