How It Works:
Geothermal Cooling & Heating

Geothermal heating is the direct use of heat that is stored in the earth, known as geothermal power. Humans have taken advantage of geothermal energy for thousands of years. In other countries, such as Iceland, where the availability of geothermal heat is greater due to the proximity of volcanic activity closer to the earth’s surface the temperature of the ground can be higher than the temperature required to heat a home.

Geothermal Systems in Ontario

Temperatures outdoors fluctuate with changing seasons, but the temperature just 4 to 6 feet below the earth’s surface remain fairly constant year round.

A geothermal system in Ontario will consist of an indoor unit and a looped piping which extends underground outside the home. Fluids travel through the underground piping, transferring the earth’s temperature to the indoor unit. During cold winter months the indoor unit compresses the heated fluid using a refrigeration process causing the temperature to rise. The heat is then distributed through the home using more conventional methods, such as fans an ducting. In warm summer months the process is reversed – heat is pulled from the home, carried into the ground loop and dispersed into the cooler earth.

Unlike typical heating systems fossil fuels are not burned to generate heat, energy is simply transferred directly from the earth. Electric power is used only to run the units fan, compressor and pump. The result is a more efficient and more environmentally friendly method of heating and cooling. Due to recent advances in heat pump performance, this is now a rapidly growing market.

Additional uses for geothermal technology in the home include:

• Heated water for radiant floor applications.
• Water heating for homes with domestic or portable water sources.
• Heating for pools and spas.
• Eliminating ice and snow from outdoor driveways and walkways.

Commercial Applications
In addition to being a smart choice for residential installations many commercial and institutional buildings utilize geothermal systems including offices, retail, hotels, apartments/condos, resorts, schools, hospitals, assisted living centers and manufacturing facilities.