When it comes to energy efficiency, geothermal energy often comes to mind, and with good reason.
Geothermal energy makes direct use of the natural heat of the earth to heat or cool a building.
This article explains what geothermal heating is, what electric infrared heating is, how these two solutions compare and when to choose each of these heating technologies.
What is geothermal energy?
A geothermal system uses a pump to transfer the natural heat stored in the ground to heat a building in winter and cool it in summer.
What is electric infrared heating?
Electric infrared heaters use electricity to emit infrared rays that instantly create a sensation of warmth.
Unlike convection heating systems, which heat the air, radiant heating directly heats the floor, objects and people, without wasting energy heating the surrounding air.
Electric infrared and natural gas infrared
Infrared heaters use electricity or natural gas as their energy source.
Electric infrared heaters with quartz lamps (such as the MTM series) have a radiant efficiency of 96%, while natural gas infrared heaters have a radiant efficiency of around 50%.
For this reason, electric infrared heaters are preferred.
Radiant efficiency refers to the percentage of energy that is directly transferred into infrared heat and directly heats the masses.
Discover infrared in detail here(Infrared – Technirep)
Comparison between geothermal energy and infrared heating
| Geothermal | Electric infrared heating | |
| System type | Heating and cooling | Heating only |
| Energy source | Natural ground heat | Electricity |
| Installation cost | High due to drilling | Low |
| Cost of use | Low | Relatively low, but higher than geothermal energy |
| Complexity | Geothermal principle is simple, but implementation is complex | Simple |
| Applications |
– Large space – residential buildings |
– Large space – Zone heating |
| Environmental impact | Low | Low |
As with many comparisons, each solution has its advantages, and it’s not possible to determine a superior solution for every situation.
So let’s take a look at the contexts in which each solution is favored.
At first glance, geothermal energy seems to be the ideal solution for all heating needs.
However, despite all the advantages of this technology, it remains a complex and costly method to install.
When to opt for geothermal energy?
Although geothermal energy offers undeniable advantages in terms of energy efficiency and environmental impact, it is particularly beneficial in certain specific contexts.
Here are the scenarios where geothermal energy should be favored:
1. Building with high heating and cooling requirements
Buildings that require constant and substantial heating and cooling throughout the year benefit from a geothermal system.
2. Buildings with a long service life
Considering the high initial costs and low operating costs, geothermal systems are more viable for projects with a long time horizon.
This allows the investment to be amortized over a longer period.
When to opt for electric infrared heating
Whatever the energy efficiency of a heating solution, why heat an entire building when only one section is used?
One of the greatest advantages of electric infrared heating is its ability to provide zone and spot heating.
With the aim of reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency, electric infrared should be favored in the following 4 scenarios:
1. Building with high ceiling
According to ASHRAE/IES standard 90.1, 9.4.6.2, radiant heating systems should be considered for areas with high ceilings, for spot heating and for other environments where radiant heating may be more energy-efficient than convection or warm air heating systems.
2. Buildings with strong draughts or lacking insulation
According to ASHRAE/IES standard 90.1, 9.4.6.1, radiant heating systems should be considered instead of convection or warm air heating systems for heating areas that experience infiltration loads greater than 2 air changes per hour.
3. Zone heating
Radiant heating is the only method of heating a single area of a building efficiently.
4. Spot heating
Radiant heating transmits heat instantaneously, so you can heat up a workspace without having to preheat.
Conclusion
The choice between geothermal and electric infrared heating depends on the specifics of each project.
If your building requires constant heating and cooling with a long service life, geothermal may be the best option.
On the other hand, for occasional or zonal heating needs, especially in buildings with insulation challenges or high ceilings, electric infrared heating is to be preferred.
Geothermal energy
- Ideal for heavy-duty buildings: Geothermal energy is particularly advantageous for buildings requiring constant heating and cooling, such as large residential or commercial complexes.
- Long-term investment: Although installation is expensive, low operating costs make geothermal energy a viable solution for long-term projects.
- Positive environmental impact: Using the natural heat of the ground, this technology is environmentally friendly and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Electric infrared heating
- Flexibility and efficiency: Ideal for draughty areas or high ceilings, electric infrared heating is effective in poorly insulated buildings or those with zonal heating requirements.
- Reduced energy costs: Thanks to its spot and zone heating capability, electric infrared heating avoids heating unused spaces, resulting in significant energy savings.
- Comfort and speed: electric infrared heating provides instant, direct heat, enhancing comfort without the need for pre-heating.
The situation in Quebec
Quebec’s unique energy and climate context offers special challenges and opportunities when it comes to heating.
Low cost of electricity
The low cost of electricity in Quebec can lead to under- or over-consumption.
Many residential, commercial and industrial buildings are poorly insulated, and use heating technology that is ill-adapted and inefficient.
Strict climatic conditions and peak periods
Quebec’s harsh winters require robust, efficient heating solutions to minimize peak periods during extreme cold, which put a lot of pressure on the Quebec power grid.
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