Well Drilling in Wintertime

Our Minnesota winter is notorious for huge temperature drops as well as our snow accumulation. Take a pick or a shovel out to your lawn in the dead of winter and you have an idea of just how difficult drilling can be through frozen ground. The depth of frost alone in Minnesota frequently reaches five feet below ground! Ground water within the soil freezes and gets hard as a rock.

So, being that the need for well drilling in Shakopee is not dependent upon season, if the need arises, many wonder if it this can be done. According to Hartmann Well Drilling, the answer is a resounding “yes"!

The equipment we employ to carry out well drilling is used to drill through gravel as well as rock. Though the ground may be frozen solid several feet down, it poses little challenge. A frozen soil is ultimately no more difficult to penetrate than is rock.

Typically, when encountering frozen ground, well drillers choose between fixed or rotary cutter drill bits which are dependent upon how hard the material is that is to be drilled. Drill bits of this sort are rather sophisticated and run thousands of dollars apiece.

The primary issues in well drilling during a Minnesota winter are the air temperatures to the workers carrying out the job for customers. Other than the comfort of individual well drillers, well drilling can be done without issue, providing you and yours with a safe, sufficient water supply.

The water that a well will be accessing, of course, is found in the water table. The water table, generally found at a depth way below the freeze line of the ground surface, is not affected by the outdoor temperatures, it being buffered by the many feet of soil and rock between it and the surface above. That is not to say that there are not issues that may arise as water makes it way to the surface. The piping that makes its way through the ground to your home and/or the well portion that is above ground can most certainly freeze. Items such as “hot cords” can be wrapped around piping to help prevent the line itself, the pumps and all wares that house water at any step in the process from freezing.

For more information concerning well drilling in the Shakopee area, as well as any other services provided by Hartmann Well Drilling, call us at 952-758-2202 or get a Free Estimate.

Popular Needs for Well Drilling in Minneapolis

As one of the leading well drilling companies in the area, we have seen a lot of well installations. There are a couple well drilling projects we complete frequently around Minneapolis. Well drilling services are requested by residential and commercial clients. The two projects we complete often are water well drilling and irrigation well drilling. Water well drilling is typically for the water inside your home or business, while irrigation wells focus on keeping your lawn and landscape moist. In this blog, we're going to explore these two types of well drilling projects more closely.

Water Well Drilling

Water well drilling is the most popular type of well that we drill. They are utilized by all types of customers. From the first time home-owners, to large corporations, we install them all. Here are some of the most common reasons we install a water well:

·         Residents building a new home need a well drilled on their property.

·         People want to switch from city water to using their own well, thus needing one drilled.

·         New commercial businesses in the area need a water well drilled for their facility.

·         Commercial business owners need a water reserve for whatever reason.

Irrigation Well Drilling

Irrigation wells are useful in both commercial and residential settings. If your lawn tends to dry out easily, due to your geographical location, an irrigation well could be the perfect solution. An irrigation well for a commercial property can be a little more extensive, but even more necessary. Companies that want a well-maintained landscape will need some type of irrigation system. By having an irrigation well installed, you can save a lot of money in the long run on your water bills.

Do you need well drilling in or around Minneapolis? Contact us today by calling 952-758-2202 or Request a Free Estimate Online.

Well Services When Buying a Home

Are you buying a home? Congratulations! We're sure you have a lot on your mind, but have you taken a minute to think about the water source at your new property? If there is a well on your new property, there are a few things we can help you with. As your local Rochester MN well drilling company, we can provide you with many well services before a move.

Well Inspection

If you are moving to a property with a well, you'll probably want to have it inspected. We can test the quality of the water and see what shape the well is in. There is a lot of information you're going to want to know about your new well including age, condition of casing, distance from a pollution source, etc.

Well Chlorination

Though a well can be very handy, over time it may become commentated with bacteria. One way to rid your well of bacteria is to add chlorine to the water. We are able to determine the depth of your well and apply the appropriate amount of chlorine. Get started off on the right foot in your new home by knowing your well is free of bacteria.

Well Certification

Though the state of Minnesota doesn't require your well water to be tested at the time of a property transfer, many outside lending institutions and particular counties require testing. If you find yourself in the situation where you need your water tested, we're your company.

