To talk about “alternative renewable energy sources” is to talk about the good of our planet and the next generations. In the search to improve this aspect, energy and generation, new technologies of systems are the protagonists. These two are aerothermal or geothermal, two energy efficiency systems that achieve very cheap energy and are environmentally friendly.
¿Geothermal o Aerothermal?
Aerothermal
Aerothermal energy is a system for generating hot water and heating, which obtains maximum energy efficiency, does not use fossil fuels inside the house and contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere
This is achieved by means of a heat pump, which extracts heat from the outside air (even if it is below zero) to heat or cool a coolant, which transfers the temperature obtained to the indoor water distribution system through a heat exchanger, which finally transmits the energy generated to the heating and domestic hot water circuit of the house.
Probably the main disadvantage of aerothermal energy is that it involves a high initial installation cost, compared, for example, with a gas condensing boiler. Its advantage lies in the fact that, being such an efficient system, less is spent on consumption and increases in the price of energy have less impact.
The perfect combination is air-water aerothermics with underfloor heating, which achieves savings of around 40 % per year.
The performance is somewhat lower with low-temperature radiators, fan coils and heat pump convectors. In the case of a renovation where conventional radiators are left untouched, solutions can also be found.
Compared to other energy sources, the savings would be 25% with gas and 50% with diesel.
It is important to note that, by installing aerothermal energy, a dangerous fuel tank or gas pipes are avoided. There will also be no flues, no waste, no odors and, therefore, domestic environmental pollution is eliminated. Some models are also prepared to be powered by the energy generated by a photovoltaic installation, thus reducing electrical dependence.
Geothermal
Geothermal energy is obtained from the heat stored under the earth’s surface at a constant temperature, which can be used in heating and cooling systems, as well as in the production of domestic hot water, by means of a suitable installation system.
The use of geothermal energy at the residential level requires the use of systems to capture the existing heat in the ground, heat pumps that drive it to the house and an emission system located inside the house. In Spain, geothermal energy is available from a depth of 1.5 m”, so the collection system consists of probes and collectors of different types, depending on the terrain and the space available.
Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the stable temperature of the ground to provide heating in winter, cooling in summer and hot water throughout the year.
The third element would be the heating and cooling system installed inside the house. Although geothermal heat pumps are compatible with any type of installation, it is advisable to use them “with radiant floor or ceiling systems, with which the highest energy efficiency is achieved or, secondly, with low-temperature radiators”. With a conventional high-temperature radiator system, “the investment required for such an installation may not result in the expected level of savings.
A geothermal installation can offer savings of 70 to 80 % in energy consumption compared to other systems such as gas or oil.
The price of a geothermal installation depends a lot on the type of land, the costs of drilling the subsoil. Approximately between 18,000 and 20,000 € for a well-insulated house of between 150 and 200 square meters; a figure that can be reduced to 12 or 13,000 € in the case of installing the system during the construction of the same. Although these figures may seem high, they can be amortized over a period of 5 to 7 years.
¿Are you looking for a luxury house in Barcelona area?
At BestMaresme we have a great offer in the most exclusive areas of the Maresme. We are experts in luxury properties in towns such as Cabrils, Premia de Dalt, Vilassar de Dalt or Llavaneres. Are you looking for a luxury house to buy or rent in the Costa de Barcelona? Visit us or contact us.