What is the best heating system for an apartment? Technical guide
Finding the ideal heating system for your home is a very important decision to take into account when renovating a house. Getting the choice right can have a big impact on the comfort in a house, so if you are considering renovating or installing a new system, it is essential to evaluate the different technologies, paying special attention to efficiency and the type of home.
In summary, determining the best heating system for an apartment will depend on multiple factors, including the local climate, the insulation of the home and the initial investment you are willing to make.
Key factors before choosing a heating system
Before deciding on one system or another, it is advisable to have several options in mind to ensure the best choice.
Insulation and climate
The level of insulation of your home is the basis for energy savings, since a well-insulated house will consume significantly less heating. In addition, the climate of your area is a determining factor: the solutions vary if the winters are short and mild or if, on the contrary, you live in a very cold region.
Initial cost vs. energy savings
Certain systems, although they require a high initial investment for their installation, end up paying for themselves thanks to the savings in energy consumption, since they are highly efficient. For that reason, it is crucial to compare the availability and price of energy or fuels in your area. In this sense, the price of gas is usually cheaper than electricity. It should also be taken into account that maintenance costs in some systems hardly need it, while others require periodic revisions or cleaning.
The most environmentally friendly solutions, based on renewable energies, often have public aid, incentives or bonuses, both at state and regional level.
High-efficiency systems: The answer to cost savings
Systems using renewable energies (aerothermal, geothermal and pellet) are recognized as the most efficient on the market.
Aerothermal: The most renewable and versatile option
Aerothermal energy is one of the most recommended options to replace combustion systems, such as natural gas. It works by harnessing the heat energy of the outside air through a high-performance heat pump.
This system is well adapted to all types of housing, including apartments. It is a clean, safe and environmentally friendly solution that can generate heating, cooling in summer (through underfloor heating or fan coils) and domestic hot water (DHW). Although the equipment has a higher cost than a gas boiler, the savings in consumption can be considerable: up to 75% compared to an electric system, or 30% compared to a gas boiler. If the house you want to renovate has radiators or underfloor heating, it is possible to take advantage of the existing installation and save a significant part of the initial cost.
For many, aerothermal is considered the best heating system for an apartment that seeks maximum efficiency and is suitable for complete renovations.
Geothermal and biomass: Sustainable alternatives for large dwellings
Geothermal energy uses the heat stored in the ground to produce hot water, offering similar benefits to aerothermal energy (significant savings, DHW and annual air conditioning). However, geothermal is more suitable for very large homes or houses with high consumption and requires sufficient land for the installation of buried pipes, which significantly increases the initial cost.
Biomass, using clean fuel such as pellets (shredded wood waste), is an environmentally friendly alternative with high calorific value and economical fuel costs. Pellet boilers or hydro-stoves can heat the whole house and produce DHW. Although pellets are efficient and do not require fixed contracts with distributors, they need a flue installation and space to store the fuel.
Traditional and practical solutions for small apartments
For homes with a moderate energy demand or smaller size, traditional options or specific electrical solutions may be the most economical choice for the initial investment.
Condensing gas boilers: The most common system
Gas boilers with radiators are the most widespread system in Spain. If you already have a gas installation and radiators in good condition, switching to a condensing boiler is highly recommended, as they consume up to 10% less and are more efficient than older models (atmospheric models are prohibited).
This system provides high heating power and DHW. For small apartments, up to 50 m², the condensing boiler with radiators is the most economically convenient option. If your family consists of 2 or 3 members, this system is also perfect. Implementing smart thermostatic valves on the radiators can increase savings by up to 30%.
Electric emitters and heat pumps: Electric alternatives
If you are looking to heat your home with electricity alone, electric emitters are a clean, homogeneous and easy-to-install option with no need for construction work. There are different types (dry, ceramic or fluid), and smart models offer programming to maximize comfort and savings. However, the cost of electricity remains higher than other energy sources.
Another interesting electrical option, especially if you do not live in an extremely cold area, is the heat pump (similar to aerothermal but without the same efficiency). It takes up little space and is a practical solution for a small apartment.
The key to comfort: Radiators vs. underfloor heating
In systems using hot water (gas, aerothermal, geothermal), it is often necessary to decide between radiators and underfloor heating. Underfloor heating is more expensive to install, but offers a more comfortable and homogeneous heat. It is also more efficient because it works at a lower temperature than conventional radiators. However, the installation of underfloor heating requires the floor to be at least 15 cm thick, and it is recommended to use materials that conduct heat well, such as ceramic or natural stone.
What is really the best heating system for an apartment?
There is no single answer, but the one that fits your home and circumstances. For a single-family house or a villa with high heating demand, aerothermal or geothermal are the best options for their efficiency and the use of free energy. However, for an apartment, the choice is centered on the relationship between installation cost, long-term savings and size.
If the house is small (less than 50 m²), the best heating system for an apartment could be a condensing boiler with radiators, due to its economic balance and calorific value. In the case of homes that have a complete renovation planned, investing in aerothermal heating with underfloor heating is the most efficient and recommendable option. If you are looking for the best heating system for an apartment that allows you to save and is compatible with the most modern technologies, the aerotermia stands out as the most interesting alternative, especially if the family is large. Actually, the best heating system for an apartment must be the most efficient, so renewable systems such as aerothermal, geothermal and pellet are at the forefront of energy saving.
If you are thinking about renovating a house and you are thinking about changing or adding a new heating system, at Studio by Clikalia you will find a team of professionals and specialized technicians who will advise you which is the recommended system taking into account your preferences, the type of housing and the climate of the area in which it is located. Ask us for a proposal + budget reform totally free and without obligation and you will receive it in a few days.
Are you interested in this type of content? If so, remember that in the blog of Studio by Clikalia you have similar content to this, such as what is the best air conditioning system for an apartment. A post similar to this one, but more focused on cooling systems for the summer.
