Energy efficiency is a necessity. The price of electricity continues to increase and, on the other hand, we have to reduce CO₂ emissions to mitigate climate change. These are things that we must take into account when choosing a heating system for our home.
Aerothermal energy is the secret of those who know. We explain what this technology consists of, with little environmental impact and which provides a level of comfort that exceeds that of many conventional systems.
Aerothermal, the numbers speak for themselves
When the technical architect Andreu Villagrasa renovated his apartment following the criteria passive housedecided to install an aerothermal system for air conditioning and hot water. That was more than two years ago and today it ensures that its annual energy consumption has been reduced by more than 67% compared to a similar floor with conventional systems.
In concrete numbers, your aerothermal equipment consumes an average of 34 kWh per month, which represents only 16% of your total bill. Translated into money, In an average apartment, the savings are around 300 to 400 euros per year. And the most interesting thing is that in addition to the savings, the feeling of comfort has improved significantly.
What is aerothermal energy and how does it work?
Aerothermal energy is an air conditioning system that extracts energy from outside air to generate heat in winter, cold in summer and domestic hot water throughout the year.
It works through a high-efficiency heat pump, like that of an air conditioner, but heats a closed water circuit with radiators or underfloor heating.
This system not only stands out for reducing electrical consumption, but also for offering a cleaner alternative compared to gas boilers or electric water heaters. As it does not produce combustion, direct emissions are zero, making it a more sustainable solution.
Clear economic benefits
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One of the great attractions of aerothermal energy is its ability to reduce energy expenditure.
According to Andreu, with constant and balanced use, the initial investment It can be amortized over a period of 7 to 9 years. Combining aerothermal energy with self-consumption systems, such as photovoltaic panels, can shorten this period.
It is also advisable to consult the available aid and subsidies, as they can considerably reduce the initial cost.
other benefits of aerothermal energy
Beyond the economic, those who already use aerothermal energy highlight the leap in quality of life. In the case of Andreu’s renovated apartment, the interior temperature remains stable in all seasons.
Thanks to the airtightness and insulation of the standard passive housethe home retains heat or cold for two or three days, even with the system turned off.
This means living without cold drafts or unbalanced temperature zones. And, furthermore, with a cleaner air, since heat recovery filters filter pollution and improve interior ventilation.
Errors to avoid when installing aerothermal
Not everything goes when betting on this technology. Andreu insists that many of the common problems arise from poor design or installation decisions. Their recommendations to avoid these errors are:
- Do not oversize the equipment, because it causes greater consumption and lower efficiency.
- Do not neglect the thermal envelope, installing low-quality windows or windows with thermal bridges that force the system to work overtime.
- Adjust dimming controls to increase performance from day one.
The key is in a good prior study of the home’s energy demand and in trusting specialized technicians.
Tips for better performance
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Andreu himself shares other practical recommendations based on his experience:
- Program the air conditioning to 20-21 ºC in winter and 25-26 in summer.
- Use low and silent flow rates instead of maximum power peaks.
- Take care of the airtightness and home insulation, as if it were “a coat without holes.”
- Combine aerothermal energy with renewable energies to optimize amortization.
An investment in well-being and sustainability
Aerothermal energy is not just a technology to reduce expenses, it is a system that transforms the way you live in your home. Ensures stable temperatures, clean air and constant savings that allow you to recover the initial investment in a few years.
As Andreu Villagrasa explains, it is about think of the home as a whole which combines good insulation, a careful design and an efficient air conditioning system. More and more professionals, like the architect Tania Pereira (@tania.paarquitecta), who collected her testimony on Instagram, emphasize that the future of housing involves solutions like this.