Aztech Takes Center Stage @ NY-GEO 2025

Five of Aztech Geothermal’s Team presented in educational sessions during the NY-GEO 2025 Conference in Saratoga Springs. The range of topics showcased the depth of industry knowledge Aztech has acquired over the years. See the session descriptions and links to presentation downloads and YouTube recordings of each of the sessions below.

CHRIS WINCKLER. Technical Sales & Business Development
Help Wanted!! Building a Geothermal Installer Base
This program will outline how to attract and train residential heating and cooling companies to also become geothermal system installers. What are the current resources and training available to companies or individuals who want to enter the geothermal ranks of installers and service companies?  
Moderator:
– CHRIS WINCKLER / AZTECH GEOTHERMAL LLC
Panel:
– Kris Kyler / Indiana Geothermal
– Dona Kyler / New York Geothermal Supply
– Jacquie Scherer / GeoJerry Geothermal Design
Presentation Deck HERE
Session YouTube Recording HERE

GEOFF HOFFER, VP Engineering & Operations
2025 GeoStar Top Job Presentations
The objective of the GEOSTAR Top Job Competition is to highlight and recognize the incredible talent, creativity and imagination that geothermal system designers and installers are bringing to the market. Additionally, these excellent case studies communicate to those outside the industry the variety of ways that geothermal heat pump technology can be applied. The judging and selections will occur prior to the NY-GEO conference and the winners in three categories will present their projects in this session.  Awards will be presented at the NY-GEO Annual dinner in the evening.  
Moderator: 
– Joanne Coons / NY-GEO Member 
Winning Presentations:
– COMMERCIAL: Ithaca Fire House / Wendel
– MIXED-USE: Alafia / Salas O’Brien
– LMI MULTIFAMILY: Albany Housing Authority’s “Steamboat 20” / Aztech Geothermal
       – GEOFF HOFFER /AZTECH GEOTHERMAL, LLC 
Presentation Deck HERE

Geothermal Borefield Quality Assurance
There’s a lot riding on the integrity of a large geothermal borefield.  Let’s face it, once it’s all grouted and backfilled – maybe even under a building’s foundation (!) , it’s non-trivial to fix.  This session will share ideas about how to get it right the first time!  You’ll hear from folks who have literally been in the trenches sharing perspectives on quality assurance. You’ll also hear about IGSHPA’s Certified Geothermal Inspector (CGI) training which outlines a comprehensive approach to borefield quality assurance. 
Moderator:
– GEOFF HOFFER / AZTECH GEOTHERMAL, LLC 
Panel:
– Kate Cheng  / Geosource Energy
– Geoff Ellison / Envirohire Ltd.
– Garen Ewbank / Ewbank Testing
– Kortney Lull / Midwest Geothermal, LLC
Presentation Deck HERE
Session YouTube Recording HERE

AEOWYN KENDALL, Hydrologist / GHX Design
Thermal Energy Network Design Tools (i.e., software)
As more utilities, municipalities, and campuses are developing TEN projects, there’s an increased need to develop and access design tools.  This session will highlight leading firms in the modeling of TENs and discuss the software design tools they utilize to optimize these designs to find the best balance of cost and performance.  
Moderator:
– AEOWYN KENDALL / AZTECH GEOTHERMAL, LLC
Panel:
– Brendan Hall / CHA Solutions
– Jason Willeford / Jacobs
– Victor Braciszewski / SmithGroup 
– Brian Urlaub / Salas O’Brien
Presentation Deck HERE
Session YouTube Recording HERE

DION HARMSEN, Market Analyst & Engineering Support
(Grid) Interactive Heat Pumps
For years we have heard about the “smart grid” when a signal from your utility will influence or control your electrical appliances.  While this is certainly not pervasive, there are a number of ways heat pumps can be responsive to the electric grid pricing, while also lowering demand.  In this program we will hear about some examples of the connected heat pump, some readily available and others requiring significant shifts in the way we regulate and access energy.
Moderator:
– Jay Egg / Egg Geo, LLC
Panel:
– Mikko Ojanne / Rototec Europe 
– Bob Brown / WaterFurnace International
– DION HARMSEN / AZTECH GEOTHERMAL, LLC
Presentation Deck HERE
Session YouTube Recording HERE

JOHN CIOVACCO, President
Aligning GHP Value with Required Thermal Investments
This program aims to bring together some of the best minds when it comes to understanding the benefits of GSHP to the future of the Electric Grid.   Compelling sets of facts and projections that lead to an inescapable conclusion – GSHPs need to be a central part of building electrification to avoid extensive electric system upgrades.  Taking a step further, what the monetizable benefit of these installations of permanent, renewable thermal infrastructure.  Lastly there will be a call to action setting a direction to be plugged into advocacy agendas to move policy and regulation in the right direction.  Let’s bring about the changes needed to encourage sustainable investments in the installation of GSHPs.  
Moderator:
– JOHN CIOVACCO / AZTECH GEOTHERMAL, LLC
Panel:
– Jens Ponikau / Buffalo Geothermal
– Mark Kleinginna / Emergent Urban Concepts
– Jared Rodriguez  / Emergent Urban Concepts
Presentation Deck HERE
Session YouTube Recording HERE