For the past two decades, I've had the privilege of collaborating with some of Canada's finest ground source heat pump installers. When I initially joined Eden Energy Equipment Ltd, we were a modest team of three, but our shared commitment to technical training, knowledge enrichment through collaboration, and prioritizing people over profits defined our core values and our growth.

During this remarkable journey, I've had the opportunity to contribute to a wide array of projects, both large and small. I've also been fortunate to learn from some of the most influential figures in our industry, including Tom Kinder from WaterFurnace International, Jeff Hammond from the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association, and the esteemed John Siegenthaler, P.E., whose reputation precedes him. While many others have played a part in my growth and expertise, these three individuals offered unique and sometimes contrasting perspectives that have significantly shaped my professional identity.

Over the years, I've been involved in the successful installation of ground source heat pump systems by hundreds of contractors, encompassing thousands of systems. While these installations 99.99% of the time go off without a hitch, it's crucial to take a step back and reflect on the rare instances where things haven't gone as planned. This becomes especially pertinent as ground source heat pumps gain popularity, and the industry faces pressure to reduce costs, often the wrong way.

My aim with this discussion is to initiate a dialogue on some of the most common mistakes we've encountered in our experiences. By shedding light on these issues, my hope is that we can collectively become more mindful of them and actively work to prevent their recurrence. Furthermore, I invite other industry experts to contribute their own insights and experiences regarding the challenges associated with ground source heat pumps. Together, we can foster a better understanding of these systems and elevate our industry's standards.

1. Inadequate Site Assessment:

One of the primary oversights in installations often involves neglecting a comprehensive site assessment. It's imperative to gain insights into crucial factors like soil type, groundwater availability, and space constraints. While I often advocate for traditional education through classes and courses that is only one part of a site assessment. Experienced drillers possess knowledge that can't be found in textbooks or geological maps, and this expertise can save you from potential headaches down the road.

Once the ground loop is installed, and you realize you've overlooked a proper site assessment, the damage is done, and your investment is spent. To circumvent this situation, it's advisable to inquire about your contractor's experience and the strength of their engineering and support network.

Take, for instance, TIM KOOLEN from Koolen Electric, a second-generation dealer with a track record of hundreds of successful ground source heat pump installations. Tim and his family are supported by the technical team at Eden Energy Equipment Ltd, which includes Matthew Irvine, P.Eng., one of the foremost experts in ground source technology in the country. Tim has encountered situations where he lost potential jobs, often because he refused to compromise on quality or lower his pricing to match competitors who failed to grasp the importance of this critical step.

2. Incorrect Equipment Sizing:

A common mistake in GSHP installations is installing a system that doesn't align with the property's actual requirements. Oversized systems lead to inefficiencies and inflated costs, while undersized ones can fail to meet the property's heating or cooling demands. The solution? Ensure the system is appropriately sized based on accurate heating and cooling load calculations.

Over the years, I've humorously remarked that some heat loss calculations seem to be conducted with fingers. The notion is simple: you stand in front of the house, and if three fingers cover it, you need a 3-ton system; if it takes four fingers, it's a four-ton system. This jest, however, contains a kernel of truth that sparked it.

But here's the key point: bigger is not necessarily better, and too small is equally problematic. Nowadays, sophisticated software is readily available to assist in performing heat loss calculations, selecting the right ground source heat pump, and conducting loop design calculations. The era of relying solely on rules of thumb is waning as heat pumps become more prevalent in Canada. And remember, harking back to point #1, if you've chosen a 3-ton GSHP when you needed a five-ton unit, rectifying the situation after the ground loop is installed and the landscaping is complete can incur significant expenses. You may even find yourself paying a competitor to fix it once the homeowner realizes the mistake.

3. Poor Loop Design:

Inefficient heat transfer often results from an improperly designed ground loop system. To mitigate this issue, it's crucial to design the loop with the right length, depth, and spacing while selecting the appropriate loop fluid based on local conditions. Using Methanol in Ontario? You have a problem. Using Ethanol? Make sure you do it safely!

For example, when considering a lake loop, it's essential to grasp the limitations of the specific body of water where you intend to install it. Similarly, if you're dealing with space constraints and considering a slinky loop but lack experience, it might be wise to seek assistance from a knowledgeable colleague. I recall my own experience with slinky loops when I extensively consulted with experts like Al Zacher (now retired). Despite favorable numbers on paper, the real world often brings unforeseen challenges that require practical expertise to address.

4. Inadequate Grouting:

Inadequate grouting in boreholes can lead to reduced heat transfer amongst other things. To address this, it's crucial to utilize appropriate grout and ensure thorough grouting without any air pockets.

In Ontario, many ground source heat pump installers wisely choose to outsource the ground loop installation, particularly when drilling is involved. Drilling is a specialized skill that requires expertise, and while I, like many dealers, am proficient in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and designing ground source heat pump systems, I recognize the value of professionals like Stanley Reitsma and others, who possess decades of field experience.

