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Hydronic Heating
Hydronic heating from MAASS Products can provide you and your family with the cleanest, and latest heating systems available. Developed over 2000 years ago by the ancient Romans, hydronic heating is proven quiet, cosy and comfortable and is virtually maintenance free.
The even heat provides you and your family with a clean natural and safe environment.
Underfloor Hydronic Heating: In Slab:
Home Refurbish
Combination Radiator & In Slab
In Slab Hydronic heating is the most cost effective method of Installation. REHAU Raupink heating pipe is laid directly over the reinforcing mesh and connected to the distribution manifold. The manifold is usually located in an accessible location like a linen cupboard and the heating pipe is laid according to a circuit plan overlaid on the building plan. This ensures that pipe is laid AROUND future fixing points like walls, benches and toilets. Once the concrete floor is poured, the manifold bracket shown is removed and the manifold is then fixed to the wall.
Upper storey timber Floor or:
Over Slab,
Retro fit to existing Construction:
Where a floor currently exists, irrespective of its construction, underfloor heating can still be installed. The base floor must be structurally sound, and consideration needs to be given to a “Heating Floor Depth” of approximately 40-50mm.
The process involves REHAU Raupink heating pipe laid over insulation or directly stapled to a timber sub floor. MAXXON THERMAFLOOR is then directly applied via a batch mixing and pump process, ensuring complete encapsulation of the heating pipe and providing a lighter and superior thermal mass than a concrete screed.
Radiator and Underfloor Combination systems are common in refurbishments as many customers desire to retain original timber flooring in older constructions.
Hydronic Radiator Systems:
An extremely popular choice in today’s modern homes is the CIGA range of decorator radiators. The unique combination of functional beauty and radiant efficiency, make CIGA an ideal choice in homes of today.
For the more traditional home, Tubular radiators or panel radiators are a sound investment. Efficient and unobtrusive, these radiators are usually located under windows and in areas where furniture is unlikely to be placed.
This method is particularly suitable in larger commercial and multi level premises where traditional concrete screeds are used to level out Hebel style or pre-stressed concrete floors. Instead of a concrete screed, a THERMAFLOOR heating screed is applied as soon as the pipe is laid. Less downtime with an efficient heating system is the result. Now these types of floors can be heated and leveled at the same time!
The process involves REHAU Raupink heating pipe laid over insulation or directly stapled to a timber sub floor. MAXXON THERMAFLOOR is then directly applied via a batch mixing and pump process, ensuring complete encapsulation of the heating pipe and providing a lighter and superior thermal mass than a concrete screed.
Once completely dry, a THERMAFLOOR surface can be tiled or carpeted in the usual manner.
Products and Services
REHAU, “Raupink” and REHAU “Stabil” Heating pipe.
World renowned and respected tubing manufacturer, REHAU is at the forefront of polymer technology worldwide. From high strength construction materials for commercial aircraft and Polymer components for BMW, the REHAU name is synonymous with strength, durability and performance.
MAASS products use REHAU Raupink and Stabil for underfloor and radiator hydronic installations. Local manufacturer distribution and design support is important when considering overall system performance. REHAU is an integral part of all MAASS heating systems.
MAASS are also a REHAU distribution centre for the heating/plumbing trade in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne. Large stocks of Raupink Heating Pipe, STABIL composite pipe and standard REHAU fittings and tools up to 32mm are available.
SBK Modular Heating Manifolds
The SBK series manifolds flexibility in design is the key to their incredible reliability. SBK can take punishment like no other manifold and still deliver legendary high performance. Adjustments can be made in the field easily, making system add-ons or multi-level installations a breeze.
Durability - Simplicity - Reliability - Flexibility - Cost effective & Maintenance Free
SMART Temp Thermostats
Simplicity is everything, with SMART Temp thermostats; we achieve performance and reliability with easily understood controls.
Local design and technical services stand behind every unit installed and connections are easily made to CBUS and similar systems.
BELIMO Zone Valves
Swiss reliability at its best. Belimo Zone valves are usually installed as 24V units and perform their open and close functions on command of the room thermostat. With full flow reliability and Local office support, Belimo Valves are used exclusively in all MAASS Zoned hydronic systems.