Well Drilling

If you are moving to a new property that does not have a well and you would like to install one, we can drill a water well for you. Wells can save you a lot of money in the long run. If you're set on having a well at your new home, don't hesitate to give us a call!

Do you need well drilling services as you're buying a home? Then give us a call today at 952-758-2202 or contact us online.

What to Expect When Hiring a Well Drilling Company

Water is a necessity for living and as such, no one would dream of building an inhabited structure without a nearby water source. Consequently, there will always be a need for qualified, experienced well drilling companies. As  a homeowner or business owner, especially if building a new facility/home, one should be expect to hire a company that understands the nuances of well drilling so that you can have ample water. Of course, sometimes, it is necessary to hire a well drilling company because your current water source is no longer usable!

But what exactly does it mean to be a qualified well drilling company? Isn’t drilling a well a basic skill that anyone in the home building industry can do? Well, just as you wouldn’t go to a podiatrist for a root canal, you want to be sure you hire a well drilling company to meet your water needs. Standard things to look for in a qualified well drilling company are that they should have several (the more the better) years of experience and be in good standing with the State Board of Contractors as well as with the local health department.

In addition to these basic qualifications of a Bloomington MN well drilling company, you will want to ask about the following:

• Can they provide at least three references for local work? Be sure that you follow up on these and talk to the people who provided the referrals. Be sure to ask about the company’s workmanship as well as their attention to things like clean up and care for their surroundings. 
• Is the well drilling company licensed or registered with your state environmental agency? There are specific requirements for each state. You may wish to look up your state’s mandates so you can be sure that the company you are considering is in accordance with these.
• Does the company understand the local geology, as well as any state or local requirements regarding well drilling? Not all environments are created equal, so it is necessary that the company recognize any characteristics that may be distinctive to your region.
• Does the company offer type of maintenance, repair or warranty options? No matter how fantastic a well drilling company may be, it is still wise to hire a company that plans and provides those “In the event of ...”scenarios. If a company is not willing to stand behind its work, find someone else!

As with any type of work or endeavor, that requires a contract, do not sign anything until there is a clear understanding of what to expect, and that those expectation are stated in a written contract!

Water well drilling facts and figures

Here are some interesting facts and figures on water and well drilling from our Faribault well drilling experts:

Water

• Water expands by 9% when it freezes
• Only about 1% of all water can be used for all of our needs. The rest is either trapped in ice caps or too salty or undrinkable. 
• The same amount of water is available as when the earth formed. 
• The average person can live for only about a week without water. 
• The average U.S. resident uses about 50 gallons of water per day. 
• The quality of water is influenced by natural factors (rock, gravel, sand, etc.) and pollution (agriculture, aquifer protection, etc.). 
• Approximately half of all household water is used outside for lawn and garden care.
• The bathroom is where the most water is used inside the home.
• The United States consumes twice the rate of other industrialized nations.

Water Well Drilling

• Your well be protected against all types of contamination with a properly sealed cap.
• "Smelly" water is often the result of sulfur, which can also corrode your plumbing. 
• Studies have found most would prefer to have their own private well. 
• A properly constructed well can be an asset to your property. 
• Your well won't go dry from using too much water.
• "Rusty" wells are usually the result of iron/manganese in the groundwater.

Some figures: 

• 1.2 billion: People without access to clean water. 
• 6.8 billion: The number of gallons American flush down the toilet every day. 
• 80: Percentage of fresh water used for irrigation crops and thermoelectric generation. 
• 8.34 pounds: The amount one gallon of water weighs. 
• 4,000: Number of gallons of water evaporated off one acre of a corn field.

Well Drilling: Why NOT To DIY

It's no secret that costs are going up, and it's smart to save money wherever you can. So, instead of hiring professionals, we might instead do the job ourselves to hold on to the cash. Maybe we handwash our car instead of going through an automated one. Or maybe we eat meals at home more instead of going out.

