Eficiencia aerotérmica en zonas frías: maximizando su rendimiento

The air heater has established itself as one of the most promising solutions in the world of indoor air conditioning, thanks to its energy efficiency, sustainability, and the ability to provide heating, cooling, and hot water from a single source. However, when it comes to installing this type of system in cold areas, doubts begin to arise: does it work well at very low temperatures? Is it still effective or does it need to be supported by another system? The answer is not so simple, but very clear when all the factors that influence its performance are analyzed.

In this article, you will discover in great detail how aerothermic behaves in cold weather, what type of equipment you need, the most common problems that may arise, how to solve them, and whether investing in the air heater really pays off. You will also learn about real user experiences, recommendations from specialized installers, and key tips to maximize its performance even when the thermometer is below zero.

What is the air heater and how does it work?

Aerotermia is a technology based on using thermal energy from the outside air to generate heat (winter), cooling (summer), and hot water heating (DHW) using an air heat pump. This system extracts heat from the air, even in cold temperature conditions, and transfers it inside the house through a water circuit that feeds radiators, underfloor heating, or fan coils.

It works through a thermodynamic cycle using a refrigerant gas to absorb heat from the environment and transfer it, through compression and expansion, within the system. Due to its high efficiencies, it can generate between 3 and 5 times more heat in terms of electricity consumed. For a deeper understanding of other efficient heating systems, you can refer to this article on efficient heating systems.

This efficiency is measured by the COP (Coefficient of Performance), which indicates how many thermal kilowatts are obtained for each electrical kilowatt consumed. A COP of 4, for example, means that 4 kW of heat are generated for every kW of electricity.

Another very similar index is the SPF (Seasonal Performance Factor), which takes into account temperature variations throughout the year, allowing for a more realistic assessment of the system’s annual performance.

In optimal conditions, some aerothermic heat pumps can achieve COPs exceeding 500%.

How does aerothermia fare in cold weather?

One of the major concerns for those living in areas where winters are very harsh is whether this system is capable of being efficient and useful when the external temperature drops to 0 ºC or even -10 ºC or -20 ° C.

The good news is that aerothermia continues to function at temperatures below zero. Even in environments where lows reach up to -25 ºC, there are specially designed units to continue operating without losing energy or efficiency. If you want more information on maximizing insulation in your home, check out this article on eco-friendly insulation materials.

This is possible thanks to various technological advancements:

• Inverter compressors: These allow for power adjustment according to the actual thermal demand, improving energy efficiency.
• Dynamic defrost: Systems like DDC (Dynamic Defrost Cycle) prevent unnecessary compressor shutdowns, ensuring heating continuity.
• Specific refrigerants: Some models use gas with a very low boiling point, capable of working in frozen environments.
• Steam injection: Enhances the cooling cycle performance even at extreme temperatures.

However, performance may be affected depending on the house insulation and heating system used. For example, poorly insulated or conventional heaters and high thermal requirements will see lower performance compared to an efficient underfloor heating system. To optimize your heating system, consider the option of underfloor heating and the air heater.

According to various field studies conducted in cold climate countries such as Canada, the UK, or Germany, the average performance of an aerothermic heat pump in winter can be around 2.7 SPF, which is still superior to gas boilers or electric resistance.

The air heater can be used in cold areas, but only if the right equipment is chosen, an efficient installation is designed, and the real climatic context is taken into account. Technological progress has even allowed temperatures below -20 ° C, making this technology valid, efficient, and cost-effective. It is not just about choosing the cheapest equipment, but the most optimal depending on usage, type of housing, emission, and insulation system.

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