Get a quote
Get a quote
Get a quote
I’d like to:
I'd like to receive News and Special Offers
Get a Quote
Get a quote
Get a quote
I’d like to:
I'd like to receive News and Special Offers

Ensure a seamless transition to efficient heating and cooling with Aecon


Leveraging Aecon’s trusted expertise and resources as one of North America’s largest multi-disciplinary utility contractors, Aecon Green Energy Solutions is committed to helping homeowners reach a cleaner, more cost-effective future. From designing the right technical solution for your home to installing and maintaining your heating and cooling system, we deliver turnkey solutions built on over 70 years of experience.

Ensure a seamless transition to efficient heating and cooling with Aecon
Why green heating and cooling?

Shhh… your furnace isn’t going to like this

Get a quote
Get a quote
Get a quote
I’d like to:
I'd like to receive News and Special Offers

Geothermal energy and hybrid heating provide the superior comfort of even temperatures throughout the home and a long operating life – without producing greenhouse gas emissions.

Higher efficiency,
lower monthly costs

Geothermal and hybrid heating systems provide three to seven times the energy efficiency of traditional furnaces and AC units, translating into savings of up to 70% on heating, cooling, and hot water costs*.

*Source: WaterFurnace

Superior climate control

These high-efficiency heating and cooling systems are known for their effectiveness in delivering a consistent, even flow of heat or conditioned air throughout the home year-round.

Reliable power

Delivering consistent energy, you can rely on the earth’s air- or ground-source thermal energy for your long-term heating and cooling needs.

Ground-source heat pumps draw thermal energy from the earth, leveraging the consistent temperatures available, regardless of weather conditions, just a few metres below the surface.

Learn more

In a closed-loop system, fluid is circulated through continuous underground piping – installed vertically or horizontally – to absorb and transfer heat to a connected indoor heat pump.

Learn more

In an open-loop system, groundwater from a natural underground well is pumped to a heat exchanger, which collects thermal energy to power a connected indoor heat pump.

Learn more

In colder months, fluid from your underground loop system carries heat inside. Your indoor heat pump then distributes it effectively throughout the home.

Learn more

In warmer months, your indoor heat pump pulls heat from your home and circulates it back into the ground, which regulates the temperature of the fluid in your loop system.

Learn more
A world of heat below your feet

Geothermal: How it works

https://greenenergysolutions.aecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AGES-Website-How-it-works-780_521-7.jpg
https://greenenergysolutions.aecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/21-1.jpg
https://greenenergysolutions.aecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/AGES-Website-How-it-works-780_521-6.jpg
https://greenenergysolutions.aecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Heating_780_520.jpg
https://greenenergysolutions.aecon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/24-1.jpg

“Hybrid heating” refers to using two energy sources: a highly efficient, electric air-source heat pump for most of your heating and cooling needs and a backup furnace.

Learn more

An electric air-source heat pump sits outside the home and resembles an AC unit. In winter, it draws thermal energy from the outdoor temperatures and uses electricity to convert that energy into heat to be distributed around the home. In summer, it uses thermal energy to remove heat and distribute conditioned air around the home.

Learn more

When temperatures drop below -15 to -30 °C (depending on your chosen heat pump) or electricity prices peak, your furnace steps in to provide backup heating.

Learn more

Using smart control technology, a hybrid heating system automatically switches between your heat pump and furnace to distribute heat and conditioned air throughout your home for maximum efficiency, minimum utility costs, and reduced carbon emissions.

Learn more

Your new electric air-source heat pump and smart climate control technology can be retrofitted to work with any existing traditional furnace or combination HVAC system and decrease upfront costs.

Learn more
Monthly savings, year-round comfort

Hybrid Heating: How it works

approach-thumb-mobile
approach-thumb-mobile
approach-thumb-mobile
approach-thumb-mobile
approach-thumb-mobile
approach-thumb-mobile
1
Step 1

Determine which system is right for you

Our team can guide you toward the right heating and cooling system for your home. The first step is completing our FREE Geothermal or Hybrid Heating Assessment to gather relevant information. A few factors influence suitability, including your budget, home type, property conditions, and electricity consumption.

2
Step 2

Virtual design review and quotation

Using the information you provided in your online Assessment, our specialists will walk you through a preliminary heating and cooling design and quotation tailored to your home, including high-quality equipment and a turnkey installation package.

