We are continually looking for ways to reduce air conditioning costs in our homes or in buildings, since enjoying a comfortable environment at a lower price is the goal of many families and businesses today. Technology has advanced enough to offer cheaper solutions and efficient, and if we can also take advantage renewable energy, the benefit is even greater. One of the most promising technologies in this field is aerothermal energy. In this article we will explain how aerothermal energy works. Aerothermal energy, how much it costs and what advantages it offers.
What is aerothermy
The first thing we need to understand is what this technology is and how it manages to be so efficient. aerothermal is a renewable energy source which extracts heat from the outside air to heat the interiors of buildings and homes. Although it may sound complicated, the process is quite similar to the operation of air conditioning systems, except that instead of expelling cold or hot air, it transfers it to the water in an internal circuit, which is then used to heat the home or provide hot water (ACS).
This type of technology is renewable because, although the unit needs electricity to operate, it is estimated that it will only need 25% of electrical energy to extract the necessary heat from the air. In other words, with 1 kWh of electricity is capable of generating more than 4 kWh of thermal energy, which represents an efficiency of over 400%.
Its ability to extract energy from the air makes it practically inexhaustible, and since the sun is responsible for heating the air again, we are really talking about a clean and inexhaustible energy, according to the concept of renewability.
How Aerothermal Energy Works
Now that we understand what it is, let's see how this system works to achieve such efficiency. The aerothermal system uses a air-water heat pump, which extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to a refrigerant fluid that circulates within a closed circuit.
The operating cycle follows these steps:
- Air entrance: Outside air is drawn into the system, where the refrigerant absorbs its heat.
- Compression: This heat causes the refrigerant to evaporate. The compressor then significantly increases its temperature by compressing it.
- Condensation: The hot gas passes to a condenser, where it gives up its heat to the water in the building's internal system.
- Expansion: Once the gas has given up heat to the water, it cools and passes through an expansion valve again, where the cycle begins again.
This process allows, in a very efficient way, heat spaces through underfloor heating, radiators or fan coils, in addition to providing hot water.
The system is not limited to just heating the air. Thanks to the inversion of the cycle, heat pumps can also cool the air, which allows the use of aerothermal energy as air conditioning in the summer months.
Aerothermal energy and its applications: Heating, Cooling and ACS
One of the main reasons why this system is gaining popularity in Spain is because of its versatility of use. Aerothermal energy can work for:
- Heating in winter: Using systems such as radiators, underfloor heating or fan coils, the system can heat an entire building, optimizing comfort.
- Cooling in summer: By reversing the heat pump cycle, the air can be cooled during the hot months, acting as an efficient air conditioner.
- Hot water supply: By integrating the system, it can also be used to produce hot water, further optimizing the overall energy consumption of the home.
Furthermore, in moderate or Mediterranean climates, the system has outstanding performance throughout the year, with significant energy savings compared to other traditional systems such as natural gas or diesel boilers.
Efficiency and economic savings
The great advantage of aerothermal energy lies in its Energy Efficiency As we have already mentioned, this system has an efficiency of over 400% under the best conditions. This means that for every 1 kW of electricity consumed, more than 4 kW of heat energy is produced that can be used to heat the home. Even in adverse conditions, aerothermal energy remains efficient, with yields of up to 300%.
Compared to other air conditioning systems, such as traditional ones gas boilers, aerothermal energy can reduce energy consumption by between 50 and 75%, which is directly reflected in the electricity bill.
Furthermore, by not depending on fossil fuels, there are no emissions of polluting gases or waste, so it actively contributes to the fight against climate change. This factor is especially important in terms of sustainability, and that is why the aerothermal is highly subsidized by many local and national administrations, allowing those who invest in these technologies to recover part of their initial investment.
Types of installations and thermal emitters
The type of air source heat pump installation that can be carried out varies according to the user's needs and the structure of the building. There are different ways of using the energy produced, and each of them provides a certain level of comfort, as well as a different type of initial investment:
- Installation of radiators: These can be low or high temperature. Low temperature radiators work efficiently with aerothermal energy, achieving air conditioning without the need to heat the water to very high temperatures. High temperature radiators require pumping water at higher temperatures (65-70ºC), which makes the system less efficient.
- Radiating floor: This is probably one of the most efficient solutions when combined with aerothermal energy. Underfloor heating uses low-temperature water (normally 30-40ºC) to provide uniform heat throughout the room. It is a convenient option and greatly simplifies installation and maintenance.
- Fan coils: Fan coils are units that operate with hot or cold water. These units are ideal for those who want a very flexible system that can be used for both heating and cooling.
How much does aerothermal energy and its installation cost?
It is important to talk about the economic aspect. Although aerothermal energy is considered an efficient and economic option in the long term, the initial outlay can be high. price of an aerothermal installation It depends on several factors, such as the size of the system, the type of installation and the materials used.
In single-family homes, the cost can be between 7.000 and 15.000 € depending on whether heating, cooling and hot water are included. On the other hand, if it is a larger home, the cost can rise to 18.000 €, especially if you opt for underfloor heating or more advanced systems.
Aspects to take into account before installing aerothermal energy
Before installing an aerothermal system, it is important to take into account the following factors:
- Climate in your area: Although aerothermal energy works well even in cold climates, its maximum performance is observed in areas with moderate climates. In extremely cold areas, electricity consumption may increase.
- House size: This system is more cost-effective in medium and large-sized homes (over 90 m²). In small homes, the energy savings are lower.
- Available outdoor space: The heat pump needs an outdoor space where it can be installed, such as a terrace or garden. It is also important that the air flow is not obstructed.
- Home insulation: Improving the insulation of your home is key to making the most of the advantages of aerothermal energy, minimising energy losses.
Is the investment in aerothermal energy worth it?
The quick answer to this question is yes, as long as the conditions are right. Aerothermal is a system that, although it requires a significant initial investment, guarantees a return in the medium term through energy savings. These savings can be even greater if combined with other renewable energy systems, such as a solar thermal installation. Photovoltaic Solar Energy.
In short, aerothermal energy is a modern and efficient solution for air conditioning homes in a sustainable way, offering great economic and environmental advantages. With correct installation and good insulation, bills can be reduced by up to 70%, which makes the return on investment faster.