Energy efficiency has become a top priority for homeowners on the North Shore looking for sustainable, cost-effective, and high-performance solutions for year-round comfort. Geothermal air conditioning is gaining popularity, especially for its long-term benefits in reducing energy consumption, delivering consistent comfort all year, and minimizing environmental impact. At AirGreen, we’ve installed numerous geothermal systems in single-family homes, apartment buildings, and commercial properties throughout the North Shore, including in Blainville, Terrebonne, Boisbriand, and Saint-Jérôme. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the technical aspects, tangible advantages, installation challenges, and feedback from real customers who’ve chosen this solution.
Understanding How Geothermal Air Conditioning Works
A geothermal system works by exchanging heat with the ground. Just a few meters below the surface, the earth maintains a relatively stable temperature year-round, around 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F). The geothermal heat pump captures this energy and converts it into heating or cooling, depending on the season. It works with:
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An underground loop system (horizontal or vertical)
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A central unit (water-to-water or water-to-air heat pump) installed inside the building
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A distribution system (typically radiant floors or a ducted air network)
This technology requires professional HVAC installation, tailored to the specific conditions of your property.
Why Choose Geothermal Air Conditioning on the North Shore?
1. Harsh Winters Demand a Reliable Solution
Winters on the North Shore are long and cold. Unlike some wall-mounted heat pumps that lose efficiency below -15°C (5°F), geothermal systems remain consistent. They’re not affected by extreme outdoor temperatures since they draw energy from the ground. That means stable, reliable comfort throughout the year—even in the heart of January.
2. Unmatched Energy Efficiency
A geothermal system can achieve a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4 to 5, meaning it delivers 4 to 5 units of thermal energy for every unit of electricity consumed. This translates to substantial savings on heating and cooling bills—up to 60% annually compared to conventional systems.
3. Available Grants and Incentives
Thanks to programs from Hydro-Québec, Transition Énergétique Québec (TEQ) and various municipal initiatives, homeowners can receive significant financial assistance to cover part of the installation cost. For example, a residential geothermal installation on the North Shore may qualify for grants up to $5,000 or more, depending on project details.
AirGreen Case Study: Residential Geothermal in Sainte-Thérèse
We recently completed a full geothermal air conditioning installation in a 2,800 sq. ft. home in Sainte-Thérèse. The client, concerned about their environmental impact, wanted to eliminate fossil fuels entirely. After a detailed thermal assessment and land survey, we chose a closed vertical loop system, paired with a BOSCH Greensource SM Series geothermal heat pump (efficiency up to 30 EER).
Challenges Faced:
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Rocky terrain: required deep drilling (over 180 feet)
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Limited interior space: tight mechanical room integration
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Municipal coordination: permits obtained quickly thanks to our expertise
Outcome:
The homeowner now enjoys steady comfort, a 70% annual energy bill reduction, and received $4,800 in grants. Plus, the installation has boosted the market value of their home.
Eligibility and Technical Considerations
Before going geothermal, several key factors must be evaluated:
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Soil type (rock, sand, clay)
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Available space for horizontal loop installation
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Living area and home insulation levels
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Existing distribution system (radiant floor, ductwork, radiators)
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Initial budget, including drilling, heat pump, and installation costs
At AirGreen, we conduct a comprehensive feasibility study before any installation. We guide our clients every step of the way: assessment, system design, grant applications, installation, calibration, and maintenance.
Long-Term Advantages of Geothermal
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System lifespan: 25 to 50 years for the underground loop, 20 to 25 years for the heat pump
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Low maintenance costs: fewer mechanical parts exposed to the elements
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Silent operation: no noisy outdoor compressor
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Environmental responsibility: significant reduction in GHG emissions
Should You Choose Geothermal or a Wall-Mounted Heat Pump?
On the North Shore, wall-mounted heat pumps remain a viable option for many homes, especially condos or smaller houses where installing a geothermal field is not feasible. However, for owners of single-family homes with sufficient land, geothermal offers a long-term, cost-effective, and environmentally sound investment.
We often recommend a comparative analysis, which we offer free of charge during our first visit. This allows us to clearly evaluate the return on investment, available grants, and operating costs over 10, 15, or 20 years.
Why Choose AirGreen for a Geothermal Installation on the North Shore?
At AirGreen, we’re not just installers—we’re specialists passionate about energy performance and customer satisfaction. Our team includes engineers, certified geothermal technicians, and experts in municipal regulations and grant programs.
We’ve completed geothermal projects in homes in Mirabel, Mascouche, Lorraine, Blainville, as well as in commercial buildings in Laval and on the South Shore. Every project is unique, but our approach is always the same: attentiveness, precision, efficiency.