Natural gas availability in Alt Empordà
Natural gas does not reach most inland Alt Empordà municipalities: Peralada, Navata, Cabanes, Avinyonet de Puigventós, Vilabertran and many others have no network. Therefore, the aerothermal vs natural gas comparison is mainly relevant for homes in urban centres.
Cost comparison: natural gas vs aerothermal
| Item | Condensing gas boiler | Aerothermal (Daikin / Vaillant / De Dietrich) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation cost (150 m²) | €5,000 – 8,000 | €10,000 – 18,000 |
| Available grants | None significant | Up to 40% + income tax |
| Annual consumption | ~12,000 kWh gas | ~3,700 kWh electrical |
| Annual fuel cost | €840 – 1,200/year | €700 – 850/year |
| Total operating cost/year | €1,040 – 1,550 | €750 – 950 |
Official Installers in Alt Empordà
Arguments in favour of switching from gas to aerothermal
- Freedom from gas prices: natural gas is highly volatile (it tripled in 2022).
- Elimination of regulatory risk: the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) plans restrictions on new gas boilers from 2025–2030.
- Energy rating: aerothermal can improve the rating by 2–3 letters compared to a gas boiler.
- Cooling included: a gas boiler does not cool. Aerothermal covers both heating and cooling with the same unit.
Frequently asked questions
Is aerothermal better than a new condensing boiler?
In the long term, yes: lower operating costs, no direct CO₂ emissions and better energy rating. In the short term, installation costs are higher, but grants reduce the difference considerably.