If you are considering which air conditioning system is most suitable for your home in Girona, you are probably faced with the decision between aerothermal and air conditioning. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages in terms of energy efficiency, installation costs, maintenance, environmental impact and adaptability to the climate of the area.
How does each of the systems work?
Aerothermics: efficient and sustainable air conditioning
Aerothermal energy is a system based on an air-water heat pump that extracts thermal energy from the outside air to heat or cool the inside of a house. It works with water circuits that can be distributed through underfloor heating, low temperature radiators or fan coils.
Main characteristics:
- It can be used for heating, cooling and domestic hot water (DHW).
- Harnesses renewable energy, reducing electricity consumption by up to 70 percent.
- It can reach an efficiency of COP 4-5, which means that for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed, it generates between 4 and 5 kWh of thermal energy.
- Its performance is optimal even in winter.
This system is ideal for single-family homes and buildings seeking energy efficiency and year-round comfort.
Looking for an efficient solution to air-condition your home or business?
We install aerothermal systems that provide heating, cooling and hot water using renewable energy. Year-round comfort and savings from day one.
Air conditioning: fast and economical cooling
Traditional air conditioning works by means of an air-to-air heat pump that extracts heat from inside the house and expels it to the outside. Some models include a heating function, although its performance in winter is usually lower than that of aerothermal.
Main characteristics:
- Rapidly cools spaces in warm months.
- Inverter technology systems have improved energy efficiency.
- The installation is simpler and more economical compared to aerothermics.
- It does not provide sanitary hot water.
This system is more suitable for homes that only need cooling or spot heating.
Do you need to install air conditioning in your home or premises?
We are certified installers of air conditioning systems. We install and maintain efficient and silent equipment adapted to your space.
Comparison between aerothermal and air conditioning
| Criteria | Aerothermal | Air Conditioning |
|---|---|---|
| Energy efficiency | COP 3-5 (high) | COP 2-3 (average) |
| Uses | Heating, cooling and DHW | Cooling and heating |
| Energy savings | Up to 70 percent less energy consumption than traditional heating systems | Low in cooling, high in heating |
| Initial cost | High, between 5,000 and 20,000 euros | Low, between 300 and 2,000 euros |
| Maintenance | Low, requires occasional revisions | Low, periodic filter cleaning |
| Environmental impact | Low, uses renewable energy | Medium-high, depends on electricity |
| Climate of Girona | Works well all year round | Less efficient in extreme temperatures |
If you are looking for an efficient system for heating, cooling and hot water, aerothermal is the best option. If you only need cooling in summer, air conditioning is a more economical alternative.
Which one is better if you are living in Girona?
Girona has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, which can reach 35 degrees, and cold winters, with minimum temperatures of 2 to 4 degrees.
How this affects the choice of air conditioning system:
- In summer, both systems are effective, although the aerothermal system with a cooling floor offers a more stable and natural comfort.
- In winter, aerothermal energy is more efficient than air conditioning in heat pump mode, especially in temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius.
If you are looking for a system that covers all the climatic needs of the area and reduces energy consumption, aerothermal energy is the best option.
Installation costs and long-term savings
One of the biggest factors to consider is the initial price versus energy savings over the years.
Cost of installation
- Aerothermal: between 5,000 and 20,000 euros, depending on the installation (underfloor heating, radiators, fan coils).
- Air conditioning: between 300 and 2,000 euros, depending on the model and the number of units required.
Annual energy consumption
| System | Estimated annual consumption (100 m²) | Annual energy cost |
|---|---|---|
| Aerothermal ( COP 4) | 3,000 – 4,500 kWh | 600 – 900 euros |
| Air conditioning | 5,000 – 7,000 kWh | 1,000 – 1,500 euros |
In a period of five to seven years, the difference in electricity consumption makes the investment in aerothermal energy fully amortized.
Subsidies in Girona
- Next Generation EU grants: up to 40 percent of the cost.
- Personal income tax deductions: up to 20 percent.
- IBI rebates: up to 50% in some municipalities.
Advantages and disadvantages of each system
Advantages of aerothermal energy
- Higher energy efficiency (COP 4-5).
- It works for heating, cooling and hot water.
- Lower CO₂ emissions and compatible with solar panels.
- Energy savings of 50-70 percent compared to other systems.
Disadvantages of aerothermal energy
- High initial investment, requires long-term amortization.
- It needs space for the outdoor unit and the DHW tank.
- Less efficient in extreme temperatures below 0 degrees.
Advantages of air conditioning
- Fast installation and low initial cost.
- Ideal for occasional air conditioning in summer.
- Inverter systems improve energy efficiency.
Disadvantages of air conditioning
- Higher heating consumption compared to aerothermal energy.
- Reduces ambient humidity, causing dryness in the air.
- It can generate more noise than aerothermics.
So… which one should I choose?
| If you are looking for… | Choose… |
|---|---|
| An integrated solution (heating + cooling + DHW) | Aerothermal |
| An inexpensive and simple air-conditioning system | Air Conditioning |
| Maximum long-term savings | Aerothermal |
| Lower initial investment | Air Conditioning |
| Renewable energy and sustainability | Aerothermal |
In Girona, aerothermal is the best option if you are looking for efficiency and comfort all year round. If you only need cooling in summer, an inverter air conditioner may be sufficient. Before deciding, consult an installer to evaluate your home and take advantage of available subsidies.
