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WHEN to contact heat pump design consultant for home energy renovations

Building Envelope Impacts Heat Pump Selection

Changes to any of these assemblies associated with the building envelope will impact the HVAC systems. With fossil fuel-based heating systems, there is a certain degree of flexibility where such renovations will not negatively impact the equipment. For example, adding insulation to your attic will reduce heat loss, and the impact on a fossil fuel furnace would be a reduced running time in the depths of winter. In an extreme case, we could see furnaces being significantly oversized after such renovations, causing short cycling, which would cause comfort and reliability concerns. Many furnaces today are multi-stage or variable, which would help negate these impacts. 

Greener Homes Program Switching to Heat Pump In Ontario

However, suppose you plan to complete envelope renovations to help reduce energy demand, specifically to transition your fossil fuel HVAC systems to electrified systems (heat pumps). We commonly see this with the Greener Homes program and energy audits recommending envelope improvements. In that case, it is essential to consider this to help guide your renovation decisions. We also recommend you make any improvements first to reduce the building loads before transitioning to a heat pump. However, knowing that you plan to install a heat pump, homeowners should have a complete Heat Loss / Gain calculation done on their home first so you can get a complete picture. This process can optimize the heat pump selection to ensure the most cost-effective approach.

HVAC Design Ontario Heat Loss

By building the energy model to calculate heat loss, we can adjust the R-values of the different envelope components to match the improvements you plan to make and weigh the costs and the benefits to the impact on the HVAC system sizing and overall comfort and efficiency. We can then compare your current HVAC system operating costs to various heat pump options. 

So, as you consider adding insulation, or changing windows or doors, per the Energuide Audit, you should contact an HVAC design professional early in the process to help you get the most cost-effective solution possible.

Evolved Thermal Energy Heat Pump Installer Network Ontario

At Evolved Thermal Energy, we help people with this process every day. Contact us via our Qualify form to get started today!

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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.