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.