HURLCON Hydronic Boilers
Local Manufacture with world standard efficiencies, Hurlcon Boilers are selected for their build quality, reliability and local support.
Available for small residential and large multi storey hydronic systems, Hurlcon boilers supply technical and product support to MAASS hydronic underfloor and radiator systems.
Design and Construct
MAASS Products design, install and service all types of hydronic systems. Whether it your project is a large multi-level office or residential complex or a 2 room flat, there is a MAASS hydronic solution for your project. Zoned systems are a specialty with locally designed and built controls that are robust and easily understood. This enables troubleshooting to be conducted by local trades in remote areas if necessary.
HEAT SOURCES
OK, so you’ve decided that a hydronic system is the ideal heating system for you!
What heat sources are available?
Firstly, a hydronic radiant heating system is efficient because of the way it uses the heat. A radiant system will radiate heat to all points of a room and heat the thermal mass inside it! It will heat tables, chairs, bookshelves etc. It is the re-radiation of this heat at “Living Level” that gives hydronic systems their amazing efficiency.
LPG or Natural Gas Boiler
Either an LPG or Natural Gas fired boiler is generally used. Hydronic Boilers are exceptionally efficient and operating costs are generally less than that of comparable forced air systems. In most cases they are fixed directly to an exterior wall however flued indoor models are common in higher density living areas.
Combustion fireplace or Kitchen wood stove
For Rural areas, a MAASS solid fuel system can be installed. This system allows for Solar Boosting and Domestic hot water incorporating electric or gas backup.
The system consists of a slow combustion fireplace with a water jacket of known rating (usually 30Kilowatts), a ceiling mounted hot water collection tank, high efficiency APRICUS evacuated tube solar collectors and a MAASS solid fuel manifold with pump and thermostatic control.
This system can also provide domestic hot water at mains pressure if required.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps are becoming popular in Australia because their operating efficiencies are improving. The high initial cost of heat pump units can be offset over several years of operation due to their operating efficiencies.
It is now possible to link Heat Pump systems to geothermal cores and other heat exchange systems to provide home heat at surprisingly low cost.
What does buying “Green” mean?
Put simply, buying green is actively searching for products that have been manufactured in a way that support and sustain a renewable way of producing products and/or services that do no harm to you or the environment.
Sustainability Victoria website advises that “Green purchasing is about integrating environmental considerations into purchasing decisions. Key considerations when buying a product include whether the product contains recycled content, whether there are energy and water savings as well as how efficiently the materials were used to make the product. For example, do the manufacturers have product stewardship or waste reduction programs? The first step in green purchasing is to ask, "do we need to purchase this item or is there an alternative?"
Many manufacturers are mindful of emerging environmental regulations and a growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly products, and they are beginning to respond. Many have embraced the view that green products and production techniques are a market competitive weapon.
For a product to be considered green, a Manufacturer to exercise considerations for the environmental impact at all stages of the production process which includes resource saving, release of pollutants and recycling of components. The manufacturer will not introduce nor use any materials which may be harmful to the ecosystem in the design, production, field application and end of life disposal stages of any product.
This process is rigid in its application and has passed standards testing in order to be classed as “Green”.
The centre for Green Manufacturing in the United States has this mission statement:
- “To prevent pollution and save energy through the discovery and development of new knowledge that reduces and/or eliminates the use or generation of hazardous substances in the design, manufacture, and application of chemical products or processes.”
What do we do?
MAASS Products is constantly researching products that offer both green manufacture and green use! A good example is the poly rainwater tanks that are so common now. Their raw material is a by product of the oil industry!
Further example is the embracing of Hydronic Heating as the heating system of choice in homes. Whilst ducted gas systems may be similar in cost to run, the time spent running is less because of the way that Hydronics (whether wall radiator or underfloor) radiate heat and that reduces emissions and reduces running costs over time.
Further reductions in emissions are possible when heat source is considered! A condensing boiler will cost a little more, but, because of the way that flue gases are re-used for heat, their efficiencies are unsurpassed.
