Green Features of REEP House
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

REEP House demonstrates a variety of solutions for each retrofit challenge. It has two parallel heating systems: a wall hung boiler with hydronic distribution and a ground source heat pump with forced air distribution.

With both demonstrated, the public can compare them side-by-side and make informed decisions of their own, based on their own needs.

High Efficiency Boiler and Radiant Heat

Hot water heating can be added fairly easily to homes and is more efficient, comfortable, and blows less dust than forced air heating.

The 95% efficient wall hung boiler provides in-floor heating on the ground floor and basement and heats the upper level through modern wall radiators.

Water distribution through PEX piping with a pump uses one-sixth of the energy consumed by the fan in typical forced air systems and can be easily zoned. Radiant heat conducts directly into the body and “feels” warmer, thus enabling lower thermostat settings. Check out our bathroom radiator that doubles as a towel rack!

Products and Donors: Condensing hot water boiler a kind donation of Veissmann (manufacturer) and Reitzel Heating and Air Conditioning (installer)

Ground Source Heat Pump

The ground source heat pump extracts heat from the earth via two vertical wells behind REEP House. This system not only provides heat through our superquiet forced air system in the winter, but can cool in the summer.

Geothermal heating and cooling is especially attractive for homes without access to a gas line.

Products and Donors: Ground source heat pump a kind donation of Bostech Mechanical, Earth FX Energy, Geothermal Solutions, and NextEnergy.

Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV)

At REEP House, our ERV system is connected to the forced-air ductwork system and the bathroom fan. An ERV is a relatively inexpensive and energy efficient way to bring in lots of clean, fresh air.

This technology regulates humidity to prevent mould and window condensation – a necessity in well-sealed homes such as REEP House.

Products and Donors: Energy recovery ventilator a kind donation of Carrier (manufacturer) and Reitzel Heating and Air Conditioning (installer).

Programmable Thermostats

A programmable thermostat wakes you up warm and saves money while you are sleeping. Don't leave home without it! This is Energy Savings 101.

Products and Donors: Various units installed at REEP House for demonstration purposes.

Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are an elegant solution for the summer. Canadian summers are not consistently hot, and ceiling fans will keep you cool for a fraction of the cost and energy footprint of air conditioning. Quality fans are silent on low speeds.

Products and Donors: Ceiling fans with kind assistance of Urban Lights. Manufacturer: Hampton Bay.

 

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