I firmly believe in individuals sticking to their areas of expertise. While I might save money by attempting to do it myself, the real question is whether it's cost-effective in the long run. After all, what savings is there when you end up with a non-functioning loop in the middle of winter, causing your ground source heat pump, which should be achieving a COP of 5, to perform no better than an electric furnace?

5. Improper Flow Rates:

This issue can be incredibly frustrating, and unfortunately, it occurs quite frequently. Improper flow rates do not always mean failure they often mean hampered system performance and efficiency. I'd like to focus specifically on water-to-water equipment in this context. Manufacturers provide valuable resources known as specification catalogues, where they outline the flow rates at which their equipment should operate.

However, setting the flow rate too high or too low can compromise the system's efficiency. It's crucial to configure the flow rate in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and the system's design parameters. The manufacturer does not know your design conditions and that responsibility falls on you to pick the right data points.

Let's take the WaterFurnace International Optiheat water-to-water unit as an excellent example. This unit is remarkable because it can generate water up to 150 degrees while maintaining an impressive COP. However, it can only achieve this if the correct flow rates are maintained.

Where this often goes awry is when a less experienced designer looks at a table like the one below, assuming that every column offers the same benefits. They may not realize that the flow rates you need to maintain are directly influenced by the delta T (temperature difference) in the water.

For instance, if I need to raise the temperature from a 30-degree ground loop to 100-degree supply water, I have vastly different flow rate requirements compared to raising it from 30 to 140-degree water. While this may seem obvious, it's a point that's often overlooked.

6. Incorrect Pipe Material:

Using incorrect piping materials that don’t comply with CSA C448 can lead to significant durability issues down the line. It's always a wise choice to opt for high-quality polyethylene pipes that are corrosion-resistant and have a long lifespan or choose from other approved materials like PEX.

I've had numerous discussions on this topic with my friend and mentor, Lance MacNevin, P.Eng., from PPI Building & Construction Division. Lance is an industry expert who has imparted a wealth of knowledge to me regarding pipe construction and materials.

Here's an easy way to consider the importance of this: Let's say the approved piping material, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene), costs 25% more than a material you might find at Home Depot that "looks about right." It's important to recognize that the cost of the pipe itself is just a fraction of the overall system cost. So, while you might save $500 on the job by choosing a cheaper pipe, let's circle back to our first point.

Once the pipe is installed, filled, flushed, and the landscaping is all completed, do you really want to be the one to tell the homeowner, "Oops, I'm going to need to tear up your yard and start over"? The long-term reliability and performance of the system are worth the investment in high-quality pipes.

7. Lack of Purging:

Neglecting to purge and flush the loop system can introduce air and debris, leading to problems. In closed-loop systems, like those in GSHP installations, neglecting to purge can introduce air, leading to a myriad of technical issues. One of the primary concerns is reduced heat transfer efficiency. Air bubbles or pockets act as insulators, disrupting the efficient transfer of heat. Given that water has a much higher heat capacity than air, any air present in the system can create "cold spots" where heat transfer is significantly diminished.

Air in the system can also lead to corrosion and premature circulator failure or worse. Oxygen, a component of air, can react with metal components in the system, leading to oxidation. Over time, this can weaken the system's components, making them more susceptible to leaks or failures. This corrosion can also produce debris, which can further reduce the system's efficiency and potentially clog vital components.

Another technical challenge posed by air is the potential for cavitation in pumps. As the pump operates, air pockets can lead to the formation of vapor bubbles. When these bubbles collapse, they produce shock waves that can damage the pump's impellers and reduce its lifespan.

To prevent these issues, it's imperative to ensure the system is thoroughly purged and flushed before startup. This not only removes air but also any debris that might have entered during installation, ensuring optimal performance and longevity of the system.

8. Inadequate Insulation:

Insulation plays a pivotal role in the efficiency and effectiveness of Ground Source Heat Pump systems. When pipes in these systems lack proper insulation, they can become susceptible to significant heat loss. This is especially true for pipes that are near the surface or exposed to ambient conditions.

Without adequate insulation, the heat or cold carried by the fluid within the pipes can easily dissipate into the surrounding environment. This not only reduces the overall efficiency of the system but also demands the GSHP to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to increased energy consumption and wear on the system components.

In colder climates, improperly insulated pipes are at risk of freezing. When the fluid inside the pipes freezes, it can expand, potentially causing the pipes to burst and leading to costly repairs and system downtime. Conversely, in warmer climates, inadequate insulation can result in the fluid overheating, which can reduce the system's cooling efficiency and even damage certain components.

