Why underfloor heating + aerothermal is the perfect combination?
Underfloor heating needs low-temperature water (30-45°C) to operate efficiently. Aerothermal is the machine that generates heat with the best efficiency at that temperature. Together, the two technologies enhance each other.
A conventional radiator needs water at 70-80°C. An aerothermal system at 70°C has a COP (efficiency) of 2.5:1. At 35°C (underfloor heating temperature), the COP rises to 4-5:1. Every euro of electricity generates 4-5 euros of heat.
What difference is there in comfort?
With radiators, hot air accumulates at the ceiling and feet remain cold. With underfloor heating, warmth rises uniformly from below, like the sun warming the floor. Temperature at feet: 22°C. Temperature at head: 20°C. This is the ideal thermal comfort from a physiological standpoint.
Additionally, underfloor heating doesn't move dust, is silent and completely invisible. It doesn't take up wall space like radiators.
When is it worth installing underfloor heating in Alt Empordà?
Highly recommended if:
- You're doing a new build or full renovation (the investment is lower and the integration is perfect)
- You live in an inland farmhouse like Peralada, Navata or Vilabertran, where winters are cold
- You want maximum long-term energy savings
- Your home is a ground floor or single-storey property
Less recommended if:
- You're not renovating and the floors are already finished (they all have to be lifted)
- You're on the seafront in Roses or Empuriabrava where winters are mild — aerothermal alone with splits may be enough
- The ceiling is very low (less than 2.4 m) and the thermal mass would be excessive
How much does it cost to install underfloor heating in Alt Empordà?
The cost of hydronic underfloor heating (the kind that works with aerothermal) is usually between €45 and €70/m² installed, including pipes, insulation, manifolds and labour.
For a 120 m² home, the underfloor heating cost would be around €6,000–8,000, on top of the aerothermal cost. The full system, with subsidies, usually comes to €10,000–14,000.
Real example: farmhouse in Navata
We recently installed aerothermal + underfloor heating in a 200 m² farmhouse in Navata. The family heated with oil (annual consumption: 4,200 litres, cost: €5,000). Now the annual electricity consumption for heating is around 4,500 kWh (cost: ~€900). Annual saving: ~€4,100. With the 40% subsidy, the investment is recovered in less than 4 years.