COVER STORY: Common in the country, geothermal systems are making inroads in the city, where homeowners are attracted by savings and reducing their carbon footprint

By BURT DOWSETT, SPECIAL TO THE FREE PRESS

Last Updated: July 9, 2011 12:00am

Almost forgotten in the controversy over wind turbines and solar power is another source of green energy with probably more potential.

You won’t see it or hear it even if it’s in your own yard or your neighbour’s. It will heat your house in the winter and cool it in the summer for less money than conventional sources. It doesn’t need pipelines that traverse the nation. There is no combustion taking place so carbon monoxide dangers are non-existent. And it is sustainable.

Chad Hayter with plastic piping at Hayter Plumbing and Heating Ltd. in Alvinston. (DEREK RUTTAN, THE LONDON FREE PRESS)

It’s called geothermal and it contradicts the convenient excuse that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is difficult in a northern climate such as Canada’s because of our long winter.

In geothermal, polyethylene piping is installed in the ground as a conduit through which an antifreeze solution is circulated. It absorbs the 12 C temperature in the Earth that is constant year-round 1.5 metres or more beneath the surface and uses it to heat the house in winter.

When the warmed antifreeze enters the house it hits a heat exchanger. On one side of it is the incoming antifreeze and on the other is a refrigerant. Once the heat is absorbed into the refrigerant, the latter is compressed to bring it up to 60 C. It then typically goes through a coil. The fan then pulls the air in from the home and it hits the coil. This in turn warms the air, which is then circulated through the ductwork of the house…. Continued.

More information @

http://www.lfpress.com/homes/2011/07/08/18393146.html#/homes/2011/07/08/pf-18393211.html

Senco Equipment Finance Inc. will take the high upfront cost out of purchasing a ground source heat pump (WaterFurnace) by offering an all new rental program.

The customer will be responsible to purchase the in ground pipe and have it installed in the ground and Senco will rent the balance of the equipment through low monthly rental payments.

Many people would like to purchase a new geothermal heating system but won’t have the cash on hand. Our new WaterFurnace rental program is a smart, simple and cost-effective way to keep warm this winter, cool in the summer, supply the majority of your domestic hot water and significantly reduce your energy bills.

Our ‘Worry Free’ rental program will include everything – installation, servicing, parts and labour warranty and emergency service by fully licensed technicians for the life of your home.

As the rental program grows, Senco will be offering a full array of other home comfort products such as natural gas, electric, propane and oil furnaces, water heaters, and ERV’s.

Contact The Hayter Group 1-877-Hayters (439-8377) for a no obligation consultation, to see if geothermal is right for you

Hayter staff enjoying Christmas breakfast.

Click here to view their website.

Matt McLean, Hayter’s newest employee presented information on solar power and described the benefits of solar energy for homes and farms.  Following the presentation, significant interest was shown in the solar division that Hayter’s started late last summer.

Dueling Pianos from Detroit was the entertainment for the evening!  They were a dynamic pair who played and entertained the crowd with their wonderful musical talents and making sure everyone was participating and having fun!

During the evening, Chad Hayter introduced the Hayter Foundation.  Over $10,000.00 was raised that night from customers and key suppliers.  This money will support community initiatives and an endowment will be established at local high schools for students who will be continuing their education in the trades of refrigeration, plumbing and heating.

The evening was a huge success so Hayter’s will be doing a similar event in the future.  Donations will be accepted all year long and charitable receipts will be given.

About Hayter Plumbing & Heating

Hayter Plumbing & Heating was established in 1952.  We have served our customers in Southwestern Ontario with all their needs for heating, cooling, water well repairs to all the latest in plumbing needs.

We have experienced several changes but perhaps our largest one was the ground source heating and cooling.  In 1983 we started installing geothermal heat pumps and the business has continued to grow to become one of Ontario’s largest Waterfurnace install and service company.

In 2009, Hayter’s won the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce “Large Business of the Year” award.

Our most recent recognition is one of the first Ontario Companies to achieve GeoPro status for their dedication to the Waterfurnace Geothermal Industry.