The problem of oil heating in Alt Empordà
In the inland part of the area — Peralada, Navata, Vilabertran, Cistella — there are many farmhouses and detached homes that still heat with oil or propane. These are systems that work, but that cost more every year and are increasingly penalised fiscally and environmentally.
Heating oil prices rose from €0.70/litre in 2020 to over €1.10–1.30/litre in 2024. For a home consuming 2,000 litres per year, this means going from €1,400 to €2,600 annually.
Direct comparison: aerothermal vs oil
| Factor | Aerothermal | Oil boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Annual energy cost (150 m² home) | €400–700/year | €2,200–3,000/year |
| Efficiency (COP) | 4:1 (400%) | 85–92% |
| Heating + cooling | Yes (reversible system) | No (heat only) |
| DHW (hot water) | Yes | Yes (separate boiler) |
| Annual maintenance | ~€150–250 | ~€300–500 |
| Service life | 15–20 years | 15–20 years |
| 2025 subsidies | Up to 40% | None |
| CO₂ emissions | Very low | High |
Specific cases in the area
Farmhouse in Peralada (250 m², 4 people):
Consumed 3,500 litres of oil per year (≈€4,000). With aerothermal + underfloor heating, the annual electricity consumption for heating is 3,500–4,000 kWh (≈€700 on standard tariff). Annual saving: ~€3,300. Return on investment: 5-6 years.
Second home in Empuriabrava (100 m²):
Used 3 months in winter and 2 months in summer. Oil was not cost-effective because restarting the boiler each season is expensive. With aerothermal, the home maintains a base temperature all year without excessive cost, and the summer air conditioning saving is very significant.
When is it NOT worth switching?
If the oil boiler is less than 5 years old and is high-efficiency, it may make sense to wait. But if it's already over 10 years old or if the home is a large farmhouse with heavy consumption, the switch has a clear return.