A High-Performance, Eco-Friendly and Long-Lasting Heating System to Get Through Montréal Winters
At AirGreen, we understand that choosing an efficient and cost-effective heating system is a crucial decision for homeowners, building managers, and businesses in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, the North Shore and South Shore. Among the most innovative and high-performance solutions, geothermal heating stands out for its ability to provide steady warmth while reducing energy costs and environmental impact. But is it truly a solution suited to your building, your land, and your budget?
In this article, we provide a complete overview of geothermal heating: how it works, its benefits, downsides, costs to expect, available grants, and the feasibility in Montréal and surrounding areas.
What Is Geothermal Heating?
Geothermal heating, also known as a ground source heat pump system, draws energy stored in the earth to heat your building. By capturing the heat beneath the surface using buried collectors (horizontal or vertical), the system transfers it to a heating circuit via a high-efficiency central heat pump.
This process relies on a remarkable constant: even during winter, the underground temperature remains stable around 5 to 10°C. This allows your system to continue operating reliably, even during intense cold spells in Montréal.
The Tangible Benefits of Geothermal Heating
1. Outstanding Energy Efficiency
A geothermal system can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3 to 5, meaning it produces 3 to 5 times more energy than it consumes. This translates into significant savings on your energy bill, often up to 60% compared to a combustion-based system (oil, natural gas or propane).
2. Environmentally Responsible Solution
Geothermal heating drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions, as it doesn’t rely on fossil fuels. In a city like Montréal, where electricity mostly comes from hydroelectric sources, the combination of geothermal and electric networks makes it a highly ecological solution.
3. Longer Lifespan
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The buried geothermal collectors have a lifespan of 50 years or more.
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The indoor heat pump units last 20 to 25 years, far beyond that of traditional systems.
4. Versatility: Heating and Cooling
By reversing the heat pump cycle, a geothermal system also allows you to cool your home in summer, all using the same infrastructure. That means year-round comfort, without the need for a wall-mounted or central AC unit.
5. Quiet and Discreet
Unlike outdoor units (e.g., wall-mounted or central heat pumps), geothermal systems are extremely quiet since all the equipment is either indoors or underground.
Is Geothermal Heating Feasible for You in Montréal or Nearby?
Land Type
In Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, or on the North or South Shore, a project's feasibility depends mainly on the type of soil and available space:
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Horizontal collectors: require a large area of clear land (ideal for suburban homes or commercial buildings).
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Vertical collectors: need less space but require deep drilling (up to 150 meters), which can increase costs.
Local Access and Regulations
Some municipalities require specific permits for geothermal drilling. At AirGreen, we handle all administrative steps, including feasibility studies, soil testing, and permit applications.
Proximity to Other Buildings
In denser areas of Montréal, access for drilling equipment may be limited. In these cases, we assess the installation of vertical wells by optimizing depth and space, all while complying with safety standards.
How Much Does a Geothermal Installation Cost?
The initial cost of a geothermal installation in Montréal typically ranges from $30,000 to $45,000, which includes:
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The central heat pump system.
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Drilling (horizontal or vertical).
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Qualified labor.
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The distribution system (radiant floor heating, hot water baseboards, or fan coil units).
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Smart control systems.
However, the annual energy savings, combined with grants, make it possible to break even on the investment in an average of 7 to 12 years.
Available Grants for Geothermal Heating
Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Grant
Hydro-Québec offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to $7,500 for eligible residential geothermal projects. The amount depends on the performance of the installed system.
RénoClimat Program
The Québec government offers up to $5,365 for residential geothermal systems through RénoClimat.
Federal Canada Greener Homes Program
This program provides an additional rebate of up to $5,000, along with a $40,000 interest-free loan to finance energy-efficient renovations, including geothermal projects.
At AirGreen, we help you secure all available grants, handling the paperwork, inspections, and application process for you.
Case Study: Geothermal Installation by AirGreen in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville (South Shore)
A residential homeowner on the South Shore of Montréal was looking for a quiet, cost-effective, and long-lasting solution to heat a multi-generational two-storey home. The previous system (dual-energy oil and electric) was too expensive and inefficient.
Challenges Faced:
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Sloped terrain requiring a vertical installation.
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Limited space in the mechanical room.
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Need for uniform comfort across two separate zones (upstairs and downstairs).
Solutions Provided:
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Installation of two 135-meter-deep vertical wells.
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Deployment of a WaterFurnace 5 Series central heat pump, connected to radiant floors and multi-zone fan coil units.
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Integration of a smart thermostat with zone-by-zone control.
Result: Energy bills reduced by 68%, optimal thermal comfort, and no exterior noise.
Why Choose AirGreen for Your Geothermal Heating Project in Montréal?
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Complete HVAC expertise: we specialize in geothermal systems and central and wall-mounted heat pumps, offering objective recommendations tailored to your needs.
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Multidisciplinary team: engineers, technicians, certified drillers.
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End-to-end support: from feasibility studies to system commissioning, including grant acquisition.
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Local service: we operate across Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore, and South Shore, with deep knowledge of the local terrain and conditions.
In Conclusion: Is Geothermal Heating Right for You?
If you're looking to cut your energy costs, increase your property’s value, and enjoy a quiet, durable, and eco-friendly system, then geothermal heating is well worth your attention. At AirGreen, we guide you with expertise, transparency, and dedication to building a smarter, more sustainable energy future in Montréal and surrounding regions.