Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* Source: Airtechni and Geoconfort staff, Earth Energy Society of Canada, Hydro-Quebec and NRCan

FAQ > Questions related to the performance

• How efficient is an EE system?
  AThe performance of the heat pump unit is rated by its ‘Coefficient of Performance’ which calculates how much energy is required to transfer heat into a building. Units are tested under the CSA C446, ARI 320, ARI 325 or ISO 13126 standards. In Canada, units cannot be sold if they rate below 2.8 CoP and many units achieve 3.5 or above. If the CoP is 3.5, a system requires 1 kW of electrical energy to transfer and deliver 3,500 W of space heat; this is equivalent to a combustion furnace with an efficiency of 380 percent.
• How long will the loop pipe last?
  AThe pipe is high-density polyethylene. Most suppliers provide a warranty of 25 years or more.
  
  
• What factors will affect the performance of an EE system?
  ACommon problems for degradation of output in a well-designed system include dirty air filters (clean), air trapped in the ground loop (purge) and declining anti-freeze level (add more). Human error includes mis-set thermostat while natural problems include dropping water table or increasing mineral content in the water.
• Is an EE system more comfortable than a conventional furnace?
  AA heat pump moves a large volume of warm air throughout a building, but it is at a lower temperature than a combustion furnace, resulting in an even and steady delivery with no draughts. The lack of combustion and higher air circulation of an EE system results in less indoor air contamination and lower pollution levels, as well as reduced humidity buildup.
• What happens when the outdoor temperature becomes very cold?
  AAlthough the outdoor ambient temperature can drop significantly and quickly, the temperature of the ground below the frost line remains constant and it is from this level that an EE system extracts heat. In the worst case scenario where the outdoor temperature drops for a prolonged period and there is an extraordinarily high demand for heat, the supplemental heating unit on the EE heat pump will provide the difference in heat.
• Does the quality or quantity of water have any bearing on performance?
  AWater that comes directly from a lake or a well must meet certain levels for temperature and flow rate, and must contain few minerals. The CSA standard requires an official water well log to ensure that the yield is sustainable, and an analysis should be done to determine if the water contains any chemicals or metals that could damage the heat exchanger or other component.
• Can an EE system be diagnosed by long distance?
  ASome manufacturers have incorporated electronic measurements to provide diagnostic capability over the telephone. In some cases, this allows the system to be re-set without a service call.
  
  
• How safe is an EE system?
  AAn EE system is considered to be one of the safest heating/cooling systems available. No combustible fuels are used, which eliminates any chance of explosion, and it also reduces concerns over indoor air quality (IAQ). There are no outside components that can be tampered with or vandalized.
  
  
• Are EE contractors certified?
  AA number of manufacturers offer training for their authorized contractors that is specific to that brand but, as of early 2002, there is no certification program in Canada. A program was offered by the Canadian Earth Energy Association (the predecessor of the Earth Energy Society) until 1993. There is a program offered by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association and the Geothermal Heat Pump Consortium in the United States. There are a number of related certifications (for heat loss analysis, ductwork installation, etc) offered by the Heating, Refrigeration & Airconditioning Institute of Canada, among others.
• Is there a lot of noise from an EE system?
  AThe compressor, pump and blower are all sound-insulated. The CSA standard requires a heat pump to be placed on top of an acoustical air pad to eliminate vibration noise and there must be sound dampeners where the heat pump connects to the ductwork. The system is one of the quietest options on the market.
• Can a large number of EE systems create ecological problems?
  AEach system is designed to ensure sufficient heat from the property in which it operates, and there is no potential to “freeze the globe” or to disturb natural habitats or ecosystems. Systems use renewable energy to heat a building, and benefits to the environment increase with the number of units installed, when compared with conventional fuel-based heating units.

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