Geothermal Heating System for Selkirk College, Nelson, BC Canada

According to Alex Love of Nelson Hydro: “A partnership was developed between the City of Nelson and Selkirk College where Nelson Hydro partnered with the city and undertook a project to install a geoexchange [TM] heating system for the dormitory.”

The City of Nelson and Nelson Hydro are looking at creating district heating, an efficient, communal approach to heating systems in local communities.

The Selkirk geothermal heating system will heat the college with a lower carbon footprint than if natural gas had been used.

Click here to read the full story.

GEOEXCHANGE: WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT’S NOT
Geoexchange is a tried and true, proven technology which is widely misunderstood; t is usually referred to as “Geothermal Energy”. Geoexchange can, in fact, be used for both heating and cooling – using the stable temperature of the earth to either take heat from, or dump heat into the earth, using loops filled with water and antifreeze.

GEOTHERMAL VS. GEOEXCHANGE
True geothermal energy is found in the hot springs in Iceland, for example, where hot water from naturally occurring hot springs can be run through pipes in the floor for heating, for example.

A geoexchange system employs a heat pump to use the Earth’s heat (or to “dump” heat if the geoexchange system is being used for cooling).

Please note: if you are considering having a geoexchange system installed for your heating or cooling needs, make sure the installer is either IGSHPA-certified or CGC-certified..

FIRST: WHAT IS GEOEXCHANGE?

First of all: “Geoexchange” is not really the same as “geothermal”; however, at this time, the word “geothermal” is pervasively used to describe “geoexchange”. Click here for the real meanings, but for now, most people use the words interchangeably. The technology in North America is generally used for heating, but can be used for cooling as well. In a nutshell, a heat pump not unlike that in your refrigerator uses the difference between the earth’s temperature and the air temperature to heat or cool your home.

Here’s a helpful video to show just how geoexchange works ( for more geothermal videos, click here):

Just a note: this site will be database-driven as soon as time permits, but for now hopefully it is useful as a general North American geoexchange directory / geothermal directory for immediate use. Hopefully, people who are making the bold and wise decision to incorporate this technology in their projects for heating or cooling will find just the right contractor and enjoy great success with the results.

If you are a geothermal / geoexchange contractor and your company does not appear here, please email companies@geoexchangezine.com with your contact details to be listed.

You may also apply online to be added to the directory:

Feedback is welcome!

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