Geothermal Heat Pumps: Perfect For Multi-Residential and Commercial Builds

When it comes to the construction of commercial, multi-residential, or other large scale projects, finding an affordable and reliable source of heating and cooling is a crucial part of every build. Geothermal heat pumps are a fantastic option for contractors and installers looking to check both boxes in one go. Find out more about why you’ll want to consider these units for your next build below.

Eco-Friendly

With the province of Alberta introducing energy rebates for homes and businesses, the appeal of geothermal pumps is growing (check out this 2016 Globe and Mail piece featuring our founder discussing the benefits here.) What makes them so environmentally friendly? There are quite a few reasons, chief among which is the efficient design. According to Nordic, one of the leading manufacturers

of geothermal products, their commercial water-to-water pumps have a coefficient of performance of 4.1. This means, for each watt used to operate the pump, there is a 4.1 return produced and used to heat/cool your building. In other words: geothermal heat pumps operate at 410% efficiency, per application, giving a total output of 820% efficiency when used for both heating and cooling simultaneously. That translates into direct savings for building owners and operators, making the installation of these products an attractive option.

Transferring heat, rather than creating it

Heat pumps are all about transferring heat from places where we don’t need it to places where we do want it. Traditional boilers or furnaces have to burn fossil fuels to create heat. With geothermal heat pumps, we simply remove heat from one part of the building (providing cooling) and deliver that same heat to another part of the building (providing heating). Compared to traditional systems, heat pumps can reduce your fossil fuel consumption by over 80%.

Adaptability and Longevity

Beyond the surplus output of energy, geothermal units have additional traits that make them a formidable choice for builders. The pumps require less space than most conventional HVAC systems, meaning that they’re more adaptable to smaller equipment rooms and leaving you more room for other items. Lack of a cooling infrastructure on roofs also makes roof support structure cheaper. As systems are typically housed indoors and have fewer moving parts, pumps are extremely durable, lasting with warranties generally in the range of 5 (commercial) to 10 years (residential) on the equipment and 50-years on the geothermal ground loop pipe. Suitable for both new builds and retrofits, upkeep is easily maintained as a result of readily accessible components, and units are noted to be considerably quieter than their counterparts.

As an added bonuses for contractors and builders in colder regions, geothermal heating pumps’ reliance on the consistent temperature taken from the ground mean they work in harsh climates, with efficiency being unaffected in temperatures as low as -20°C.

There are many additional reasons to consider geothermal heat pumps for your next large scale project. As more businesses warm to the idea of using geothermal equipment, we invite you to contact us to learn more about our products and which solutions is best for you.