Next Generation Solar Hot Water!
MAASS are pleased to offer the best products we can find
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The APRICUS and AAE Solar hot water systems are the best available! They are extremely high performance thermal solar hot water systems. Particularly suited to Australian conditions, the source of heat is their secret.
Evacuated tube thermal solar panels are more than 40% more efficient than standard flat plate solar collectors. They also look more attractive! The secret is in the design, construction and shape!
A double walled glass tube is used to capture thermal solar energy from the sun. The vacuumn between each wall holds and magnifies the heat. Have you ever left your car in an open car park on a cloudy day then returned to find it hot? This is a similar principle and the APRICUS panel uses it to full effect!
An aluminium internal sleeve is inserted into the tube to act as a heat exchanger to a copper heat rod which is then closely fitted into the water flow manifold as shown in the diagram.
Accordingly, THERE IS NO WATER FLOWING AROUND THE PANEL! Water only flows in the manifold pipe at the top of the panel. This unique design enables incredible heat production and results in smaller and lighter panels delivering superior performance over that of any flat panel on the market.
Incentives for Solar
If you install a new solar system to replace an electric one, or if you install a solar system in a new home, you’ll be eligible to receive renewable energy certificates (REC’s). These were developed by the Commonwealth Government to encourage the reduction of greenhouse emissions from the use of electricity.
The REC’s scheme works by requiring electricity retailers to contribute towards meeting renewable energy targets - an obligation they can meet by purchasing REC’s. So when you install an eligible system, you’ll be rewarded with a certain number of REC’s, between 10 and 64, based on how much greenhouse gas it saves and where you live, as this effects the system's efficiency.
You then either register your REC’s (we give you the forms) and assign them to an agent (often the supplier of your hot water system) who will register and sell them for you. Because the system is Market Driven, the value of an REC’s varies day-to-day, but is usually around $30. So if your solar system is attracts 25 REC’s, you’ll earn around $750.00.
The small print of the REC’s scheme can be fairly complicated, so please ask for more information or check the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) for more information on how it works.
At the bottom of the page is a table outlining some of the rebates available in Victoria.
Replacing an existing GAS Hot Water Service.
This is usually a straightforward matter and install costs will depend on the home and will usually be subject to a site visit. Further, it is often not possible to hide the solar collector panel flow and return pipes within an existing wall, so they are usually plumbed externally to eaves.
Solar panels should ideally face north and be mounted at an angle of 15 to 40 degrees. Make sure they're not shaded during the day by other buildings or trees. Talk to us about the best location.
To help you gain an idea of the costs and rebates involved here is a checklist you can use! This is information we will need from you in order to give you an install estimate.
- Is the roof construction tile or Corrugated?
- Flat or Pitched roof, (an angled or pitched stand may be needed)
- Is there a North Facing roof?
- Will a 2.0m X 2.0 m collector fit on the roof?
- Will the collector be clear of surrounding shadow most of the time?
- Is there ceiling access
- How many occupants?
- What distance (approx) from the Collector to the tank on the ground?
- Is there an outdoor DOUBLE power point at the tank location?
- Is the new tank location going to be in the same location as the existing unit? (this affects water and gas supply)
- How old is the existing GAS HWS?
- How old is the home?
- What type is the existing HWS?
- What postcode are you in? (affects rebates)
Typical Example; ADDING Solar to an EXISTING electric Storage Hot water service
The combination of much reduced operating costs (electric hot water services use approximately 35% of a homes power) and massive rebates make this option very attractive. Further, the overall cost is less because a Hot Water Tank is NOT being purchased.
An APRICUS panel and pump system added to an electric storage hot water service on a typical single storey home will generally have the following cost and rebate components:
- 30Tube APRICUS evacuated tube panel,
- pump and controller system. $2400.00
- Typical Plumbing Installation
- (excluding electric plug installation) $700.00
- Allowance for additional power outlet (weatherproof) $150.00
- SUB Total $3250.00
- LESS SEAV REBATE IN VICTORIA $800.00
New Total after Rebates $2450.00
WHAT REBATES ARE THERE?
