With the arrival of cold weather, it is time to choose a good heating system for the winter, and for this it is essential to consider both the efficiency and the cost of the different systems available on the market; There are some that, although we think are more expensive, might be cheaper in the long run. In this context, the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) analyzed the cost of different heating systems, considering not only the energy expenditure, but also the installation cost and the time required to recover the investment.
This OCU study highlights the heating costs in Spain. The organization estimates that an average household spends around 640 euros per year on heating, an expense that represents a real challenge for large or single-parent families. Thus, the OCU details in its report what are the more affordable and more efficient systemshelping consumers make informed decisions on which option best suits their budget and comfort needs during the colder months of the year.
The most economical heating system according to OCU
The OCU report reveals surprising data on the cost of different heating systems, highlighting that the most economical option all year round is heat pump. Although this system is usually associated only with cooling in summer, its effectiveness for air conditioning in winter makes it the most affordable alternative according to the organization’s analysis.
The heat pump is a air conditioning system which extracts thermal energy from the external environment (whether air, water or soil) to heat or cool the interior of a space. Its operation is based on a cycle of compression and expansion of a refrigerant which allows heat transfer. During the winter, it absorbs heat from the outside and transfers it indoors, and in the summer it performs the reverse process, working like an air conditioner.
To carry out the study, the organization compared several heating systems in a scenario of 90 square meter house located in a cold area of Spain, such as Madrid or Albacete. The results showed that air conditioning proves to be an economical and accessible option for those looking to heat their home without paying too much on the bill. However, the report also states that, considering the initial investment and the time required to amortize it, there are other systems that are more cost-effective in the long term.
From this point of view, biomass and aerothermal heating They position themselves as the most profitable options. Both systems differ not only in their efficiency, but also in their durability. Biomass stoves and boilers, for example, use organic materials such as pruning scraps or olive pits, thus offering an environmentally friendly alternative. This type of heating works by distributing hot air through stoves, or by heating water for use in radiators or underfloor heating in the case of boilers.
According to the OCU, the initial cost of a biomass or aerothermal installation is approximately 1,650 euroswhile the average annual expense of these systems is around 393 euros. This combination of affordability and durability makes these systems a profitable investment for both the family budget and the environment.
Comparison
The annual cost of heating a 90 square meter house can vary considerably depending on the heating system used, its installation cost and the time required to amortize the initial investment compared to less efficient systems.
THE diesel boilerwith an annual energy expenditure of around 778 euros, has an installation cost of 2,200 euros. However, although it is a popular system in rural areas, it does not stand out for its efficiency and its payback compared to other, more profitable systems is limited.
On the other hand, the electrical systems They present different options. Electric radiators, with an energy cost of 640 euros per year and an installation of 2,500 euros, have a payback period of up to 18 years. Electric accumulators are a little more profitable, with an annual consumption of 512 euros and an installation cost of 2,600 euros, which reduces the depreciation to 10 years.
Among the most effective options, pellet stove It offers an annual consumption of 393 euros and an investment of 1,650 euros. Its return on investment is relatively quick, only four years, and it is also a sustainable alternative thanks to the use of biomass.
In heat pump systems, there are two options: aerothermal (air-water heat pump)which is very effective, with an annual expense of 229 euros. However, its installation is expensive, reaching 9,700 euros, which implies a payback period of 18 years. Instead, the air conditioning (air-air heat pump) It is more accessible and more economical, with an annual expense of 158 euros and an investment of 2,640 euros, amortized over four years.
