At HCW, we offer a choice of four energy sources for your underfloor heating project.
Electric
Gas
Dual-Energy
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.
Request a QuoteCompared to an electric system, an air-to-water heat pump produces fewer emissions and is three times more cost-effective when outside temperatures are 10°C or higher.
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.
Request a QuoteWater 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.
Request a QuotePropane 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.
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