3
Step 3

Site survey

The next step is an onsite evaluation, including a series of tests and measurements. This survey ensures we have selected your system’s best location, size, technology, and design. From there, we will share the final designs and pricing for your review and confirmation.

4
Step 4

Prepare for installation

Our team will prepare and submit the necessary electrical or building permit documents on your behalf. We will then order the required equipment and materials. While your application is being processed, we will keep you updated along the way.

5
Step 5

Install your new system

Once permits are secured, we will schedule a convenient time for our experienced team to carry out your installation, focusing on safety as our top priority. For hybrid heating systems, installation will be completed over the course of one to two days. For geothermal systems, installation will be completed over the course of one to two weeks, including two stages. The first stage is to drill and install your underground infrastructure (open or closed loop). Then, we will return to connect the underground infrastructure to your home and your new ground-source heat pump.

6
Step 6

Final inspection and commissioning

We will conduct a thorough quality review to ensure the system meets required industry standards and functions optimally. The local electrical authority will perform final inspections (and the building authority for geothermal energy projects) to close out your permit(s). All that’s left is to enjoy the superior comfort and utility savings of your new, energy-efficient heating and cooling system!

Get in touch

Interested in taking the next step toward energy independence?

Let us know! Our heating and cooling specialists are standing by to answer your questions or advise on available incentives in your area, as well as the suitability of hybrid heating or geothermal energy for your home.

Contact Our Team

Jim Redick Representative, Heating & Cooling
Get in Touch
First
Last
I'd like to receive News and Special Offers

Contact Our Team

Jim Redick Representative, Heating & Cooling
  • Heating & Cooling

Bringing Geothermal Energy to more than 70 Homes


In Barrie, Ontario, Sean Mason homes signed up for Enbridge Sustain’s end to end energy solutioning (including design, installation, financing and maintenance) to offer geothermal to its customers in a new development. Enbridge Sustain called upon Aecon Green Energy Solutions to leverage its unique mobile drilling solution to deliver an effective geothermal energy installation in this neighbourhood development.

Get started with your FREE assessment


Provide our team with a few details about your home and one of our specialists will be in touch to discuss your FREE Assessment!

Or contact us
Get started with your FREE assessment

Frequently asked questions

Installation installation-icon
What's the difference between a ground-source and an air-source heat pump?

Both ground- and air-source heat pumps draw renewable, naturally occurring thermal energy from the earth. A ground-source, or geothermal heat pump (GHP), draws energy from the consistent temperature of shallow earth just a few metres underground. An air-source heat pump draws energy from the fluctuating temperatures of the outside air. Electricity is then used to power the heat pump (ground- or air-source) to convert this thermal energy into heating or cooling.

How do geothermal heat pumps work?

Geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps use the consistent temperature of shallow earth just a few metres underground to provide an energy-efficient solution for heating and cooling. Geothermal systems require access to underground depths below a certain level – typically two to three metres – where the earth is insulated from seasonal temperature variations. At these depths, thermal energy is stored in the ground, which allows geothermal heat pumps to act as a heat sink that absorbs heat during summer. It then acts as a heat source when surface temperatures are lower during winter.

Do air-source heat pumps work in the winter?

Many types of heat pumps are available, and technology continues to become more effective and efficient. Today, there are air-source heat pumps specifically designed for cold climates. These Cold Climate Heat Pumps can deliver heating and cooling at outdoor temperatures down to -30°C. For most Canadians, a backup furnace is only required for less than ten days per year.

How long do heat pumps last?

Modern air-source heat pumps will run for up to 20 years, while ground-source heat pumps, installed indoors and protected from the weather, will run for up to 25 years. The underground infrastructure for geothermal energy can last up to 75 years!

Source.

How loud is a geothermal system?

Geothermal systems are considered “whisper quiet” because the outdoor infrastructure is installed underground, and the rest of the system is located inside the home – typically in a furnace room. This setup means you can enjoy your outdoor living space without the hum of a noisy heating or cooling unit.

What does the geothermal installation process look like?

Installing your geothermal system takes longer than most green energy systems because it must be completed in two phases. The first step is installing the underground infrastructure, which takes place outside. This work requires some drilling and excavation of your property – the scope of which will be determined during your design process. The next phase happens inside the home. Our team will return to install your new ground-source heat pump, typically in the same place where your furnace used to be, and connect this to your underground system.

What does the hybrid heating installation process look like?

