Frequently Asked Questions

A hydronic HVAC system uses water as the medium for moving heat to and from a building. OptiSource heat pump systems are a type of hydronic HVAC system that uses a low-temperature water loop, sometimes referred to as a condenser water or ambient temperature loop. During heating season, heat is extracted from the water loop. Conversely, in cooling season, heat is rejected to the loop.

An OptiSource system is a geothermal heat pump system that uses our specialized M-Therm heat exchangers combined . VAC system that uses a low-temperature water loop and our patent pending M-Therm Heat Exchangers For example, in cold climates, a MultiTherme system may incorporate a small air-to-water heat pump, solar thermal collectors, or a small boiler to recharge the MultiTherme during warmer parts of the day. Conversely, in hotter climates, a small fluid cooler is used to remove heat from the MultiTherme system during the evening and outside of peak electrical hours.

Yes! Because OptiSource uses a low-temperature water loop to move heat, existing gas boilers make a great auxiliary/back-up heat source. In fact, the lower supply temperature makes condensing boilers operate more efficiently! We like to call this resource efficient decarbonization.

While dependent on multiple on-site factors, OptiTherm systems using water-to-air heat pumps can typically replace a furnace and air-conditioner while potentially re-using existing ductwork.

BONUS: Water-to-air heat pumps can come equipped with a “desuperheater” that basically pre-heats domestic hot water for free anytime the compressor is running. In some cases, this can be upwards of 50% of your annual domestic hot water load!

Upon receipt at the jobsite, each M-Therm heat exchanger undergoes a 75 PSI air pressure test. Upon completion of the horizontal header piping, an additional 75 PSI air test is conducted. Prior to backfilling, a 75 PSI water test is conducted on the full system. The pressure drop across the system is observed through the completion of the backfilling and concrete floor pour if installed under a building’s footprint.