When looking for a new air conditioning system, it is normal to come across the terms “heat pump” and “aerothermal” and wonder if they are the same. Although they share the same technology, there are key nuances that can make the difference in comfort, efficiency and savings.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a device that transfers thermal energy from one place to another using electricity and a refrigeration circuit. It can capture heat from the air (aerothermal), water (hydrothermal) or ground (geothermal), and use it for heating, cooling or domestic hot water (DHW).
Main types of heat pumps:
- Air-to-air: capture heat from the outside air and transfer it to the inside air (e.g. split air conditioners with heat pump).
- Air-water: they capture heat from the outside air and transmit it to the water of a heating circuit (radiators, underfloor heating, fan coils).
- Water-water (hydrothermal): they use heat from groundwater or surface water.
- Geothermal: they capture heat from the subsoil by means of buried probes.
What is aerothermal energy?
Aerothermics is a specific type of air-to-water heat pump that extracts energy from the outside air to heat water for heating and DHW, and even cooling in summer.
It is renewable because approximately 75% of the energy it produces comes from the air, and only 25% from electricity. This allows it to achieve SCOP of 3 to 5, i.e. for every 1 kWh electrical, it produces 3 to 5 kWh thermal.
Key differences between heat pumps and fan heaters
| Feature | Heat pump (general) | Aerothermal |
|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Air, water or soil | Outdoor air |
| Type of fluid inside | Air or water | Water |
| Common uses | Heating, cooling, DHW | Heating, cooling, DHW |
| Efficiency | Variable according to type and source | High in temperate climates |
| Installation | According to technology (split, centralized, etc.) | Requires outdoor and indoor unit with accumulator |
Advantages and disadvantages of aerothermics vs. heat pumps
| Feature | Aerothermal | Other heat pumps (e.g. air-to-air) |
|---|---|---|
| Efficiency and savings | High efficiency and energy savings | Lower efficiency in continuous heating use |
| Renewable energy | Uses renewable energy and has a low carbon footprint | Not always considered renewable depending on the source |
| Uses | Heating, cooling and DHW | Air conditioning of individual rooms |
| Installation | Requires outdoor unit and storage space | Easier and more economical installation |
| Cold weather performance | Lower performance without additional support | Less affected if air-to-air, but heating/cooling only |
| DHW production | It does produce | Does not produce ACS |
Which option should you choose?
- If you want only air heating or cooling and do not need DHW → Air to air heat pump.
- If you are looking for heating, cooling and DHW with a single equipment, and you have space → Aerotermia.
- If you have access to water wells or land for probes and budget → Hydrothermal or geothermal.
Real examples and consumption with aerothermics or heat pumps
In Girona, a 120 m² house with aerothermal energy (SCOP 4) can spend about 60 €/month in temperate zone or 90 €/month in cold zone, compared to more than 180 € with gasoil.
In short, all aerothermal is a heat pump, but not all heat pumps are aerothermal. If you are looking for a balance between savings, comfort and sustainability, aerothermal is the most complete option for most homes in Girona and areas with similar climate.