Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs), geoexchange (geothermal) heating / cooling systems criteria

  1. Able to satisfy the criteria for EnergyStar Canada: for the purposes of this directory this is considered an authoritative source of heat pump test results.

  2. Minimum heating coefficient of performance rating of 4.2 [This is tougher than the EnergyStar criterion.]

  3. Minimum cooling EER of 16.5 (COPc >4.8) [This is tougher than the EnergyStar criterion.]

  4. Designers and installers of heat pump systems should be able to demonstrate accreditation through the Canadian Geo-Exchange Coalition or the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

Publicly quoted COPh and EER values should be determined according to CAN/CSA 13256-1 by a reputable laboratory. The criteria set here are somewhat tougher than those used for EnergyStar rating. Only closed loop models currently meet our criteria. [In any case there are additional environmental complications with open loop systems].

A full current list of gshps meeting our criteria may be found in the "recommended models" section.