Waywest Mechanical provides geothermal heat pump sales, installation and maintenance in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island, including geothermal pool heating systems. A geothermal (ground-source) heat pump moves heat from the ground into a building in winter and reverses to cool it in summer. Geothermal systems need no combustion fuel, use less electricity than many alternatives and provide reliable year-round comfort.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Why geothermal
Geothermal heat pumps are an increasingly popular choice because they are environmentally friendly, provide comfortable and reliable heat, and reduce energy costs. They do not require a fuel source, use less electricity than many other systems, and provide dependable climate control year-round.
In simple terms, a geothermal system transfers heat from an existing source — the ground — to where it is needed inside the building. In summer it reverses the process, transferring heat out of the building to provide cooling.
Geothermal system options
- Horizontal ground loops — trenches on properties with enough land
- Vertical loops — boreholes where space is limited
- Open-loop well systems — where water supply and regulations allow
- Water-to-air systems — heating and cooling through ductwork
- Water-to-water systems — feeding radiant in-floor heating and domestic hot water
Geothermal pool heating
Waywest is proud to offer geothermal pool heating systems and services. A geothermal system can keep a pool comfortable over a longer season with lower running costs, and can share equipment with the home's heating in some designs.
Sales, installation and maintenance
- Site and load assessment — heating and cooling needs, land and loop options
- System design and quote — equipment, loop field and distribution
- Installation — heat pump, loop connections, pumps, controls and ductwork or radiant piping
- Commissioning — flow, temperatures and controls
- Maintenance — annual checks of the heat pump, loop fluid, pumps and filters
Geothermal or air-source?
We give you an honest comparison. For many Island homes an air-source heat pump delivers most of the savings for far less up-front cost; geothermal shines for larger homes, pools, facilities and long-term owners. Current rebates are listed on our rebates page.
Service area
Geothermal heat pumps and pool heating in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island.
What happens when you call
- A person answers
You talk to the Nanaimo office, or our own crew on the 24/7 line — not a call centre.
- You hear the rate first
We explain the service rate, or the emergency rate after hours, before anyone is booked or dispatched.
- A licensed technician arrives
A Waywest technician with a stocked vehicle diagnoses the problem and explains your options.
- You approve the work
Repairs go ahead once you agree. Larger jobs get a written quote you can take time to consider.
Quick facts
- Emergency service
- 24/7 at 250-616-1446 — typically on site within an hour in Nanaimo
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, 250-729-2394
- Service area
- Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Victoria to Port Hardy
- Licensing
- TSBC licence LGA0004592; licensed, bonded and insured
- Quotes
- Reply within the hour during business hours
- Page updated
Common questions
How does a geothermal heat pump work?
A geothermal heat pump circulates fluid through buried ground loops or a well, where the ground stays at a fairly constant temperature year-round. In winter it extracts heat from that fluid and delivers it to the building; in summer it reverses, moving heat out of the building and into the ground.
Is geothermal better than an air-source heat pump?
Geothermal systems are very efficient and stable in all weather, but installing ground loops costs considerably more. On Vancouver Island's mild climate, air-source heat pumps are often the better value for typical homes, while geothermal suits larger homes, facilities, pools and properties where loops can be installed economically. Waywest compares both.
Can geothermal heat a swimming pool?
Yes. Waywest offers geothermal pool heating systems and services, which can extend the swimming season with lower operating costs than many fuel-fired pool heaters.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.