The priority for many Italian families now is to save on gas bills, especially with the cold weather approaching. It is legitimate to ask which heating systems are the most economically efficient. In addition to the already popular biomass boilers, there are also Other systems that have gained considerable popularity recently. Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
What are innovative heating systems?
Old heating equipment not only causes high costs, But they also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Recently, estimates indicate that about 60% of European households still use old radiators and stoves for home heating.
Based on this data, the EU funded HARP project under the Horizon 2020 program, This project, short for Heating Appliance Retrofit Planning, provides important information and a useful online platform to identify the heating system best suited for your home and needs.
How much can we save annually for domestic heating and domestic hot water production by adopting the most modern heating systems? A simulation conducted by the Altroconsumo association will reveal the annual cost of a single-family home, including the cost of installing equipment.
Condensing boiler, what benefits does it offer?
Currently, the most widespread heating system is condensing boilerIt was appreciated for its high energy efficiency and low consumption of raw materials.
Condensing boilers use the heat generated by condensation of water vapor present in the combustion exhaust gases. Instead of being expelled directly into the atmosphere, the gases pass through a heat exchanger, where the gaseous water is cooled and condensed. This releases thermal energy used to heat domestic water and heating systems.
In simple terms, apart from exploiting the direct heat of combustion fumes like conventional boilers, condensing boilers It also uses the heat of water vapor Produced during combustion, similar to gas or diesel. This two-stage energy production system allows you to make significant savings on bills, because with the same output, less fuel is used.
It should be noted that condensing boilers help reduce the environmental impact of heating compared to conventional boilers, producing less emissions of CO2 and other polluting gases. However, it is important to consider the economic and installation aspect of these devices, which can lead to higher costs.
Although switching to a condensing boiler involves some challenges, such as managing condensation water and exhaust fumes, the benefits include lower gas consumption. The annual cost of heating a house with a condensing boiler is estimated at 2,508 eurosCompared to 2,638 euros required for a non-condensing boiler.
Heat pumps, an increasingly popular heating system
heat pump This is a heating system that has enjoyed great success in recent years. This system follows the thermodynamic principle of Joule-Thomson effect, Similar to a common appliance that we use every day: the refrigerator. The main difference is that while a refrigerator extracts heat from its interior to keep it cool and releases it into the surrounding environment, a heat pump extracts heat from the outside environment to warm the inside of the house.
Heat pumps exploit various heat sources available in the environment, such as air, ground and groundwater, and in some cases even surface water such as lakes or rivers. Although these sources provide heat for free and in practically unlimited quantities, their initial temperature is too low to be used for direct heating or hot water production. As a result, the heat pump uses a thermodynamic process based on the Joule-Thomson effect to raise the ambient heating temperature to a level sufficient to heat the home and provide hot water.
Annual cost of a house with a heat pump This is approximately 1,774 euros.
Biomass boiler for heating your home, how convenient
biomass boiler, previously used occasionally or as a supplement to the main heating system, has recently gained popularity as a primary source of heating. Among its benefits, Possibility of combining it with a solar thermal system, Effective use of renewable resources and its adaptability to different powers.
However, the main disadvantage isRequires significant space for installation and storage of pellets and firewood. It is also important to consider that biomass boilers emit particles and particles, potentially contributing to air pollution. Annual cost of a household using a biomass boiler This is approximately 2,130 euros.
Solar thermal system converts the sun’s rays into heat
l’solar thermal system It converts solar rays into heat, which is used to produce domestic hot water and power a home’s heating/cooling system. Solar collectors can be placed on the roof, balcony or facade, making this system one of the most efficient in terms of energy savings.
The cost to install solar thermal varies depending on the type. For a natural circulation system, the estimated cost is around 2,500 euros, while for a forced circulation system The cost rises to around 3,500 euros. A family that chooses a solar thermal system should consider annual expenses of approximately 1,808 euros.
Hybrid boiler, a mix between a condensing boiler and a heat pump.
The final heating solution examined in the simulation is hybrid boiler, Composed of a gas condensing boiler supported by a heat pump.
I The advantages of hybrid boilers cover various aspects including economic, comfort and environmental, Depending on the type of fuel used, you can benefit from energy savings of between 30% and 50%, reducing the use of fossil fuels such as gas to the essential minimum and consequently limiting CO2 emissions. This results in higher energy efficiency and reduced consumption of the heat pump, resulting in lower overall management costs of the system. If the hybrid boiler is connected to a photovoltaic system, the savings on the bill can be even more significant.
Another benefit is represented by the improvement in the energy classes of the building, which helps to increase its market value. Other positive aspects include the compactness of the system and ease of installation, easy maintenance (even with solar thermal panels), and the possibility of using the system for air conditioning in summer. Finally, what should not be overlooked is the fact that hot water production is instant and more efficient, with a 20% increase in efficiency.
Hybrid system includes a Estimated annual expenditure of approximately 2,192 euros.