Consumer Materials - For your own information

Why Geothermal?

Throughout the year, outdoor temperatures fluctuate with the changing seasons. However, underground temperatures do not. In fact, about four to six feet below the earth's surface, temperatures remain relatively constant year-round. A geothermal system, which consists of an indoor unit and a buried earth loop, capitalizes on these constant temperatures.

Providing you with an unheard of 400% efficiency, WaterFurnace systems deliver $4 of free earth energy for every $1 of electrical energy used. The high efficiency of this system gives you incredible energy savings, which usually more than offsets any additional installation costs within the first five years. WaterFurnace systems provide consistent and comfortable heating and cooling. The optional zone control system lets you control the temperature in four different areas of your home. The WaterFurnace reputation for reliability has been earned by using only the highest-quality components, design and workmanship. WaterFurnace systems do not require noisy outdoor units that create unsightly additions to your home’s appearance. There is no combustion, flames or fumes and no chance of carbon-monoxide poisoning because natural gas, propane or oil are not required to operate a WaterFurnace unit. One compact WaterFurnace unit provides heating, central air conditioning and supplemental domestic hot water. High-efficiency air cleaners found in WaterFurnace systems keep your indoor air quality clean, removing dust and pollen so you can breathe easier. Installing a WaterFurnace system is the environmental equivalent of planting 750 trees or removing two cars from the road. No fossil fuel means no harmful emissions or greenhouse gases. For more information, check out this page.

How does it work?

In the winter, fluid circulating through the system's earth loop absorbs stored heat and carries it indoors. The indoor unit compresses the heat to a higher temperature and distributes it throughout the building. In the summer, the system reverses, pulling heat from the building, carrying through the earth loop and depositing it in the cooler earth. A geothermal system utilizes the energy from the sun, which is stored in the earth, to heat and cool homes and buildings. Typically, electric power is used only to operate the unit's fan, compressor and pump. So, unlike conventional systems, geothermal systems do not burn fossil fuel to generate heat--they simply transfer heat to and from the earth.

The heating process involves extracting heat energy from the ground, and moving it into the building. Transferring the heat from the earth to the building involves a cycle of evaporation, compression, condensation and expansion. A refrigerant is used as the heat transfer medium. The heating cycle starts as cold, liquid refrigerant passes through a water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger and absorbs heat from the low temperature source (earth loop fluid or well water). The refrigerant evaporates into a gas as heat is absorbed. The gaseous refrigerant passes through a compressor where the refrigerant is pressurized, raising its temperature to over 180° F. The hot gas then circulates through a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger where heat is removed as the cooler return air passes over it. Now heated, this warm air is delivered into the building by way of the blower and the duct system. Upon releasing its heat energy into the air, the refrigerant returns to the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger where the process is repeated continuously during the heating process. A by-product of the heating function is the production of hot water that is delivered to the water heater by way of a small pump.

The cooling process involves the extraction of heat energy from the air in the building and moving it into the earth. Transferring heat from the air in the building to the earth involves a cycle of expansion, condensation, compression, condensation and evaporation. A refrigerant is used as the heat transfer medium. The cooling cycle starts as the compressor delivers refrigerant to the water-to-refrigerant heat exchanger. Heat from the refrigerant is absorbed by (rejected in to) the low temperature source (earth loop fluid or well water) resulting in the refrigerant turning cold. The cold refrigerant then passes through a refrigerant-to-air heat exchanger. As warm, humid air from the return air duct system is passed over the cold air coil, the air is cooled and dehumidified, then returned into the building, cooling the space. The heat from the warm air that returns to the unit is absorbed by the cold refrigerant, turning the refrigerant into a hot gas. The hot refrigerant is returned to the compressor where the process is repeated continuously during the cooling process. A portion of the heat returning to the compressor (from the hot return air) is diverted to another refrigerant circuit that generates hot water and delivers it to the water heater by way of a small pump.

More information on the equipment we offer is available here.

Rebates and Savings

With Geothermal continuing to grow in popularity, new Government incentives are being brought forward to encourage homeowners to make the switch to geothermal heating & cooling.  Incentives can easily add up to more than $8,000.

If the original can be certified that it was installed according to CSA C488 standard, then it should be acceptable.  The question becomes: How do I certify?  We will keep you up to date as more information is available. Below is a list of the current incentives available.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty has announced a $150 million rebate program.  This rebate program gives incentives to Ontarians to "go green" at home through:

• A Home Energy Retrofit Program providing up to $5,000 for home energy retrofits
• Extending the RST rebate on qualifying geothermal equipment to January 1, 2010
• Developing a program that helps Ontarians purchase 100% green power
• A plan to give 0% interest loans for homeowners installing renewable energy systems

The Provincial incentive, under the Home Energy Retrofit Program, will give the homeowner the following:

• $3,500 for a retrofit geothermal heat pump that meets all the ecoAction Program requirements
• A 50% rebate up to $150 on the cost of the INITIAL home energy audit cost
• An extension of the PST rebate on the installation of a geothermal system

Local municipalities have also introduced their own incentives.  Be sure to check with your local city or township to stay up to date.

Check out this page to get more information about rebates.

Great Warranties on Great Products

Designed to provide you with years of coverage and protection, warranties from WaterFurnace are a great complement to the quality built into your WaterFurnace system. Using extensive quality assurance procedures, our units are built by skilled technicians to exacting specifications and thoroughly tested to ensure reliability. As a result, we’re able to provide you with the finest warranty coverage so you can rest easy knowing that your system is protected for years of operation, energy savings and quiet comfort. This warranty coverage is more than a piece of paper… it is peace of mind.

We’re so confident in the reliability of our units; our standard warranty provides you with protection for a minimum of 5 years, and 10 years on our high-end products. Our program covers all unit parts and any WaterFurnace accessories included as part of the system, including Intellizone systems, thermostats and flow centers. In addition, your WaterFurnace dealer receives a labour allowance to offset labour expenses which may be incurred in the unlikely event of a failure. We are confident you’ll be happy with our standard warranties. But because our customers have varied needs and budgets, we offer several optional warranties that, if selected, can reduce the cost of the system. Discuss the options with your WaterFurnace dealer to determine which warranty best fits your needs.

Check out this page for more information on the great warranties we have available.

 

If you have questions about whether a geothermal WaterFurnace can be installed in your home, check with your local dealer. You can easily find your local dealer by using our automated dealer locator. Within a few seconds, you will have the name of your local dealer and a quick and easy way to contact them.

Calculate your Geothermal Savings Are you wondering how much you can save with a WaterFurnace Geothermal System? Wondering what piece of equipment would work best for you? Try out our Geothermal Savings Calculator completely free and online and get your savings as well as details on the available WaterFurnace Heat Pump systems for your home.