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Expand Your Knowledge on Renewable Energy

We believe that informed homeowners make the best decisions. That’s why we’re here to share the insights and expertise you need to understand the benefits of geothermal and air source heat pumps. From how these systems work to their long-term advantages, this is your go-to resource for all things renewable thermal energy.

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How does geothermal heating and cooling work?

Below the frost line (typically about 5-6ft), the temperature of the earth remains relatively constant between 10-15°C, even on days when it’s scorching hot or freezing cold above-ground. Geothermal heating and cooling in Ontario taps into a reliable, sustainable, and highly efficient source of heat – which is what makes it renewable thermal energy.

Geothermal heating and cooling uses a simple heat exchange process, harnessing stable below-ground temperatures to effectively heat and cool your home. Want to learn more about the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system? Read more on installation here.

During the winter, a sealed piping system (called ground loops) draws heat from the ground into the home. A geothermal heat pump inside the home (in place of a furnace or other traditional system), upgrades this heat and circulates it through ductwork, underfloor heating, radiators, or air vents. In summer, the geothermal heat pump transfers warmth from the home back into the earth, keeping the home cool.

You’re probably already familiar with the heat pump technology used in geothermal energy systems – it’s used by your refrigerator. If you reach around the back of your refrigerator, you feel heat, but if you open it up, it’s cold. The refrigerator is removing heat from inside the fridge and expelling it into the kitchen. The refrigerator is not creating cold, it’s simply moving heat

Geothermal heating and cooling uses similar technology. It’s a heat exchange system that connects to the ground. Pipes recirculate fluid between the heat pump inside the home and the underground loops. As the fluid passes through the pipes it absorbs heat, allowing the pipes to transport warmth to and from the home. In the summer, the process is reversed for cooling, and the heat from the home is absorbed by the earth.

How does Air Source Heat Pumps work?

Air Source Heat Pumps: A Sustainable Heating and Cooling Solution

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) are an innovative, energy-efficient technology designed to extract renewable energy from the surrounding air to heat and cool your home. Ideal for properties where geothermal systems are impractical, ASHPs provide a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative to traditional fossil fuel-based systems.

By utilizing advanced technology, air source heat pumps operate efficiently even in colder climates, making them a reliable solution for year-round comfort. They offer a versatile heating and cooling option suitable for various property types, ensuring a lower carbon footprint and reduced energy bills.

Types of Air Source Heat Pumps

  1. Air-to-Air Heat Pumps:
    Air-to-air heat pumps transfer heat from the outside air directly into your home through a ducted or ductless system. They are highly effective for space heating and cooling, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures all year round. These systems are perfect for homes with existing forced-air setups or as standalone systems for modern, energy-efficient spaces.

  2. Air-to-Water Heat Pumps:
    Air-to-water heat pumps transfer heat into a water-based system, making them ideal for homes with underfloor heating, radiators, or domestic hot water systems. This type of heat pump is especially suitable for homes looking to replace traditional boilers while maintaining high energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Key Benefits of Air Source Heat Pumps

  • Ease of Installation: ASHPs are straightforward to install and require minimal space, making them a practical option for properties with limited land.
  • Versatility: With options for both air-to-air and air-to-water systems, these heat pumps can cater to a variety of heating and cooling needs.
  • Energy Efficiency: Advanced technology allows ASHPs to maintain efficiency even in cold climates, reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
  • Environmental Impact: ASHPs use renewable energy from the air, contributing to a lower carbon footprint while supporting sustainable living.
  • Cost-Effective: Lower operating costs and eligibility for renewable energy incentives make ASHPs a financially sound investment over time.

By choosing an air source heat pump, you’re not only investing in the comfort and efficiency of your home but also supporting a greener future. Whether you need heating, cooling, or both, ASHPs deliver reliable performance while significantly reducing your energy consumption.

Discover the benefits of air source heat pumps and take the first step toward sustainable living. Contact us today to learn more!

Geothermal Installation Blog

All things Geothermal, Heat Pumps, Home Heating, Cooling and Hot Water!

Frequently Asked Questions​

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What is renewable thermal energy?

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!

Learn more about us.

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.

Ready to Make the Switch to Renewable Thermal Energy?

Start saving on energy costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy year-round comfort with a custom geothermal or air source heat pump system. Let Evolved Thermal Energy guide you every step of the way.

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Jeff Hunter

Co-Founder . Client & Contractor Manager

Jeff started in the HVAC industry in 2005, joining NextEnergy Inc., a fast-growing Canadian distributor of geothermal heat pump systems. Jeff honed his technical skills by applying his mechanical engineering background in systems design to providing training to installers and troubleshooting equipment in the field and remotely for installation contractors across Canada.

Following NextEnergy Inc., Jeff transitioned into conventional wholesale trade, working with HVAC equipment manufacturers and installation contractors for both residential and commercial applications. Working in this industry, it became apparent to Jeff that Heat Pump technologies were encountering bottlenecks getting to market through the traditional equipment distribution channels.

Jeff is committed to supporting the industry as a whole, he currently serves as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Geothermal Association, a not-for-profit industry association focused on advocating for GeoExchange technology in Canada. Jeff is also a part-time Professor with Conestoga College in the Renewable Energy Techniques and Applied Energy Management programs. He enjoys helping students find their career paths in renewable energy. Jeff also volunteers on various technical and community engagement committees. Jeff is committed to helping accelerate the adoption of ground source heat pumps in Canada.

Annie Hatherton

Co-Founder . Accounting & Finance Manager

Annie has renewable energy in her blood. Her family has been in involved in the ground source heat pump industry since the early 80’s. She started working at NextEnergy Inc., the family Geothermal Heat Pump distribution business in 2006 after graduating from Wilfrid Laurier University. Annie held positions in warehousing, logistics, operations, eventually making her way into accounting.

In 2014, Annie joined ZON Engineering, a growing solar and high-performance buildings engineering consulting firm. She manages accounting and operations for both ZON Engineering and ZON Generation.

As Co-Founder and Partner in Evolved Thermal Energy Inc., Annie brings her vast hands-on Finance, Operations, and HR experience to help ETE grow.