Introduction: Why Water is Central to Geothermal Energy
Water is one of the most powerful forces in nature—it sustains life, shapes landscapes, and regulates ecosystems. But did you know it can also be the key to sustainable home comfort?
In the world of geothermal energy, water plays a critical role in transferring renewable thermal energy between the earth and your home. By tapping into the earth’s steady underground temperature, water-based geothermal systems can deliver reliable heating, cooling, and hot water year-round—all while dramatically lowering energy costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
That’s the idea behind GeoSmart Water Units. These advanced geothermal systems are designed to maximize efficiency, versatility, and sustainability by harnessing the earth’s most abundant resource: water.
At Envirotech Geothermal, we’ve been installing and servicing geothermal systems in Alberta since 2006. Let’s explore why GeoSmart Water Units are one of the smartest choices for homeowners and businesses today.
What Are GeoSmart Water Units?
GeoSmart Water Units are water-to-water geothermal heat pumps. Unlike air-based systems that distribute heated or cooled air through ductwork, water units generate hot and chilled water that can be used for:
- Radiant in-floor heating (one of the most efficient and comfortable forms of heating).
- Fan coil units for heating and cooling.
- Domestic hot water production for everyday use.
In short, these systems provide all-in-one comfort while using a clean, renewable resource—water—as the medium for energy transfer.
How Do They Work?
GeoSmart Water Units rely on underground loops or water sources to exchange thermal energy. There are two common designs:
Closed-Loop Systems
Pipes filled with a water-based antifreeze solution are buried underground or submerged in a pond. These loops absorb and release heat as the system operates.
Open-Loop Systems
These draw groundwater directly from a well, pass it through the heat pump, and then return it to the environment. This setup works best in areas with plentiful groundwater.
In both cases, the water carries heat energy to and from the geothermal unit, which then provides heating, cooling, or hot water to your home.
Heating with GeoSmart Water Units
Alberta winters are unforgiving, and traditional systems like furnaces and boilers often struggle to keep up. GeoSmart Water Units excel in these conditions because they use the earth’s consistent underground temperature as a heat source.
- Radiant Heating: Delivers cozy, even warmth through floors, eliminating cold spots and drafts.
- Fan Coil Units: Push heated water through coils to warm the air in your home.
The result is steady, reliable comfort—even when temperatures outside plunge below –30°C.
Cooling in the Summer
When it’s hot outside, GeoSmart Water Units reverse their process, absorbing indoor heat and transferring it into the ground. Instead of noisy, energy-hungry air conditioners, you get:
- Quiet operation with minimal energy use.
- Even cooling through fan coils or radiant cooling systems.
- Lower bills, since cooling with geothermal is far more efficient than with traditional AC.
Domestic Hot Water Production
One of the most overlooked but valuable features of GeoSmart Water Units is their ability to produce domestic hot water.
- Water for showers, sinks, laundry, and dishwashers can be pre-heated or fully heated by the geothermal system.
- Excess heat from the system can be redirected into the water supply instead of wasted.
- This reduces or eliminates the need for a separate water heater.
For households that consume large amounts of hot water, this feature alone can generate significant savings.
Efficiency Ratings: Up to 500%
Efficiency is where geothermal systems shine. GeoSmart Water Units can achieve efficiency ratings of up to 500%, meaning:
- For every 1 unit of electricity used, the system provides up to 5 units of heating or cooling.
- Compared to furnaces (95% efficient) or boilers (70–90%), water units offer massive improvements.
- Savings of 40–70% on energy bills are common for homeowners.
This efficiency makes them one of the best-performing systems available on the market today.
Benefits of GeoSmart Water Units
1. Energy Efficiency
Operating costs are dramatically reduced thanks to efficiency levels up to 500%.
2. Versatility
Supports radiant heating, fan coils, chilled water cooling, and domestic hot water.
3. Compact Design
Replaces multiple appliances with a single, space-saving unit.
4. Comfort
Radiant in-floor heating offers superior comfort compared to forced air.
5. Reliability
With lifespans of 20–25 years, GeoSmart Water Units outperform most traditional systems.
Comparing GeoSmart Water Units to Traditional Systems
| Feature | Traditional Boiler/Furnace + AC | GeoSmart Water Unit |
| Heating Efficiency | 70–95% | 400–500% |
| Cooling Efficiency | ~100% | 400–500% |
| Hot Water Production | Separate water heater required | Integrated into system |
| Environmental Impact | High carbon emissions | Minimal emissions |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 20–25 years |
Clearly, the water unit outperforms traditional systems in every major category.
Applications of GeoSmart Water Units
Residential Homes
Perfect for families seeking efficient radiant heating and hot water integration.
Commercial Buildings
Ideal for offices, retail spaces, and schools with large heating and hot water demands.
Industrial Settings
Can support processes requiring hot or chilled water, reducing operational costs.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing GeoSmart Water Units helps Alberta move closer to a net-zero future.
- Lower Emissions – Replaces fossil fuel systems, cutting carbon output significantly.
- No Combustion Byproducts – Eliminates risks like carbon monoxide.
- Sustainable Resource – The earth’s energy is constantly replenished by the sun, making it renewable and reliable.
Cost Savings
Lower Utility Bills
Homeowners and businesses can save thousands of dollars per year on energy costs.
Rebates and Incentives
Government programs often provide rebates for geothermal system installation.
Long-Term ROI
Though installation costs are higher upfront, the savings typically repay the investment in 5–10 years, after which the system continues to deliver returns.
Case Studies in Alberta
- Edmonton Family – Installed a GeoSmart Water Unit with radiant in-floor heating, reducing heating bills by 60%.
- Calgary Business Owner – Integrated a water unit into a commercial property, saving over $10,000 annually in operating costs.
- Rural Alberta Home – Replaced a propane boiler with a GeoSmart system, eliminating the unpredictability of fuel prices.
Why Envirotech Geothermal Recommends GeoSmart Water Units
With nearly two decades of geothermal expertise, Envirotech Geothermal knows what works in Alberta’s unique climate. We recommend GeoSmart Water Units because they deliver:
- Superior comfort through radiant heating.
- Consistent performance in extreme cold.
- Lower operating costs for families and businesses.
- Sustainable solutions that support environmental goals.
Our certified team ensures every installation is designed for maximum efficiency and long-term reliability.
The Future of Water-to-Water Geothermal Technology
As energy prices rise and environmental concerns grow, water-to-water geothermal systems will become increasingly popular. Their ability to combine heating, cooling, and domestic hot water in one system makes them an ideal solution for the homes and businesses of the future.
At Envirotech Geothermal, we believe GeoSmart Water Units are leading the way toward a cleaner, more efficient Alberta.
Conclusion: The Power of Water for Sustainable Comfort
The GeoSmart Water Unit harnesses one of earth’s most abundant resources to provide heating, cooling, and hot water—all in one efficient system.
With efficiency ratings up to 500%, cost savings of 40–70%, and the ability to reduce carbon emissions dramatically, these systems are an investment in both comfort and sustainability.👉 Ready to make the switch to sustainable comfort? Contact Envirotech Geothermal today to learn how a GeoSmart Water Unit can transform your home or business.
