Aerothermal energy is one of the most popular technologies for improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings. It helps save energy and reduce energy bills.

However, before you rush to install it in your home, it's important to know how it works and how energy-efficient it really is.

What is aerothermal energy?

Aerothermal energy is a way to harness the heat from the air around us to heat, cool, and provide hot water in our homes. Yes, the air. Even if we can't see it, it's full of energy that, with the right system, can be transformed into comfort.

How does it do this? Through a heat pump that can extract up to 80% of that energy from the air. In other words, it consumes little electricity and provides a lot in return. That's why it's considered an efficient and sustainable solution.

Installing an air-source heat pump system costs more than a gas boiler, but the savings on your bills are noticeable in the medium term. It also reduces emissions and uses energy that never runs out.

How an aerothermal system improves energy efficiency

One of the key features of aerothermal energy, as we recently discussed, is that it uses energy that's already there, in the air. This makes it an efficient alternative for maintaining your home's temperature year-round.

This type of system is designed to consume little electricity and make the most of the surrounding energy. This translates into lower energy costs and, therefore, fewer emissions. The efficiency is high, and according to the OCU (Spanish Consumer Organization), while a condensing gas boiler has an efficiency of 105%, aerothermal energy can reach up to 400%.

Now, before you rush into installing one, it's a good idea to check if it really fits your home's needs. Because not all homes are the same, and not all solutions work for everyone.

Advantages of installing aerothermal energy

If you're thinking about installing an air source heat pump, you'll be interested in these benefits:

• Energy bill savings: Aerothermal energy uses much less electricity than a conventional electric system. For every kWh consumed, it can generate between 3 and 4 kWh of thermal energy. This translates into significant savings in heating, cooling, and hot water.
• Renewable and clean energy: It extracts 75% of its energy from the outside air, a free and inexhaustible source. This makes it an environmentally friendly solution and compatible with other renewable energies such as solar photovoltaic.
• Year-round comfort: It serves both as heating in winter and cooling in summer. It also maintains a constant, comfortable temperature in your home without power surges.
• Greater efficiency with underfloor heating: Although it can also be used with low-temperature radiators or fan coils, its optimal performance is achieved when combined with underfloor heating.
• Low maintenance: No chimney cleaning, gas boiler inspections, or oil tank maintenance required. The systems are robust and have a long lifespan if basic maintenance is performed.
• Property appreciation: Having an efficient air conditioning system can increase your home's market value.

Disadvantages of aerothermal energy

Although it has many advantages, there are also things you should keep in mind. For example, you'll need some outdoor space to install the outdoor unit. And in apartments, you'll need permission from the community if it's placed on the facade.

• High initial investment: The installation cost is higher than that of other conventional systems, especially when combined with underfloor heating. Although the long-term savings make up for this, it's a factor to consider at the outset. You can often apply for a green mortgage , which helps make your home more sustainable.
• Required work in some cases: Existing homes may require renovations, especially if you are replacing a traditional boiler or installing underfloor heating.
• Lower efficiency in very cold climates: Although current equipment works well even in sub-zero temperatures, in areas with extreme winters, its performance may be reduced and electrical backup may be required.
• Space requirements: A suitable location is required to install the outdoor unit, which can be a drawback in some buildings or urban homes without terraces or patios.

Requirements for installing an aerothermal system and cost

It's key to know what conditions must be met in order to install an aerothermal system that improves the energy efficiency of your home:

• Space for the outdoor unit: It must be in a ventilated area, easily accessible for maintenance and with sufficient sound insulation to avoid disturbances.
• Compatible distribution system: Although it can be adapted to traditional radiators, the use of low-temperature radiators, fan coils, or underfloor heating is recommended to maximize its efficiency.
• Home thermal insulation: A well-insulated home allows you to maximize the efficiency of aerothermal energy. In homes with significant thermal losses, the system's performance decreases.
• Specialized professional installation: It is essential to have qualified technicians conduct a preliminary study of the property's thermal needs and adjust the equipment's power.
• Compliance with current regulations: Depending on the municipality, a building permit or notification of the installation may be required. Additionally, some municipalities offer subsidies that should be applied for in advance.

And the price? It can range from 8,000 to 24,000 euros, depending on the size of the house and the system chosen. But it pays for itself within 5 to 12 years. Sooner or later, the savings make up for it.

Energy savings with an aerothermal system

Aerothermal energy offers significant savings. It runs on electricity, but uses the heat from the air to produce between three and six times more energy than it consumes. If you're wondering how much aerothermal energy consumes, it depends on the type of installation and the insulation of the home, but it's generally much lower than other traditional systems.

This is noticeable on your bill. Depending on your previous system, the savings can be up to 50%. And if diesel was your choice, the jump is even greater. Plus, it's a renewable energy source, cleaner, more stable in price, and without the hassle of gas price increases.

It's true that the initial cost is higher, but if you do the math over the medium term, it pays off. However, like everything, it depends on your needs and whether the system fits well in your home.