{"id":8275,"date":"2025-05-14T15:09:22","date_gmt":"2025-05-14T13:09:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/protenergia.com\/sin-categoria\/is-aerothermal-or-natural-gas-better-our-comparative\/"},"modified":"2025-05-14T15:09:22","modified_gmt":"2025-05-14T13:09:22","slug":"is-aerothermal-or-natural-gas-better-our-comparative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/protenergia.com\/en\/aerothermal\/is-aerothermal-or-natural-gas-better-our-comparative\/","title":{"rendered":"Is aerothermal or natural gas better? Our comparative"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing between aerothermal or natural gas can be quite complicated and, on top of that, they are very different in terms of energy efficiency, comfort and monthly expenses. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages and, therefore, we are going to make a comparison between aerothermal and natural gas. We will discuss the most key aspects: safety, sustainability, efficiency, maintenance, service life and the price per calorific kWh. In addition, we will analyze in which cases one or the other is more advisable, so that you can make a more informed decision adapted to what you really need. Let’s get started! <\/p>\n

Comparison between aerothermal and natural gas<\/h2>\n

To understand the difference between the two systems, it is useful to explain briefly what each one consists of. Aerothermal energy<\/strong> is a system that uses an air-water heat pump to extract thermal energy from the outside air<\/strong>, even in cold conditions, and transfer it to the inside of the house to heat water or power heating systems. It is an electrical technology, but very efficient, as it can generate up to 4 kWh of thermal energy for every 1 kWh of electrical energy consumed<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Natural gas<\/strong>, on the other hand, is a fossil fuel<\/strong> that is burned in a boiler to generate heat. It is most commonly used in cities, and has been used for decades as a source of heating and domestic hot water. Both systems<\/strong> can be used for radiator heating<\/strong>, underfloor heating or domestic hot water. However, they are very different in their operation, efficiency and sustainability. <\/p>\n

\"gas<\/p>\n

Which system is more secure?<\/h3>\n

In terms of safety, aerothermal energy has a clear advantage. As it does not use fossil fuels or generate combustion, it eliminates the risk of<\/strong> carbon monoxide poisoning<\/strong> or explosions, something that can occur with a gas boiler, especially if it is not properly maintained. <\/p>\n

Natural gas is a reliable system, but it requires more safety controls<\/strong>, periodic inspections and good ventilation to avoid incidents. Therefore, aerothermics wins<\/strong> in terms of safety. <\/p>\n

Sustainability<\/h3>\n

One of the most key factors<\/strong> considering that European governments<\/strong> are pushing policies to replace gas with efficient electric systems such as heat pumps. Aerothermal heat pumps<\/strong> are powered by electricity, which can come from renewable<\/strong> sources. Its environmental impact is very low, and since it does not burn any fuel, it does not emit CO\u2082 at the point of use. <\/p>\n

Natural gas<\/strong>, although cleaner than other fossil fuels such as diesel, is still a fossil fuel<\/strong>. Its use generates greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change. The winner<\/strong> in sustainability is also aerothermal energy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

3. Efficiency<\/h3>\n

Energy efficiency measures the ability of a system to convert energy into useful heat<\/strong>: <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Aerothermal energy<\/strong> has a very high coefficient of performance (COP). For each kWh of electricity consumed, it can generate between 3 and 4 kWh of thermal energy<\/strong>. In other words, it can have an efficiency of 300% or 400%. <\/li>\n
  2. Natural gas<\/strong> has a maximum efficiency of 90-95%<\/strong> in condensing boilers. This means that for every kWh of gas consumed, between 0.9 and 0.95 kWh<\/strong> of heat is obtained. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The aerothermal is much more efficient<\/strong>, but be careful if it is not well dimensioned<\/strong>, because its performance can be greatly affected.<\/p>\n

    4. Maintenance<\/h3>\n

    As for aerothermics<\/strong>, it requires a minimum preventive maintenance<\/strong>: filter cleaning, electrical components revision and refrigerant gas pressure check. Natural gas<\/strong> requires mandatory periodic inspections<\/strong>, smoke control, circuit purging, combustion verification and inspection of chimneys or gas outlets. <\/p>\n

    Thus, aerothermal is generally easier to maintain and more economical in this respect.<\/p>\n

    5. Lifetime<\/h3>\n

    The lifetime of an air conditioning system is also important in terms of long-term profitability<\/strong>. Aerothermal<\/strong> heat pumps usually have a useful life of between 15 and 25<\/strong> years, depending on the manufacturer and use, and this is very important<\/strong> because your investment is amortized in the first 5-10 years. Natural gas boilers<\/strong> usually have a shorter useful life, around 10-15<\/strong> years, although if they have been very well maintained, they can last a couple of years more. <\/p>\n

    In addition, aerothermal systems are more prepared for future environmental regulations<\/strong>, while gas tends to be more constrained.<\/p>\n

    Price per heating kWh of aerothermal and natural gas<\/h2>\n

    \"aerothermal<\/p>\n

    Another aspect that is also much debated is the real price of the heat generated<\/strong> by each system. To make a realistic comparison, we must consider the cost per kWh of the supply (electricity or gas) and the efficiency of the system. Let us assume the following reference values: <\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Electricity price: 0.20 \u20ac\/kWh<\/li>\n
    2. Natural gas price: 0.07 \u20ac\/kWh<\/li>\n
    3. Aerothermal efficiency: COP of 4<\/li>\n
    4. Natural gas efficiency: 90%.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Calculating the cost per<\/strong> useful kWh<\/strong>, it would be as follows:<\/p>\n