Is a heat pump (aerotermia) worth it for your home?

Key rules

• Best fit: Heat pumps pay off in reasonably insulated homes with underfloor heating, fan coils or enlarged radiators.
• Poor fit: A poorly insulated home with old radiators may be better off with gas or electric heating.
• Quotes: Get at least three quotes before you commit.
• Flats: In a flat, your community of owners must approve the outdoor unit.

Running costs, installation prices and the availability of grants and deductions change often, so confirm current figures with installers and your regional energy office.

The short answer

A heat pump (aerotermia) is worth it if your home is reasonably insulated, has space for the equipment, and you can get a fair quote, ideally with a subsidy. If your home is poorly insulated and has old radiators, gas or electric heating may be the better choice.

When it suits your home

Check these points first:

• Insulation. A well-insulated home gets the best results. A draughty one with old high-temperature radiators gets weaker results.
• Heat emitters. Heat pumps work best with underfloor heating, fan coils or enlarged radiators. Old radiators may need replacing.
• Space. You need room for an outdoor unit. Air-to-water systems also need a hot-water tank.
• Flats. You will need your community of owners to approve an outdoor unit.
• Climate. Heat pumps work well in mild and moderate areas, such as the Mediterranean coast, Andalusia and the Atlantic north. In colder parts of the Meseta, choose a model rated for low temperatures.
• Electricity contract. You may need to raise your contracted power. A time-of-use tariff or solar panels lower your running costs.

New builds and renovations are the easiest fit, because the right emitters can go in at the same time.

Running costs

A heat pump is usually the cheapest way to heat with a modern system. It delivers roughly three to four units of heat for each unit of electricity, so it costs about a third as much to run as electric radiators.

A rough ranking, cheapest first: heat pump, firewood or pellets (if bought in bulk), natural gas, butane, then electric radiators. Gas boilers sit between electric radiators and heat pumps. Butane is often close to the cost of electric heat. Fuel prices change often, so compare current prices before you decide.

Installation cost

Costs depend on the system and the size of your home. Air-to-water aerotermia, with an outdoor unit, a tank and plumbing work, costs much more than air-to-air split systems. The total rises if you must replace radiators, add underfloor heating or upgrade the electrics.

Get at least three quotes, and ask each installer to list what is included.

Grants and tax deductions

Spain has offered aid for renewable heating, run by the regions, and income tax (IRPF) deductions for energy-saving works. Many of the aid programmes have closed, and amounts and deadlines differ by region. Some towns also reduce the IBI property tax or the building-licence tax. Ask your regional energy office and your town hall what is open now, and apply before you start work if the programme requires it. Owners are the main target of these schemes.

How to decide

• Choose a heat pump if your home is insulated, has suitable emitters and space, and you plan to stay for years.
• Consider a split air-to-air unit if you want cheaper cooling and heating without plumbing work.
• Keep gas or choose electric if the home is poorly insulated, you are renting, or the upfront cost will not pay back in the time you will live there.

The questions below cover cold climates, extra costs, grants and contracted power.

Frequently asked questions

Does a heat pump work in a cold part of Spain?

Yes, a heat pump can work in cold areas such as the Meseta, but only with a model rated for low outdoor temperatures. Mild regions like the Mediterranean coast, Andalusia and the Atlantic north suit it best. Ask installers for the rated performance at your local winter temperatures.

What else can push up the cost of installing aerotermia?

Replacing old radiators, adding underfloor heating or doing electrical work can add noticeably to the total. A system with an outdoor unit, a hot-water tank and pipework costs much more than a simple air-air split. Get at least three quotes and ask each one to list these extras.

Are there grants or tax deductions for a heat pump?

Possibly, but it depends on your region and the year. Many EU recovery-fund aid programmes have closed, and an income tax deduction for energy-efficiency works only applies if it has been extended. Some towns also reduce property or building-permit taxes. Ask your regional energy office and town hall before signing a quote.

Will I need to raise my contracted electricity power?

Yes, you may need to raise your contracted power if your current level cannot handle a heat pump alongside your other appliances. A time-of-use tariff or solar panels can lower the running cost. Ask your installer to check this before you sign.