Heating

How to choose the right heating solution

Heating your home means finding the balance between comfort, running costs and budget. The choice depends on how many rooms you need to heat, the type of system you already have, the availability of gas and how much you want to save on your bills. In this section we gather the main technologies available: condensing boilers, water heaters, heat pumps and air conditioners that also heat in winter. You find the best brands in the sector, with official warranty and available spare parts, from Ariston to Ferroli, from Vaillant to Riello.

Condensing boilers, the evolution of gas

The condensing boiler recovers the heat of the exhaust fumes and reaches very high efficiencies, so it uses less gas than a traditional boiler for the same amount of heat produced. It is the most common solution for those who already have a radiator system and want to cut running costs without overhauling their home. Power is measured in kW and is chosen based on the surface to be heated and the number of bathrooms: generally from 24 kW for an average flat up to 32 kW and more for large homes with several water points. Browse the condensing boilers and the practical wall-hung boilers for wall installation.

Water heaters, hot water when you need it

If you only need domestic hot water, the water heater is the simplest and most economical choice. You find it in electric and gas versions, with different capacities depending on the family's consumption. To reduce energy spending there are the heat pump water heaters, which use the heat of the air to warm the water while consuming much less electricity than a traditional electric model. Discover all the water heaters and in particular the efficient heat pump water heaters.

Heat pumps and air conditioners that heat

The heat pump moves heat from outside to inside and produces much more heat than the electrical energy it absorbs, so it is among the most efficient systems for heating without gas. Modern inverter air conditioners also work as heat pumps: they cool in summer and in winter heat efficiently even at low outdoor temperatures, thanks to a good SCOP value. In many homes a wall-mounted air conditioner in a high energy class is more cost-effective than gas radiators, especially in the mid-seasons. Look at the air conditioners, the wall-mounted models and the wall-mounted monosplit units for a single room.

Efficiency and energy class

Efficiency is the first criterion for spending less on your bills. For boilers the efficiency and energy class of the appliance count, while for heat pumps and air conditioners you read the SCOP values for heating and SEER for cooling: the higher these indices, the lower the consumption. An A+++ class air conditioner with inverter technology modulates the power instead of switching on and off continuously, keeping the temperature constant with reduced draw. For the same heat produced, choosing an efficient appliance means saving every year and paying off the initial outlay sooner.

Tax incentives and reduced VAT

Replacing the old generator with a condensing boiler or a heat pump may qualify for tax incentives provided by the regulations, such as tax incentives where applicable, such as reduced VAT for renovation work. The percentages and requirements change over time and depend on the type of work, the efficiency class of the appliance and the documentation, so it is best to check the up-to-date conditions before purchasing. Choosing a high-efficiency product also helps to access incentives more easily.

Brands and offers

In the catalogue you find the leading heating manufacturers with official warranty, including Beretta, Baxi, Immergas and Daikin, with prices to suit every budget. To spend less, keep an eye on the current promotions in the all offers section, where you find boilers, water heaters and air conditioners at reduced prices, in stock and ready to ship.

Frequently asked questions