FAQ

Geothermal energy

• What is geothermal energy?arrow

  Geoexchange technology uses the earth's renewable energy to heat or cool homes and buildings and to help provide hot water. A few feet beneath the surface, the earth's temperature remains fairly constant year-round. Geoexchange takes advantage of this constant temperature to provide extremely efficient heating and cooling.

• What are the advantages of geothermal energy?arrow

  Homeowners enjoy lower utility bills (25% to 50% lower than with conventional systems), lower maintenance, and higher levels of comfort, year-round. Even more than that, though, they have the peace of mind of knowing they are being environmentally responsible.

• Is geothermal energy expensive?arrow

  Installation costs vary with the size of each building but they have declined substantially in recent years, and they are expected to continue to fall, as more builders and contractors offer geoexchange systems, and as the industry develops innovative ways to install the systems faster and more efficiently.

• Who can benefit from geothermal energy?arrow

  While many homes have been fitted with geoexchange systems, commercial enterprises, including factories, retail stores, office buildings and schools are the biggest users of geoexchange to save energy and
  protect the environment.

• Is geothermal energy suited for our cold climate?arrow

  A professional design, good materials and a quality installation all work towards providing client satisfaction. In winter, a water solution circulating through pipes buried in the ground absorbs heat from the earth and carries it into the home. The geoexchange system inside the home uses a heat pump to concentrate the earth's thermal energy and then transfers it to air circulated through standard ductwork to fill the interior space with warmth. Call us before you start any geothermal energy project.

Artesian well

• What steps to follow before digging an artesian well?arrow

  First you must select a drilling company; then you must apply for a municipal permit before proceeding to drilling.

• What if there is a septic tank on my lot?arrow

  There are usually no constraints provided the distance between the artesian well and the septic tank is respected. In any event, you must obrain a municipal permit before digging. Call us and we will send one of our specialists to assist you with your project.

• If I suspect that water is too deep and difficult to reach, can I still dig an
  artesian well?arrow

  Modern drilling tools and techniques allow for drilling in all rock conditions and depth.

Drilling

• Is dynamite still used nowadays to drill wells?arrow

  Conditions where dynamite is required are very rare as there now exist new and more efficient, non-destructive and safer ways such as hydraulic fracturing for example.

Regulations

• Are there regulations governing well drilling?arrow

  Minimum distances must be respected, a municipal permit is required and the right type of flange ring must be installed. For more information, visit http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/index_en.asp.

• Is a municipal permit required before undertaking drilling?arrow

  Indeed you must apply for and obtain a municipal permit before any drilling project.

• How can Henri Cousineau & Fils assist in the process and following all the steps required before starting work?arrow

  Call us for an appointment and one of our specialists will meet you to discuss your project, inspect the site, provide you with all the necessary information and answer all your questions.

Customer service

• Why is customer service so important?arrow

  Henri Cousineau & Fils has full and detailed files (plans, warranty, driller's notes) providing the historical background of all the projects we have executed. Our advice is free and we never refrain from sharing our expertise with our clients event when the work has been completed.