The reality of heating oil today in Alt Empordà
Numerous inland Alt Empordà homes —Peralada, Navata, Cabanes, Vilabertran— have no natural gas network. Heating oil has been the only centralised heating option for decades. The price rose from €0.65/litre in 2020 to between €1.00 and €1.25/litre in 2024–2025.
Installation cost: the initial comparison
| System | Installation cost (150 m² home) | Grants | Estimated net cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| New condensing oil boiler | €4,500 – 7,000 | None | €4,500 – 7,000 |
| Aerothermal + fan coils (renovation) | €12,000 – 18,000 | Up to 40% (PREE) | €7,200 – 10,800 |
| Aerothermal + underfloor heating (new build) | €14,000 – 23,000 | 40% + income tax | €7,000 – 14,000 |
Real annual consumption: the numbers that matter
Heating oil boiler scenario (150 m² home)
- Estimated annual consumption: 1,600–2,000 litres
- Fuel cost (€1.10/L): €1,760 – 2,200/year
- Maintenance + mandatory inspections: €350 – 500/year
- Annual total: €2,110 – 2,700
Aerothermal Daikin / Panasonic / Vaillant scenario (SCOP 3.8)
- Thermal demand: ~14,000 useful kWh/year
- Electricity consumed: ~3,700 kWh/year
- Electricity cost (~€0.19/kWh): €703/year
- Amortised maintenance: €100 – 150/year
- Annual total: €803 – 853
Estimated annual saving: €1,300 – 1,850/year.
With an off-peak electricity tariff or photovoltaic solar panels, savings can exceed €2,000/year.
With an off-peak electricity tariff or photovoltaic solar panels, savings can exceed €2,000/year.
Official Installers in Alt Empordà
Return on investment (ROI)
| Without grants | With grants (40%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Aerothermal + fan coils cost | €15,000 | €15,000 |
| Estimated grant | €0 | −€6,000 |
| Income tax deduction (20%) | €0 | −€1,800 |
| Effective net investment | €15,000 | €7,200 |
| Estimated annual saving | €1,550/year | €1,550/year |
| ROI (years) | ~9.7 years | ~4.6 years |
Frequently asked questions
Can I install aerothermal without replacing existing pipework?
It depends on the condition and diameter of the existing pipes. In many cases, the existing pipework from a heating oil installation is compatible if fan coils or oversized radiators are connected.
How long does installation take?
An aerothermal + fan coils renovation in a 150 m² home typically takes between 5 and 10 working days.