This process is much simpler than a geothermal energy installation. Hybrid heating involves installing an outdoor unit (which looks much like an AC unit) and an indoor heat exchanger – typically in your furnace room. The installation of these two pieces of equipment can be completed over one to two days.

I have a traditional heating and cooling system – can I still install geothermal energy?

Absolutely! Geothermal systems are designed as a standalone upgrade, utilizing your current ductwork for a hassle-free transition. While the underground infrastructure and geothermal heat pump are new, the integration is straightforward – ensuring your environmentally-friendly heating and cooling is effective and efficient.

How does an air-source heat pump work with my existing HVAC system?

If you already have ductwork, your new heat pump will seamlessly connect to the existing forced-air system and help to minimize installation costs. If you have a central air conditioner, the process is even more straightforward – your new heat pump will utilize the existing electrical connections and running for your wiring and refrigerant lines.

What is the benefit of combining my new heating and cooling system with radiant floor heating?

Geothermal and hybrid heating systems are known for their effectiveness in delivering a consistent, even flow of heat or conditioned air throughout the home. One way to increase the efficiency of your system even further is to pair it with radiant floor heating. Unlike forced air, radiant floor heating – which sends a heated liquid solution through a system of piping installed just beneath your floor – keeps heat between the floor and eye level. This dynamic means you won’t need to produce as much thermal energy as you would with a forced air system, where you must produce excess heating to compensate for heat naturally rising to the ceiling.

What maintenance is required with a geothermal system?

Little maintenance is required for geothermal systems. When properly installed, your underground infrastructure (open- or closed-loop) can last well beyond a lifetime. The indoor components, including the fan, compressor, and electric heat pump, can last many years with proper care. Regular checks, filter changes, and annual coil cleanings are the only required maintenance in most circumstances.

What maintenance is required with a hybrid heating system?

Regular maintenance is essential for hybrid heating systems (air-source heat pumps and furnaces) to maintain peak performance and long-term durability. Maintenance tasks may involve filter replacement, monitoring refrigerant levels, and inspections – much the same as furnace maintenance.

What is the typical cost of installing a geothermal system?

The cost of your geothermal system installation will depend on several factors, which you will work through with our team during your Assessment, site review, and the design process. Cost is influenced by considerations such as the size of equipment required to support your heating and cooling needs, the type of underground infrastructure most appropriate (open- or closed-loop, vertical or horizontal loop installation, etc.), and any additional functionality you want the system to incorporate, such as radiant floor heating or water heating.

What are the ongoing costs of running a geothermal system?

Geothermal systems typically have low operating costs. Operating costs, however, can be influenced by three key factors: your preferences for indoor temperature, the quality of your insulation, and the efficiency of the exterior envelope of your building. Regular maintenance of your indoor equipment will ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness over time. During the design process, our specialists will provide a comprehensive report that compares annual operating costs for different equipment options to help you design the right system for your needs and preferences.

Why are heat pumps considered more sustainable than traditional furnaces and AC units?

The most sustainable and environmentally friendly way to heat and cool your home is with a geothermal system (with a ground-source heat pump) or hybrid heating (which uses an electric air-source heat pump for most of your home comfort needs). Heat pumps run on electricity to convert thermal energy into heating and cooling for the home. On the other hand, traditional furnaces and AC units operate by burning fossil fuels such as natural gas. A heat pump emits no direct carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, or other greenhouse gases.

Will my green heating and cooling system positively impact the environment?

Your transition to more energy-efficient heating and cooling technology has significant tangible benefits for the planet. Given our cold climate, space heating accounts for more than 63% of the energy used in the average Canadian home. In the case of hybrid heating, using renewable thermal energy from the air combined with electricity can reduce your emissions of harmful greenhouse gases (GHG) by up to 30%, compared to a standalone natural gas furnace. On the other hand, a geothermal system provides an even further reduction, cutting your GHG emissions by up to two-thirds compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.

Commercial Solutions

We are a trusted partner delivering scalable solutions on the commercial scale

Enterprise

Enterprise

Transitioning retail, commercial, or industrial buildings to more efficient and cost-effective heating and cooling systems.

multiresidential-mobile

Multiresidential

End-to-end solutions for green heating and cooling in retrofitted or new-build housing developments and condominiums.

Cities & Municipalites

Cities & Municipalites

Reliable contractor supporting your institutional or educational facilities in reaching a net zero future.

Utility Partners

Utility Partners

Working together to help your business and customers move toward more sustainable heating and cooling.