As a homeowner, ensuring your home is a comfortable temperature is a high priority. Especially when you live in an area with drastically swinging temperatures, like Montreal. Geothermal energy systems have been increasingly popular across Canada, but how do they work, really? Here’s the breakdown of what geothermal energy is, the advantages, and what options are available to homeowners.
What is geothermal energy, and how does it work?
The temperature roughly 10 feet underground is a constant 10-16 degrees Celsius. Yes, we also mean in the wintertime. This temperature, surprisingly, remains relatively stable and consistent throughout the year.
Geothermal systems , also known as geothermal heat pumps, rely on that consistent temperature to heat and cool your home. It does so by moving a fluid through a system of underground pipes, either releasing or storing heat depending on your heating and cooling needs.
What types of geothermal systems are available for homeowners?
Now that you understand how geothermal energy works, what are your options? There are two types of geothermal systems commonly available today.
- Closed-loop systems: Closed-loop geothermal heat pumps circulate water or a glycol-water mixture through a closed loop. The loop itself is typically made of a thick, high-density plastic tubing. The loop is buried underground, and a heat exchanger moves heat between the refrigerant in the pump and the antifreeze solution in the loop.
- Hybrid systems: Hybrid geothermal heat pumps utilize various geothermal resources in combination with outdoor air, such as through a cooling tower. The hybrid approach is less common in Canada, but practical, particularly in cases when cooling needs are higher than heating needs.
Geothermal energy at home: The advantages
So why opt for a geothermal system over more traditional HVAC equipment?
There are numerous advantages to a geothermal heat pump. The most notable include:
- They are more energy efficient: Geothermal systems don’t need to work hard to generate hot or cold air. Instead, they take what’s already available from the ground. A more efficient system means you save on your energy bills.
- They’re better for the environment: Geothermal systems are responsible for far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than your standard HVAC system. In fact, on average, geothermal units are 65% more energy efficient than your traditional HVAC.
- They last a long time: No heating and cooling system lasts forever. Geothermal systems, however, can outlast most. More conventional heat pump systems last an average of 25 years, whereas geothermal systems typically exceed 50 years.
Geothermal systems: Why homeowners hesitate
To put it simply, it’s the upfront cost. While the system components themselves are comparable to a traditional furnace, the installation is what often breaks the bank. Instead of adding basic HVAC equipment to your home, geothermal heat pump technicians need to burrow deep into the ground, making the installation process more labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Yes, over time, the geothermal heat pump will save you money thanks to its energy efficiency. But the upfront price tag is difficult for many homeowners to get past. If connecting with a heating and cooling company that offers financing or financial aid options is possible, it could be a significant help up front. Then, it’s smooth sailing (and savings!) from there.
Looking to learn more about geothermal energy? Allard & Émond is here to help
At Allard & Émond , our highly trained technicians are ready to teach you about the latest and greatest in geothermal systems. We handle any part of the process, including installation, maintenance, and removal of your old equipment. We also break down available financing and financial aid options available to you.
We’ve been trusted in the Montreal area for over 4 decades. Contact the team today for a quote to get started.