Technology

Heat pumps are devices that can transfer heat energy from one location to another and are often used for heating and cooling buildings or for heating domestic water. They exchange energy with different external sources, such as ground and water (geothermal, ground-source) or air (aerothermal, air-source). The main advantage of a heat pump is its ability to multiply up to 5 times the electrical energy it consumes, making it up to 500% efficient. This unique ability to move energy rather than creating it makes heat pumps the most efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to heat or cool.

Each type (ground-source or air-source) has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on factors such as climate, geography, and available resources. Choose Geothermal or Aerothermal, links below, to learn more.

GEOSMART NETZERO ADVANTAGES:

• Inverter technology + variable speed compressor
• HTR heat recovery system
• Cold production in the same equipment, capacity to produce cold/heat simultaneously
• First manufacturer to use Copeland inverter technology
• Cascade capacity up to 600 kW

GEOTHERMAL ADVANTAGES:

• Carbon reduction, no CO2 emissions
• Renewable energy source
• Reliable equipment
• All in one system, heating, cooling and DHW
• Lower operating and maintenance costs

In order to choose the right heat pump, it is necessary to know the design conditions of each installation. Usually your contractor can help to gather the necessary details in order to help you make an informed decision.

Geothermal ground-source heat pumps are the most efficient heating and cooling system available. Your climate, and available land area will be key factors to whether you choose this type of heat pump or not. Since geothermal heat pumps rely on the year round stable temperatures found below the ground, the more extreme the climate, the more likely it is that geothermal is your best option. In addition, if you have an acre or more of land available, then  typically a horizontal loop can be installed and provide you the most cost effective solution. If you are on a smaller city lot then vertical loops will be necessary which can increase your capital cost.

If you are considering an Aerothermal air-source heat pump on the other hand, it is most important to take into account the climate in which the heat pump is going to be installed, since air-source heat pumps rely on the outdoor air as an energy source. The colder the outside air in the winter, the lower the efficiency and capacity. The hotter the outside air in the summer, the lower the efficiency and capacity. In more moderate climates air-source heat pumps are a great solution.

Your investment in a geothermal heat pump will likely be higher than that of an air-source heat pump, but as it is a more efficient system, it ends up paying back that investment in energy savings over the years. Another advantage of geothermal compared to air-source is noise and esthetics since air-source requires the installation of outside equipment (like an air conditioner) that produces noise due to the fan and compressor. Today, the equipment is becoming quieter, but it will never reach the level of a geothermal heat pump.