How Do Geothermal Systems Work?
Drawing on the earth’s energy to heat and cool
From the Greek geo (earth) and thermal (heat), geothermal systems have been used for thousands of years to construct heating and hot water networks in China, ancient Egypt and all of the Mediterranean nations, such as ancient Rome.
Today, geothermal systems are a natural and renewable alternative and significantly reduce consumption of fossil fuels.
A geothermal solution is a good idea for both environmental and economic reasons.
Geothermal principle
Geothermal systems draw from the temperature constant that is several meters below ground, on average 8 °C in Québec, winter or summer. We use the earth’s energy – clean and renewable – to heat and cool a home or commercial building.
A geothermal system essentially consists of a heat pump and a subterranean tubing system for cycling liquid. The tubing system transfers underground heat to the building for heating and reverses this process for cooling.
a) for heating :
We draw geothermal energy through a subterranean tubing system that cycles fluid. The fluid heats to the same temperature as that underground and rises loaded with energy to directly heat buildings.
b) for cooling :
A reversible system enabling home cooling; i.e. the system uses available calories to heat the home when it is cold, while in the summer it is the home’s heat that returns to the earth.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Geothermal Systems For Heating And Cooling?
The numerous benefits to using geothermal systems are clear.
- Economical and profitableGreen energy, respects the environment
- For every electric kwh consumed, a geothermal heating pump produces up to 5 kwh of heat
- Natural, renewable, inexhaustible energy
- Durable installation that requires little maintenance
- No atmospheric pollutants
- With respect to comfort and well-being, a geothermal system offers : Gentler and more pleasant heating, better air quality, no interior or exterior noise, because it is a reversible geothermal heating system it also acts as a cooling and humidifying system (heating and cooling) and temperature remains constant throughout the year
- Potential subsidies, see information in this section >>
How Does A Heat Pump Work?
The heat pump: a unique system for heating and air conditioning
The heat pump is both a heating and air conditioning system with much more economical operation than an oil or natural gas furnace, this being due to its efficiency of 4 to 1: 4 kWh of heat for 1 kWh of ‘electricity.
Its principle? Recover heat from outside to distribute it inside the house. The operating principle of a heat pump generates savings on several positions.
- Energy savings therefore reduced operating costs;
- Savings on usage;
- A heat pump is, in the long run, less expensive than an electric (or gas) heating system with air conditioning.
- The Rénoclimat program of the Government of Quebec can help you with your project by offering you financial assistance for the installation or complete replacement of a wall-mounted or central air source heat pump for ENERGY STAR certified heating and air conditioning.
The heat pump: for a comfortable, temperature, summer and winter
During the cold season…
The heat pump is capable of extracting warm parts of the winter air to distribute it inside your home. The concept is sometimes difficult to perceive… But there is indeed heat in the most frigid air of our winters.
During the hot season…
It works like conventional air conditioning cand this time extracts heat from the indoor air to reject it outside.
In both cases, it is the existing heat that is removed and moved for the benefit of your comfort.
Central Or Wall Heat Pump?
The basic difference between central and wall heat pump is easy: the central heat pump relies on ventilation conduits that travel the walls and ceilings of the home, whereas a wall heat pump does not require conduits because it blows air (heated or cooled) in the same ambient space.
Incidentally, we often favour a central heat pump in any home or building where there are already air conduits installed. If there are no conduits and heating is provided by electric baseboards or hot water baseboards, a wall heat pump is a possible alternative.
Benefits to using a heat pump :
The heat pump offers several benefits including:
- 2 in 1, i.e. Heating and cooling;
- Noiseless;
- Maintains consistent ambient temperature;
- Manages humidity levels and prevents excess heating and cooling.
How To Choose Your Air Conditioning: Central Or Wall?
The answer depends on whether your home has air conduits. If it does, then we will install a central air conditioner that blows cooled air in the existing conduits. If not, then a wall conditioner is another option.
Or you can choose to have a wall-mounted air conditioning unit installed in a specific room that needs particular cooling, such as a bedroom on the top floor or an attic.
What Type Of Heating Is Right For You?
Electric or natural gas? Central or backup?
Water or air? Dual energy solution?
Choosing the right kind of heating for your needs depends on many factors including whether it involves modifying, complementing or improving your existing heating system or completely changing your system, the heating surfaces and legal restrictions according to the location and age of the relevant buildings, etc.
One things is certain – making good choices in heating results in an intelligently-heated building, i.e. according to all parameters that benefit energy processing for you: comfort and savings throughout the year.
Heated Flooring – How Does It Work?
Radiant floor heating is comfortable, practical, economical and clean. It adapts to MANY types of coverings. It is reliable and durable.
A large flat radiator is placed on the floor cover. Radiating floors emit rays similar to those of the sun. Home furniture also absorbs heat and not just air as with traditional heating.
Opposite to electric baseboards where heat rises to the ceiling, the radiating floor’s comfort comes from the equal distribution of heat in the home because it is where you live that the benefits of radiating flooring emerges. A uniform sensation, there are no cold areas in spaces that do not receive heat by convection.
If comparing equal temperatures, energy costs are significantly reduced.
A noiseless maintenance-free heating system
Radiating heat disperses heat WITHOUT VENTILATION, therefore without noise and the heated space is UNIFORM.
Finally, the increase in space, allows the property owner to rearrange furniture in the home. Because it is installed without welding, this heating system is 100% reliable and requires no maintenance … no filter to replace either!