An important consideration for many homeowners is the rebates that are available from various sources. We have discussed the REC’s scheme briefly; however the SEAV in Victoria also offers rebates in certain situations.
New Homes
Electric Boosted Solar REC’s Up to $1100.00
Gas Boosted Solar REC’s Up to $1100.00
Existing Homes
ADDING or Pre-Heating Electric HWS with Solar: State SEAV Rebate (up to $1200.00)
ADDING or Pre-Heating GAS HWS with Solar: State SEAV Rebate (up to $1200.00)
REPLACING and existing Gas HWS with Electric Boosted Solar NO REBATE
REPLACING Existing Gas HWS With Gas Boosted Solar: State SEAV Rebate (up to $1500.00)
REPLACING Electric HWS with Electric Boosted Solar: REC’s up to $720.00
REPLACING Gas HWS with Gas boosted Solar: REC’s Up to $1100.00
DISCLAIMER: (Rebates are available and are subject to change and other conditions outside of our control. Whilst we have exercised reasonable care in providing this information, you are advised to seek independent and up to date advice particular to your situation. No guarantees are given that any rebate application by you will be accepted or that the rebate amount is shown correctly or that the rebate scheme is in operation at the time of application. Application forms are supplied at the time of installation)
Pumped solar systems
MAASS products do not offer roof mounted tank systems! The combination of weight (300L of water weighs 300KGS) eventual maintenance costs, roof access and lack of visual appeal, negates any cost savings over time.
With a pumped solar system, only the collector panels are mounted on the roof, while the tank is at ground level and a small electric pump circulates water from the solar collector to the tank. These pumped systems don't require a heat-exchange fluid or frost valves for frost-protection because of their advanced design
Good looks and superior performance make these systems very popular.
Getting the right size
As a general rule, one person uses about 50 L of hot water each day. If you take very long showers, have a dishwasher or often wash clothes in warm or hot water, or if you have a spa, your usage will be greater.
Based on a consumption of 50 L, for thermal solar heaters an average four-person household needs a 22 tube collector panel and a 250 to 300 L tank, to allow for days with lower radiation or higher demand (for example, if you have visitors). If your collector tubes can't be installed in an ideal location, their efficiency may drop and you'll need a larger collector area. The smaller size and weight of the APRICUS collector helps it fit on smaller roof spaces and additional tube sections are available.
Installation Costs
Installation costs can vary between systems and the type of home construction. Generally, costs to install a high efficiency Gas Boosted APRICUS evacuated tube panel split system for a single storey home will be from about $1000.00 and a two storey home from about $1200.00. (Subject to a site visit as there are many variables) Some installations have been as much as $3000.00 due to the amount of work involved.
We will always give a written fixed installed quote.
The reasons for price variations are many, and will depend on your situation. For example, your gas line and/or meter may require upgrading, additional power outlets may need to be installed to drive the Solar Pump and the booster ignition.
Booster off in summer
We don’t advise it, but many people just turn off the gas during the summer!
However, this has inherent dangers and means you have to manage your hot-water supply more actively. If it's overcast for several days, your system may still produce water hot enough for a shower, but it may not heat the tank to above 55oC, which is necessary to kill bacteria such as legionella. Accordingly, we advise that you leave boosters ON to be sure and let the system run automatically as designed.
Replacing an ELECTRIC Hot water service.
These are the same considerations as for the Gas Solar replacement with 2 major differences.
- An electrician is required to complete the wiring on the HWS electric booster element.
- Electrical wiring May require upgrading.
- Standard Plumbing cost will reduce by approximately $300.00 provided the existing unit is being placed in the same location.
Like the Idea but don’t have the money!
We can arrange FLEXIWAY finance to approved applicants. Straightforward terms and a simple application process has helped many customers realise significant energy savings. (In many cases, enough to pay for the finance!)
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A $5000.00 Hot water service installation can be financed for about $35.00 per week over 48 months. Rebates where applicable are paid to you direct and you can use it to reduce your finance or for something else, its up to you!