However, there are some things that no matter the cost, we should get a professional to handle. Doctors are a good example. But, what about well drilling? Should you seek out a professional Scott County well drilling company or go it alone? As we discussed a while back in an article, it's better to hire a pro than trying to do it alone:

Accidents can happen when you fix a sink, but a sink is just a tiny percentage when compared to a well. It's wise to be frugal and practical, but you should not skimp when it comes to drilling or repairing your well.

Well drilling take a lot of know how and the right machinery. You'll have to know where to dig, how far to dig, what to do once the well is dug and so on. It might seem easy enough, but there is far more to it than just that digging and "putting in" a well.

Read the entire article: "Well Drilling: Why It's Best to Work with a Well Drilling Company."

Why You Should Jump on the Geothermal Energy Bandwagon

Geothermal is booming. More and more homeowners are choosing to outfit their homes with a geothermal heating and cooling system instead of one powered by traditional energy source. We wrote an article a while back detailing why you should think about jumping on the geothermal bandwagon and noted:

There are even economic benefits to supporting the geothermal movement. As geothermal energy takes off and becomes more used, it could add many jobs to the economy, and encourage economic growth.

It's more imperative, more than ever, that we support our local businesses and industries. The Minneapolis geothermal sector is booming, thanks to a great amount of geothermal energy under the Minnesota surface. By using geothermal energy, you're cutting down your home's energy costs, helping to save the planet and supporting your local economy.

Read the entire article: "Geothermal: Why You Should Hop on the Geothermal Energy Bandwagon."

More Geothermal Facts

Geothermal heating and cooling systems can help turn your home into an energy-efficient abode; one that cuts down on the use of traditional energy, instead opting for the energy that already exists beneath the surface of the earth. But do you know how this energy is created, and where it comes from? Here are some facts about geothermal energy.

Soaking up the sun. The sun, the closest star to earth and the center of our solar system, is constantly transmitting solar energy. The earth's atmosphere absorbs approximately 20% of this energy, while 30% is reflected away. Around 50% of this thermal energy is absorbed by the earth's surface and stored beneath the ground. Traveling just a few feet below the surface of the earth, you'll find a temperature that's consistent nearly year round, thanks to this stored energy. This is what geothermal heating and cooling systems take advantage of.

Highly efficient. Geothermal systems, unlike traditional heating and cooling systems, do not need to burn fossil fuels or large amounts of electricity to operate. Instead, these systems are only moving heat. The amount of electricity needed to run the pump and circulators of a geothermal system is approximately a fifth of the geothermal energy transferred by the system.

Interested in learning more about how Minneapolis geothermal heating and cooling can benefit your home? Contact Hartmann Well Drilling today at (952) 758-2202.

Geothermal Featured in Wall Street Daily

Popular investment blog Wall Street Daily published an article yesterday about geothermal energy and its potential for growth as an alternative energy source. In fact, current system development would add 9 gigawatts of geothermal capacity to the planet. In the past 30 years, the world only managed to add 11 gigawatts. Geothermal is definitely growing in use, evidenced the most by the fact that energy from geothermal sources doubled solar power and wind power combined.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems are experiencing growth, too. These systems, which use the constant temperature beneath the earth's surface to heat water in pipe loops, can help homeowners cut down on traditional energy usage. This keeps more money in your pocket and can help the environment by reducing the output from fossil fuels.

Thinking about having a Minneapolis geothermal heating & cooling system installed in your home? You can get a FREE geothermal estimate from Hartmann by completing our online form. You can also give us a call at (952) 758-2202.

Pros of Geothermal Energy

Traditional energy usage continues to rise, and the cost of fossil fuels has gone up, as well. In a situation like this, any energy that exists naturally and can be harnessed to lower energy bills while still keeping homes comfortable is a welcome development. Fortunately, this very power exists in geothermal energy.

What are some of the benefits of geothermal energy? First off, if you're big on saving the environment, using geothermal energy means the energy you're utilizing is almost completely emissions free. Another is consistency -- geothermal isn't subject to the fluctuations that you might experience with solar power (only available when the sun is out without cloud cover) or wind (which depends on, well, wind). And, unlike fossil fuels, there is a virtually limitless amount of geothermal energy.

