Air-to-Water Heat Pump

An air exchanger located outdoors draws the energy required for heating or cooling from the outside air. The energy transferred using gas is then carried to a tube exchanger that heats the water-glycol mixture.

There are different models of air-to-water heat pumps. In a split heat pump system, the compressor and the tube exchanger are located inside the building, while the evaporator (fan housing) is located outdoors.

In a so-called package system, all the components are contained in a single housing, which is located outdoors.

Advances in technology have made it possible for air-to-water heat pumps to operate at low temperatures—as low as -35˚ C. They remain a less expensive option compared to geothermal energy.

Dual-Energy

Hydro-Québec’s dual-energy rate aims to provide customers with a price below the residential rate at all times of the year, except for those parts of the winter when temperatures fall below -12 or -15 (depending on the region).

Upon request, we can put together a customized system that will make you eligible for Hydro Quebec’s dual-energy program or one offered by your local electricity supplier. Our dual-energy systems feature both an electric boiler and a propane boiler. When temperatures fall below -12, the system automatically switches to the propane boiler. This will meet the conditions of the program, which aims to reduce electricity use during periods when demand is high.

Electric Boiler

Water circulating inside the boiler is heated by one or more heating elements. Two different technologies are available: Triac systems, which optimize and limit the flow of electricity, and contractor systems, which activate the elements in stages.

Note that a range of heating capacities are available to meet any need.

Gas Boiler

Propane or natural gas is burned inside the boiler. The resulting heat is then used to heat different rooms.

Note that boilers come in a range of sizes, capable of meeting any need. There are also various qualities of boiler on the market. You should always check a unit’s efficiency when assessing its quality. The closer the efficiency is to 100%, the more cost-effective the unit will be when in use.