When companies and businesses seek to optimise resources and reduce fixed costs, one of the usual measures is to review energy consumption with the aim of optimising it.
The increase in energy costs, the need to reduce the carbon footprint and the growing competitiveness of the industrial and tertiary sectors make innovative solutions necessary — ones that simultaneously allow savings in energy costs and progress towards a more sustainable model.
In this context, aerothermal and geothermal systems emerge as two solutions that stand out as effective options for meeting heating, cooling and domestic hot water needs with high levels of efficiency and low environmental impact.
What are aerothermal and geothermal systems?
Although they are little-known systems, they belong to the group of energy solutions that harness renewable natural resources to generate thermal energy. Both systems work by means of heat pumps that extract heat from the environment — from the air in the case of aerothermal energy and from the subsoil in the case of geothermal energy — and use it to produce heating, cooling and domestic hot water, adapting to the specific needs of each business installation.
Aerothermal energy: efficiency from the air
Aerothermal energy harnesses the energy contained in the outdoor air to meet the thermal needs of a building or installation. Using a minimal amount of electricity, this system is capable of producing several times that energy in the form of heat or cold, resulting in notable energy efficiency compared to conventional heating or air conditioning systems.
In addition to covering both heating and cooling at different times of the year, aerothermal systems can also generate domestic hot water, making them a versatile and integrated solution for businesses with continuous or variable thermal needs throughout the year, particularly for industrial premises.
Geothermal energy: continuous use of the earth’s heat
Geothermal energy, for its part, harnesses the stable temperature of the subsoil to generate thermal energy. By using the heat stored beneath the earth’s surface, this type of system offers businesses a constant source of thermal energy throughout the year, with particularly high yields in environments with extreme climatic conditions.
Geothermal systems are especially suitable for installations with high energy demand, as the thermal stability of the subsoil allows for very efficient operation that is less sensitive to weather variations.
What are the main benefits?
1. Significant reduction in energy consumption
The efficiency of both systems is substantially higher than that of traditional systems based on fossil fuels or conventional electricity. This translates into energy savings that can reach very significant levels, reducing both the electricity bill and dependence on external energy sources.
2. Lower environmental impact and greater sustainability
By harnessing renewable resources such as air or subsoil heat, these technologies effectively contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions and other greenhouse gases. This aspect is particularly relevant for companies that want to move towards more sustainable management and respond to current energy and environmental demands.
3. Versatility and thermal comfort throughout the year
An additional advantage is the ability of these systems to provide heating in winter, cooling in summer and domestic hot water throughout the year, all with a single unit. This facilitates comprehensive climate management and reduces the need for separate equipment, improving the overall efficiency of the installations.
4. Compatibility with other energy solutions
Aerothermal and geothermal solutions can be integrated with other renewable technologies, such as photovoltaic solar systems, which multiplies the potential for energy savings and allows progress towards more autonomous consumption models with a higher proportion of clean energy.
Aspects to consider before implementation
The choice between aerothermal and geothermal energy depends on various factors such as the type of business activity, the level of thermal demand, the space available for installation and the initial project budget. While aerothermal systems generally involve a lower initial investment and simpler installation, geothermal systems offer more stable efficiency and optimal long-term performance, especially in large installations or those with high thermal energy demands.
It is also worth assessing not only the initial investment, but also the payback period through the energy savings that can be achieved, as well as any available public subsidies and incentives to support the implementation of more sustainable energy systems.
Taking the next step is easier with specialist support. The Oficina Económica de Galicia supports you with personalised advice and free resources to help your business grow.
