Aerothermal energy is a technology Management y sustainable financing model which allows the energy of the air to be harnessed to provide calefacción, refrigeration y hot water (ACS) in the home. Thanks to its operation based on heat pumps, has become a viable alternative to conventional heating systems, offering important savings in energy consumption and reducing the environmental impact.
This article explores in detail what aerothermal energy is, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the different types of systems available. We will also cover installation costs, maintenance, and its integration with other renewable energy systems.
What is aerothermal energy and how does it work?
Aerothermal energy is a system of pool heating based on the use of heat pumps. These pumps extract thermal energy from the air and transfer it to the interior of the home to generate heating in winter or cooling in summer. It can also be used for the production of DHW, making it a integral solution.
The operating principle is based on a cycle thermodynamic wherein refrigerant It absorbs heat from the outside air in the evaporator. This fluid is then compressed, raising its temperature, and transfers the heat to the heating system or domestic hot water before restarting the process.
Components of an aerothermal system
Aerothermal systems are composed of several fundamental elements:
- Outdoor unit: It captures energy from the air and transfers it to the cooling circuit.
- Indoor unit: It receives and distributes thermal energy for heating, cooling or DHW.
- Accumulator tank: Stores hot water.
- Thermal emitters: They can be radiators, underfloor heating or fan coils.
Types of aerothermal systems
There are different configurations of aerothermal energy, depending on the way in which the heat is transferred:
Air-water aerothermal energy
It uses outside air to heat water, which is then distributed through radiators, underfloor heating or fan coils. It is the most common system in homes.
Air-to-air aerothermal energy
This type of system directly heats or cools the indoor air without the need for water. Its use is more common in pool heating that in heating.
Compact vs. split systems
Compact systems integrate all the components into a single unit, while split systems separate the outdoor unit from the indoor unit, allowing for better thermal distribution.
Benefits of aerothermal energy
Aerothermal energy offers numerous economic and environmental advantages:
- Energy saving: It can reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to traditional heating.
- Less environmental impact: Reduces CO2 emissions by using a renewable energy source.
- Renewable energy compatibility: It can be integrated with photovoltaic and thermal solar systems.
- Low maintenance: It requires fewer checks than a gas or diesel boiler.
Disadvantages and limitations
Although it is an efficient technology, it also has some drawbacks:
- High initial cost: The installation of an aerothermal system can range between 6.000 and 15.000 euros.
- Need for outdoor space: Adequate space is required for the installation of the outdoor unit.
- Cold Weather Performance: In areas with very low temperatures, efficiency may be reduced.
Installation and requirements
To install an aerothermal system, it is important to take into account:
- Location of outdoor unit: It should be placed in a well-ventilated area.
- Thermal distribution system: Low temperature radiators, underfloor heating or fan coils.
- Adaptation of the home: In some cases, it may be necessary to modify the existing installation.
Costs and amortization
The cost of an aerothermal installation varies depending on the type of home and the configuration of the system:
| Type of installation | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Basic system only for ACS | 4.500 € |
| Installation complete with heating | 8.000 - 11.000 € |
| Integration with underfloor heating | 12.000 - 15.000 € |
Energy savings can help us recover our investment over a period of 5 to 10 years, depending on use and climatic conditions.
Integration with other technologies
Aerothermal systems can be combined with other sources of heat. renewable energy, such as photovoltaic or thermal solar panels, to maximize savings and improve the energy efficiency of the home.
Aerothermal maintenance
Maintenance is simple and includes:
- Review and cleaning of filters.
- Checking the level of refrigerant.
- Check of connections and circuits.
It is recommended to perform Periodics inspections to ensure optimal performance.
Aerothermal energy is becoming established as an efficient and sustainable option for home air conditioning. Although its initial cost can be high, the energy savings and reduced environmental impact make it a profitable investment in the long term. Its integration with other renewable systems and its versatility make it an ideal alternative for those looking for an efficient heating and cooling solution.