Ready to install a geothermal heating and cooling system in your home? Call Minneapolis geothermal company Hartmann Well Drilling today at (952) 758-2202.

Nebraska County Courthouse Sees Big Savings Thanks to Geothermal

Are you on the fence about having a geothermal system installed in your home because you don't know if you'll really see a significant savings in your energy bills? Here's a story that might help convince you.

A courthouse in Gage County, Nebraska was outfitted with a geothermal heating and cooling system in 2009. Prior to that, the County was spending $35,263 a year in energy costs for the courthouse. After the installation of the geothermal system, Gage County was able to cut that amount by an average of $11,400 annually. Over three years, the County will save approximately $34,202.

Hartmann Well Drilling is a Minneapolis geothermal heating and cooling installer that can help you save on your energy bills. Get a free estimate today by calling us at (952) 758-2202.

How long can a geothermal system last?

A geothermal system can help you bring down the cost of your traditional heating and cooling systems by decreasing your energy use -- this much we know. But one of the lingering questions for those considering a geothermal installation in their own home is this: how long will the system last? After all, a system may help drive down energy costs, but those savings won't be as impressive if the system isn't durable enough to last a long time.

Fortunately, a geothermal system can be considered a durable investment. After the system's installation, you'll likely recoup your costs in the form of energy savings in between 5 to 10 years. Further, the system itself will last a while. Your internal system is good for an estimated 25 years, while the ground loop that's installed underground can last over 50 years.

Get started on your geothermal system installation with a Minneapolis geothermal company you can trust -- Hartmann Well Drilling. Call us today at (952) 758-2202.

Moonbase Model Uses Geothermal Heating & Cooling

Web publication io9 recently ran a story on NASA's brand-new building in Moffett Field, CA, which recently won Platinum LEED cerfication. The building is, according to Ames Research Center director Pete Worden, the "first Moon building on the planet earth."

What makes this building so special? First off, it utilizes geothermal wells for heating and cooling the building -- similar technology could be used on the Moon. In addition to the geothermal wells, the building makes use of a water recycling system, solar panels, and fuel cells to generate and recycle as much natural energy as possible.



Interesting in adding a geothermal heating and cooling system to your terrestrial Minneapolis home? Give Hartmann Well Drilling a call today at (952) 758-2202.

Minnesota Holds Untapped Geothermal Potential

Here's an interesting story, published earlier this month on MinnPost.com.

According to a new study from the Natural Resuorces Research Institute of the University of Minnesota Deluth, and the University of North Dakota, Minnesota has great potential for low-cost geothermal power. Lead researcher Don Fosnacht said that "the potential is three or four times greater than we assumed, and it's a lot easier to get at than the earlier reports indicated."

What's this mean? Simply put, geothermal heat is a lot closer to the surface of the earth in Minnesota than it was previously thought to be. Geothermal systems then become less expensive, as the drilling required to put the systems in place can stay at a more shallow depth. Areas in western and central Minnesota show the most promise, according to Fosnacht.

Hartmann Well Drilling is accredited through the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association to drill geothermal wells and install geothermal heat pumps. Give us a call today to learn more at (952) 758-2202.

Senator Pushes for More Geothermal Energy

In Vermont, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders recently came out in support of geothermal energy, touting the benefits of the technology in terms of reduced fossil fuel consumption in homes. Sanders held a briefing with HA Manosh, a Vermont-based well drilling company. During a press conference afterwards, Nick Manosh, Vice President of Manosh, said, "A homeowner will save about 30 to 50 percent on fuel costs" when using a geothermal energy system.

According to an article by VTDigger.org, the U.S. currently spends $350 million on oil imports. As geothermal energy becomes a bigger part of the home energy pie, those numbers could decrease. A growing geothermal industry stateside could also lead to job growth in the country, which is one reason why Sen. Sanders held his briefing to push for expanded use of the technology.

Hartmann Well Drilling is proud to help Minneapolis homeowners save using ground-source heating and cooling from geothermal technology. If you're interested in installing such a system for your home, give us a call today at (952) 758-2202.

Geothermal Maintenance Tips

Your geothermal system plays an important part in keeping your Minneapolis home energy costs down, so it's crucial that you do everything you can to keep your system well-maintained and running smoothly. We've gathered a few tips to help you do just that.

