Next-Generation Foundations: Energy-Storing Screw Piles for Eco-Positive Homes

Revolutionizing Home Heating with Glycol

Down Force recently teamed up with James Bererton at ETA Energy Solutions on an innovative glycol heated home project—an exciting example of next-generation design that’s already sparking conversation in the industry. Recently, our crew helped implement a system that rethinks traditional foundations by using specially designed screw piles, we transform the entire home footprint into a massive thermal storage unit. This groundbreaking approach to heating in Calgary and area is setting the stage for the homes of the future.

What Is a Glycol Heated Home?

At its core, a glycol heated home uses a specially formulated glycol solution that circulates through structural piles embedded deep in the ground. In this project, phase change material is integrated into the piles to store four times the energy of water. The result is a system where the entire house becomes an energy reservoir—charging up when temperatures are milder and releasing heat during extreme cold. This design ensures that heating is available when you need it most. It’s a system engineered to operate efficiently even in the harshest winter conditions.

How the System Works and Its Efficiency Benefits

One of the most impressive aspects of this glycol-based system is its energy efficiency. The heated glycol circulates through the piles and directly powers the home’s heat pump during peak demand. In practical terms, the system can run directly on the glycol solution for about four days and maintain operations for up to 15 days without drawing power from the grid. This capacity means that when temperatures plunge—say, down to minus 29°C—the home remains warm by drawing on its stored thermal energy. In fact, by charging up the piles when temperatures are above minus 15°C to around 45°C, the home can even push excess energy back onto the grid, functioning as a “virtual power plant” capable of producing significant kilowatt outputs. This kind of performance is not only groundbreaking but has the potential to redefine how we think about energy resilience in Calgary residential projects.

Next-Generation Home Heating and Its Future Impact

The project isn’t just about immediate heating benefits—it’s about pioneering a design for the homes of tomorrow. Imagine a system that, on a single home scale, offers grid-positive potential; multiplied across thousands of homes across Calgary, it could generate power comparable to multiple nuclear plants. This design shows that glycol heated systems aren’t merely a niche application but a scalable solution for modern, energy-efficient living. It represents a step towards sustainable construction that minimizes reliance on traditional heating methods and maximizes the home’s ability to store and redistribute energy intelligently.

Should You Consider a Glycol Heated Home?

If you’re looking to future-proof your home and enhance energy efficiency, a glycol heated system is worth exploring. This technology provides robust freeze protection, extended energy storage, and even the possibility of contributing power back to the grid—benefits that are especially valuable in regions with severe winters. Down Force is proud to be a part of leading these innovations, and we’re here to help you explore how this next-level heating solution can work for your project.

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