Proper insulation also acts as a barrier against condensation. In the absence of insulation, pipes carrying cold fluid can cause moisture from the surrounding air to condense on their surface. This condensation can lead to water pooling, which can cause damage to surrounding structures or equipment and even promote mold growth.

Ensuring that all pipes in a GSHP system are adequately insulated is not just a matter of efficiency but also of system longevity and safety. Proper insulation safeguards the system against external temperature fluctuations, prevents potential damage from freezing or overheating, and minimizes the risks associated with condensation.

9. Not Monitoring the System:

Monitoring is an indispensable component of any Ground Source Heat Pump system. Without a robust monitoring mechanism, a GSHP system operates blindly, potentially missing out on performance inefficiencies or undetected issues that could escalate over time. These unnoticed problems can lead to increased energy consumption, reduced system lifespan, and even costly breakdowns. The irony is that for less than $800 you can add a web enabled performance monitor that is designed for the heat pump and logs over 150 data points every 10 seconds for 18 months. Why you would not want this hardware is beyond me.

Solutions like the WaterFurnace International Symphony are the answer. A cutting-edge web-enabled home comfort platform specifically designed for WaterFurnace geothermal systems. It provides homeowners and professionals with an in-depth look into the system's performance and health, ensuring that the GSHP operates at its peak potential.

Some of the key data points and features that the WaterFurnace Symphony can track, and log include:

1. Real-time Energy Monitoring: Symphony provides insights into the actual energy consumption of the system, allowing users to understand and optimize their energy usage patterns.
2. System Performance Metrics: It offers detailed performance metrics, such as the entering and leaving water temperatures, coil temperatures, and compressor speeds. This data is invaluable for diagnosing potential issues or inefficiencies.
3. Remote Access and Control: With Symphony, users can remotely access their system from any device with internet connectivity. This allows for real-time adjustments, ensuring optimal performance regardless of changing conditions.
4. Alerts and Notifications: The system can send out alerts for any irregularities or potential issues, such as high-pressure events, low water flow, or even routine maintenance reminders. This proactive approach ensures that minor issues are addressed before they become major problems.
5. Historical Data Analysis: Symphony logs historical data, allowing users to analyze trends over time. This can be particularly useful for understanding seasonal variations and making predictive maintenance decisions.
6. Zone Monitoring: For homes with zoned systems, Symphony can monitor and control each zone individually, ensuring consistent comfort throughout the residence.

In essence, while the intrinsic benefits of a GSHP system are numerous, its true potential is unlocked when paired with advanced monitoring solutions like WaterFurnace Symphony. By providing a comprehensive view of the system's operations, from energy consumption to detailed performance metrics, Symphony ensures that the GSHP system delivers efficiency, comfort, and reliability. My favorite feature? If a technician is on site me and my team can log into that unit and tell the technician exactly what is wrong with the unit and how to fix it.

10. Skipping Maintenance:

Lastly, foregoing regular maintenance checks can lead to inefficiencies. Regular checks, including inspecting the ground loop and cleaning filters, ensure the system's optimal operation. A ground source heat pump is installed inside so it has an expected life expectancy of 25+ years. There are to this day units installed in Ontario that were first installed in the 1970's and I am not talking one or two.

Regular maintenance can very easily pay for itself by ensuring that the unit is operating properly, that it has a proper heat of extraction and with a simple troubleshooting form an about an hour’s work the unit can be benchmarked and tweaked. Maintenance does not have to be expensive it should be looked upon like an oil change in your car. If you don’t do maintenance really bad things could happen whether it’s your ground source heat pump or your lawnmower. One just happens to be a larger investment, but both should be protected.

11. Wrapping it all up

Ground source heat pumps represent the pinnacle of efficiency and environmental friendliness when it comes to heating buildings in Canada. The technology is not just promising; it's a proven solution. Brands like WaterFurnace, Climate Master, Enertech, and others have collectively installed tens of thousands of units across the province and even more nationwide. These systems not only work efficiently but are also highly reliable and remarkably easy to maintain.

I want to make it clear that my intention here is not to dissuade anyone from considering ground source heat pumps. Rather, I aim to encourage critical thinking. It's often said that you don't know what you don't know, and when it comes to heating and cooling systems, there are numerous ways to save money, but there are just as many ways to lose it.

If you find yourself uncertain about whether your contractor or designer truly comprehends the principles of sound ground source heat pump design, don't hesitate to ask questions. Reach out to reputable organizations like HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada) and the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. Additionally, consult with manufacturers to identify the real professionals in your area and try to avoid falling for persuasive sales pitches that lack substance. Making informed decisions is crucial when it comes to such significant investments in your home's heating and cooling system.

Michael Ridler, is the general manager at Eden Energy Equipment. He started out working for a Ont-based HVAC company and now focuses on providing field support and technical training to contractors, engineers, and builders on heat pumps, boilers, and all things hydronics. He can be reached at edenenergymike@gmail.com.