ATEL Air is one of Eastern Ontario’s most experienced Geothermal Heating and Cooling service providers.
We have installed over 600 geothermal systems since 1984 all over Eastern Ontario, from Kingston to the border of Québec.
Just a few metres below your lawn, the earth stays a constant 50°F/10°C even in the depths of winter. That nice constant temperature can be used to heat your home when it’s cold in the winter, and cool it in summer.
Geothermal heating and cooling is one of the most energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies available. Also known as a ground source heat pump (GSHP), it uses liquid-filled pipes to transfer heat where it’s needed – or away from where it’s not needed. In winter, heat is brought from the earth into your home. In summer, the process reverses and heat is transferred to the earth. Your refrigerator and air conditioner work on a similar principle.
Best of all, geothermal heating is a lot more affordable than you might think. In most situations a top of the line system can be installed for around $300 per month.
“It’s cheaper than gas or oil heat or electric baseboard heaters. Our electricity costs average about $400 a month and about half of that is for cooling and heating.”
– Gerry Rosenquist, Morrisburg
Learn more real customer experiences with geothermal >
Benefits of Geothermal Heating
While a GSHP system is more expensive than a regular furnace, you actually get a lot more for your money.
Unbelievable energy efficiency.
For every $1 of energy that goes in you get $4 – $5 in heat energy back. That’s much better than electrical baseboard or electric furnaces, which is strictly 1 for 1. Ground source heat pumps are also about twice as efficient as air source heat pumps.
Reduce your dependency on fossil fuels and your carbon footprint.
Using geothermal means you almost never need any other supplemental heat, even in Ontario’s climate.
No additional air conditioner needed.
A ground source heat pump will supply all the cooling you need.
Maintains ideal humidity, winter or summer.
A GSHP system keeps the humidity around the ideal 35-50%. Unlike a furnace that burns all the moisture out of the air, the air from a geothermal system is people-friendly and wood furnishings friendly.
Better airflow and cleaner air.
A GSHP system will keep your air flowing, so any air cleaners or ventilators you have can work more consistently.
Can heat your water too.
A geothermal system will take about 15% of the total heat created and warm your water in the hot water tank. In the colder winter months it may even meet all of your hot water demands.
Much quieter.
A ground source heat pump makes less noise than even the quietest furnace. Because you won’t need an air conditioner at all, you can enjoy peace and quiet in your yard.
All mechanical parts stay safe inside your home.
Unlike the compressor of an air conditioner which can be vulnerable to the elements, theft and vandalism, your heat pump stays inside your home.
Eastern Ontario’s Most Experienced Geothermal Installer
ATEL Air has installed over 600 geothermal systems since 1984. We’ve designed and built a variety of systems for customers all over Eastern Ontario, from Kingston to the border of Québec.
We take care of the project management for your new GSHP from beginning to end, ensuring all of the work is done right so you’ll be able to enjoy your system for decades to come.
Qualifications
ATEL Air has refrigeration, electrical and sheet metal licensing on staff and on your job site as well as additional training by the manufacturers of the brands we carry. Because we were part of two major rebate programs in the early 1990’s and the recent Eco Energy program, we have the latest training in geothermal installation practices. All current geothermal installations must meet the latest standard by CSA C448 Series 02.
Our Brands
Pricing for servicing our central air conditioner was very reasonable. The technician was number one. Thank you Atel Air
Quickly and efficiently repaired the air conditioner. Definitely recommend to anyone.
Had A/C issue, called to book appointment which was the next day. On time no hassles. Definitely continuing with them for my HVAC needs
WaterFurnace is one of the world’s leaders in geothermal heat pumps.
Makers of incredibly reliable heat pumps, Nordic is a Canadian manufacturer.
ATEL Air is accredited with:
- Canadian Geo Exchange Coalition
- HRAI: the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
- ESA: the Electrical Standards Safety Authority
- OEL: the Ontario Electrical League
View our full list of certifications and accreditations >
Our Geothermal Process
ATEL Air believes in educating our customers so they can make informed decisions. Here is a high level overview of the steps involved in installing a geothermal heat pump system:
- We visit your home and review the options with you.
During the visit, we calculate the heating and cooling requirements for your home to learn the size of heat pump that’s required. Home size, insulation quality, sun exposure and other factors will affect the heat load. - Determine if any ductwork upgrades are required to handle the increased airflow from your new system.
- Decide the type of ground source heat pump: plumbing loop or well water.
- Find out if your electrical system is able to handle the requirements.
- Determine where to install the equipment in your basement or mechanical room.
- Plan the dig for the new Geothermal loop or connection to the supply well and discharge well.
- Installation work is carried out.
- Clean up of work area.
- ATEL Air follows up with you to make sure everything is working as designed and any new questions you may have since installation are answered.
The full details and specific process will be dependent on your home and the system type, and we review those with you during the consultation and planning meetings.
Is Geothermal Right for You?
If you can answer yes to these questions, you will find that a geothermal heating system installation makes sense:
- You appreciate excellent value. One system can provide your heating cooling and hot water with 400% – 500% energy efficiency.
- You want a system that will last. The heat pumps are covered by warranty for up to 10 years (depending on the equipment manufacturer). They often last much longer with life expectancy around 20 years. In fact we currently have some that are still working today after 30 years. The underground piping is expected to last 50- 75 years and will be able to be reconnected to replaced indoor units several times.
- You have a good-sized yard. The ideal scenario is about 1 acre of clear land, to provide space for the refrigerant line trenches. Other options are available, including vertical drilling, which can require as little as a few square metres.
- You have enough space in your basement/mechanical room. A ground source heat pump requires less space than an old oil furnace and oil storage tank.
- You care about the environment. A ground source heat pump is the most energy efficient way to heat and cool your home in existence, and it does not use fossil fuels. The antifreeze in the loops will not harm the environment if by chance the loops gets damaged or hit. A GSHP can also run on your well water – only removing about 10°F from the water and returning it back to the earth via a discharge well. The water quality and cleanliness remain the same.
If you’re unsure if geothermal will work for you, we invite you to contact us.