Draft pending review by Climai Group
Heat pumps in new builds in Ibiza
In short
In a new build, a heat pump is usually the most direct way to meet the Building Code's renewable energy requirement. It pays to join the project early, while emitters and spaces can still be chosen.
Author: Climai Group technical teamTechnical review: [DATO PENDIENTE: técnico RITE de Climai Group]Updated:
What does the Building Code require in a new home?
The Spanish Building Code (CTE), in its Basic Document on Energy Saving (DB HE), sets a maximum energy use and a minimum renewable energy contribution for domestic hot water. A heat pump with sufficient efficiency counts as renewable for this purpose.
[Minimum renewable share for domestic hot water under the current DB HE4 and the conditions for a heat pump to count as renewable. Pending verification against the official text.]Two DB HE figures that affect the calculation in Ibiza:
| Figure | Value in the DB HE | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Climate zone (Balearic Islands) | B3 up to 250 m altitude; C3 from 251 m | Annex B |
| Reference hot water demand in homes | 28 litres per person per day at 60 °C | Annex F |
| Minimum design occupancy | From 1.5 people (1 bedroom) to 7 people (more than 6 bedrooms) | Annex F |
The project designer demonstrates compliance in the project. We provide the unit data and any calculations needed.
Why join the project early?
Many decisions that affect efficiency and cost are made before the installer arrives:
| Decision | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of emitter | Underfloor heating or fan coils allow heating and cooling from the same unit |
| Space for the outdoor unit | Needs free air, maintenance access and distance from bedrooms |
| Plant room | Hot water cylinder, hydraulic module, manifolds and control panel |
| Floor build-up height | Underfloor heating needs insulation, pipe and screed |
| Electrical capacity | Contracted power and the consumer unit are sized from the start |
| Pool | Heating it changes the output required |
What system usually suits an Ibiza villa?
A common combination:
- Air-to-water heat pump with R290 refrigerant.
- Underfloor heating and cooling throughout the home.
- Fan coils in bedrooms or living rooms to boost cooling and remove humidity in summer.
- Hot water cylinder sized for the number of bathrooms and occupants.
- Solar PV to cover part of the electricity use.
Every house is different: orientation, insulation, glazing and use (main home or seasonal) change the design.
How do we work with the project team?
- Review of drawings and the building services report.
- Heating and cooling load calculation per room.
- Technical proposal: unit, emitters, cylinder and hydraulic schematic.
- Site coordination with builders, electricians and plumbers.
- Commissioning and documentation for registration under the RITE. Between 5 and 70 kW a technical report is enough; above 70 kW a full project is required (RITE, art. 15).
Frequently asked questions
Is a heat pump compulsory in a new build?
At what stage should we talk to the installer?
Do you work with architects and engineers?
Where does the outdoor unit go in a villa?
Can it heat the pool too?
Can it work with solar panels?
Sources
- Spanish Building Code (CTE), Basic Document HE Energy saving (annexes B and F) · Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda · codigotecnico.org ·
- Royal Decree 1027/2007, Regulation on Thermal Installations in Buildings (RITE) · BOE ·
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