Aerothermal Energy: Efficient and Silent Power for Your Home

Discover how aerothermal technology works, its benefits, and the acoustic solutions SENOR provides to minimise noise and vibrations in heating and cooling systems.

Aerothermal technology has become one of the most popular and sustainable climate control solutions. Its efficiency, ability to provide heating in winter and cooling in summer, and use of renewable energy from the outside air make it a standout choice over traditional systems. In this article, explore aerothermal technology with us, its key benefits, and how SENOR offers anti-vibration solutions to soundproof both outdoor and indoor equipment units.

1. What is aerothermal energy?

Aerothermal energy is a technology that harnesses the energy from the outside air to heat and cool indoor spaces, as well as produce domestic hot water (DHW). Through an air-to-water heat pump, thermal energy is extracted from the air and transferred to the heating system or DHW circuit.

Basic Operation

Energy capture: The system absorbs heat from the outside air via a heat exchanger and refrigerant fluid.
Compression: A compressor increases the temperature of the fluid, transferring the thermal energy to the water in the home’s internal circuit.
Distribution: The hot water circulates through the heating system (e.g., low-temperature radiators, underfloor heating, fan coils, etc.) or is stored in a tank to produce domestic hot water (DHW).

Example of use: In a detached house using underfloor heating for warmth, the aerothermal system extracts energy from the air in winter, transfers it to the water circuit, and evenly distributes heat throughout the home.

2. Key Advantages of the aerothermal energy

High energy efficiency
It uses less electricity than other systems, as it extracts a large portion of its energy directly from the outside air.
Versatility
One single system provides heating in winter, cooling in summer, and domestic hot water..
Renewable energy
Unlike systems that rely solely on fossil fuels, aerothermal energy is considered renewable as it harnesses the heat from the surrounding air.
Cost-saving
While the initial investment may be higher than with other systems, it leads to lower energy consumption and cost savings over the medium to long term.
Low-maintenance
Aerothermal systems, as they do not require combustion, experience less wear on components and require less frequent servicing than gas or oil boilers.

3. Why do noise and vibration occur in aerothermal systems?

Although aerothermal systems are quieter compared to many conventional heating systems, both the indoor units and, particularly, the outdoor units (where the fan and compressor are located) can generate noise and disturbances due to:

Compressor vibration: When the refrigerant gas is compressed, vibrations are created that can be transmitted to the building’s structure if proper dampers are not used.
Fan operation: The fan blades can also produce noise due to friction with the air and slight oscillations.

These vibrations and noises not only affect comfort within the property but can, in some cases, also be transmitted to neighbouring homes. Therefore, it is crucial to use appropriate dampers and anti-vibration systems.

4. SENOR Solutions for Reducing Noise and Vibration

SENOR offers a wide range of products and solutions aimed at eliminating or minimising the effects of vibration and noise in aerothermal systems.

Our solutions:

Are designed to decouple both the indoor and outdoor units from the rest of the structure.
Are typically installed beneath the base of the unit to absorb and dampen the generated vibrations. We also offer dampers for bracket-mounted or ceiling-suspended equipment.
Are ideal for absorbing vibrations, particularly useful when the equipment is placed on rooftops or terraces where noise can resonate.
Are tailored to fit the specific characteristics of the installation (unit weight, flooring type, location, etc.).

Case study: An installer placing the outdoor unit on a communal terrace can equip the system with SENOR anti-vibration mounts. This helps minimise the noise impact both on the property and neighbouring residences, while also extending the lifespan of the equipment by preventing excessive shocks and vibrations.

5. Installation Recommendations for Aerothermal Systems

To optimise the performance and lifespan of an aerothermal system, keep the following tips in mind:

Proper placement
Install the outdoor unit in a well-ventilated area, free from obstructions. This will prevent excessive strain on the fan and minimise additional noise.
Anti-vibration system
Use high-quality dampers and silentblocks. This will significantly reduce vibrations and noise transmitted to the building structure.
Regular maintenance
While aerothermal systems do not require extensive servicing, it is important to clean the filters and check the refrigerant gas levels. This ensures optimal performance and keeps noise levels low.
Correct sizing
An oversized or undersized unit can be inefficient, causing frequent start-stop cycles that increase noise.

6. Conclusions

Aerothermal energy is an increasingly preferred option due to its efficiency, versatility, and environment-friendly features. However, to ensure maximum comfort, it is essential to manage noise and vibrations. This is where SENOR’s expertise proves invaluable, offering tailored solutions to reduce and eliminate noise disturbances.

Key Insights:

Aerothermal technology harnesses the energy from the outside air for heating, cooling, and domestic hot water.
It offers high efficiency, reduced reliance on fossil fuels, and minimal maintenance.
Noise and vibration primarily stem from the outdoor unit (compressor and fan).
SENOR offers dampers, silentblocks, fixing systems, and other anti-vibration products to soundproof any noise disturbances.

Ultimately, investing in a high-quality aerothermal system and ensuring proper installation, alongside SENOR’s anti-vibration solutions, guarantees optimal comfort in your property while improving both efficiency and the longevity of the unit.