Check Air Filters Regularly
Your geothermal pump should have a few different air filters; some will need to be replaced completely when dirty, while others can simply be cleaned. If you aren't comfortable completing such a task yourself, you can call us to take care of that for you.

Examine the Ductwork
Once a year, check your system's ductwork for issues, such as loose connections or leaks. If you track down a problem, call us in to deal with it as soon as possible.

Look Out for Other Issues
Pay attention to your traditional energy bills. If you start to see them go up, there might be a problem with your geothermal system. You may notice without even looking at your bills. If your home feels noticeably warmer or cooler, it's a good idea to have your geothermal system looked at.

Hartmann Well Drilling helps Minneapolis home owners save money by supplementing traditional energy with geothermal heating and cooling pumps. Contact us today to learn more about geothermal energy can help save you money!

Geothermal: Still a Dark Horse

Geothermal energy isn't a brand new source, but that doesn't mean it's on everyone's minds, yet. In fact, according to the title of a piece from TG Daily, the entire industry is still "under the radar."

The geothermal industry is growing quite steadily in the United States; approximately 91 megawatts of capacity was added in 2011. In the Western U.S. alone, approximately 75,000 MW of potential geothermal energy still remains untapped, ensuring that the industry has room for continued growth.

Home geothermal pumps are becoming more and more popular as traditional fossil fuels become more expensive. How it works is this; a looped pipe is installed that goes a certain distance down into the earth, where the temperature remains the same consistently. This heat is transferred up the pipes and into the home during cooler seasons, and heat from the home is taken down into the pipes during warmer seasons. The result is that you're able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature using less traditional energy.

Hartmann Well Drilling is the company Minneapolis residents turn to for their geothermal drilling needs. Contact us today for a free geothermal quote by calling (952) 758-2202.

Facts About Geothermal Energy

Geothermal systems are growing more popular in homes around the country, as well as abroad. Here are a few facts you may not know about geothermal.

• Geothermal systems have a longer life expectancy than traditional heating and cooling systems.
• You can reduce your water heating costs by 50% to 60% using geothermal energy.
• Geothermal energy is not harmful to the environment. No fossil fuels are burned, and a small amount of electricity is used.
• No ugly outdoor unit! Your landscape will look better as a result.
• You'll save money! Geothermal heating and cooling systems are the most energy-efficient systems available today, according to the EPA.
• Geothermal systems don't make a lot of noise.

Your home or business can benefit tremendously from a geothermal system installation. Get in touch with us today to learn more about geothermal and how it can save you money.

HGTV Takes a Look at Geothermal Heating

This video from HGTV Remodels takes a look at a geothermal loop heating and cooling system, and the way it can help keep energy costs down for homeowners and businesses.

Interested in installing a geothermal heating and cooling system for your own home or commercial property? Get in touch with Hartmann Well Drilling today at (952) 758-2202, or complete our free geothermal estimate form.

Saint Kitts and Nevis Can Use Geothermal Energy to Go Carbon Neutral

The energy needs of Saint Kitts and Nevis currently measure at 10 megawatts. But the nation recently discovered that it sits on top several large geothermal reservoirs -- enough to produce approximately 50 megawatts of clean energy, around 40 megawatts more than the nation has a need for. The excess energy can be exported, providing an economic boost for Saint Kitts and Nevis, and it will make the nation virtually carbon neutral (meaning that it balances fossil fuel usage with renewable energy).

We've written a lot about how geothermal energy is helping homeowners bring down their utility bills, but how can geothermal energy help the world on a larger scale? Take a look at the two island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, located in the Carribbean.

Geothermal will help Saint Kitts and Nevis reduce its dependence on fossil fuels over time. Geothermal energy can help your home do this on a smaller scale, too, as less traditional energy is needed when geothermal energy is used to pre-heat or pre-cool your home. As geothermal becomes more popular, we'll undoubtedly discover more uses for this natural source of energy.

Interested in learning about how a geothermal energy system can bring down your utility bills? Call Hartmann Well Drilling today at (952) 758-2202.