Renewable thermal energy is the technology of gathering thermal energy from a renewable energy source for immediate use or for storage in a thermal battery for later use. The most popular form of renewable thermal energy is the sun and the solar energy is harvested by solar collectors to heat water, buildings, pools, and various processes. Another example of Renewable Thermal Energy is a Geothermal or Ground Source Heat Pump (GHP) system, where thermal energy stored in the ground from the summer is extracted from the ground to heat a building in another season. This system is “renewable” because the source of heat energy is a reliably recurring process.*
See Geothermal 101 for more information on how renewable thermal energy systems work.
*Source: Wikipedia
Evolved Thermal Energy is a distributor of Enertech GeoComfort Geothermal Heat Pump systems. Our contractors are located throughout Ontario and Eastern Canada. Checkout our list of areas served here: areas served. Don’t worry if your area is not on the list, we can still help! Use our Qualify form to get started!
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When you begin your journey to a Heat Pump with Evolved Thermal Energy you’ll receive expert advice on system options for your home. Early in the process we’ll provide Budgetary expectations to act as a guide for your investment. Our contractor network will require an on-site technical site survey to prepare a final project proposal. Each system is different, but you can expect a turn-key system that includes all labour and materials to transition your home from fossil fuels to a heat pump system.
The typical regular maintenance required for a geothermal system is checking and changing the air filters at least every 3 months, just as you would for any other HVAC system. However, an annual inspection to check the performance of the heat pump and the other mechanical components is always a good idea to catch any small issues and perform preventative maintenance. Evolved Thermal Energy (ETE) is committed to ensuring your system is operating to your satisfaction. Do not hesitate to contact us following your installation if you have any concerns about your renewable thermal energy system
Heat Pumps don’t use combustion, so they don’t incur the same wear and tear as an oil, gas, or propane system. The ground loop is a life-time asset. It is constructed of high-density polyethylene piping that will not degrade over time.
Cooling is also provided through the same heat exchange loop as your heating so there is no longer a need for the air conditioner to sit outside your house as a separate unit, exposed to the elements all year. Your geothermal system will operate at peak performance for an average of 20-25 years before requiring any replacements.
Every project is different. Costs may vary significantly from one house to another as land area changes, geology, condition of systems inside the home (i.e. ductwork, electrical, etc.). In general, average residential applications will range $25,000-$45,000. Larger homes, or homes requiring extensive drilling may cause this budget to increase.
Evolved Thermal Energy is a distributor of Enertech Geothermal and Air Source Heat Pumps. As such, we administer the warranty program in our service area for Enertech. There are a wide variety of warranty options available, be sure to speak with your contractor when they are building your proposal to ensure the equipment and installation warranty matches your needs.
Yes, if you want. Typically, 40-50% of your hot water needs can be met by your geothermal system. A renewable thermal buffer tank stores the preheated water, then pumps it into your existing electric water tank when needed. The electric tank will operate more cost effectively as it doesn’t need to raise the water temperature as frequently.
Most clients opt to install a renewable thermal buffer tank if they have room for a second tank. The tank is an additional cost but will be included in your proposal. If you don’t want the buffer tank, you can continue to use your existing water heater.
On average, geothermal heating and cooling reduces greenhouse gas emissions to the equivalent of removing two cars from the road for every year your system is running. Switching to renewable thermal energy means cutting your reliance on fossil fuels and drastically reducing your home’s carbon footprint.
Geothermal heating systems are zero combustion which means no chemicals are released throughout the heating process, unlike a traditional fossil fuel furnace.
We want to be completely transparent about the process – installing a ground loop system will impact the appearance of your yard. In an open field, horizontal ground loop trenches are about 300ft long x 6ft wide x 6ft deep each.
The trenches don’t need to be straight, and, in some cases, we can reduce their required dimensions strategically by working with the land available. Vertical ground loops take up a significantly reduced surface area but require us to drill, which is a messy process – this method allows us to install on smaller properties.
Topsoil will be set aside to go back on top once space has been filled in. The ground will be left as level as possible, although there will be a slight mound that will settle with time. With grass growth and time, you won’t know it’s there. But, in the meantime, that mound is a sign of achievement.
You’re decarbonizing your home and contributing to a greener future – be proud!
Because our current aim is to relieve rural properties of their reliance on delivered fuels, Evolved Thermal Energy is focusing on the installation of horizontal ground loops. We can install vertical loops but that needs to be discussed during your virtual consultation.
Ideally, we need at least 1 unobstructed acre of space to install a system for an average-sized home. This allows enough room for our equipment to move around. We’ll complete a site survey and be observant of clearances to septic system components, foundations, and established tree growth. We do have some flexibility with how we install the loops to work around obstacles.
Our heat pump models use a two-stage compressor. The first stage provides 70% of the total heating or cooling output, your system will run at this stage most of the time. When the outdoor temperature gets really cold (or hot), the second stage adds an additional 30% of capacity if it’s needed. This system results in lower energy consumption and improved indoor comfort. See a more in-depth explanation on Geothermal 101.
