Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo, meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from heat stored in the earth. (Source: Wikipedia).

Geothermal energy is a natural resource that people can use to help live productive and comfortable lives while creating a more sustainable earth.

Big "G" generates electricity. In a limited number of locations like geysers, the earth is hot enough to allow water to be used to generate electricity by passing steam through a turbine to turn an electrical generator. This electricity can then be used at that site, or transmitted over wires into the North American electrical grid to serve distant towns and cities. So Big "G" is high-temperature geothermal energy.

Little "g" heats and air conditions homes, businesses and some government facilities. Practically everywhere in North America, the temperature of the earth below the frost line remains relatively constant (close to the surface, the earth’s temperature does vary a little seasonally with the temperature of the atmosphere). This steady temperature profile allows the earth to be used as a heat source in the winter, and as a heat sink in the summer.

Both Big "G" and Little "g" are clean renewable forms of energy that help to reduce our dependence on other forms of energy and reduce environmental impacts and climate change.

Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are electrically powered systems that tap the stored energy of the greatest solar collector in existence: the earth. These systems use the earth's relatively constant temperature to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for homes and commercial buildings.

Ground source heat pumps can be categorized as having closed or open loops, and those loops can be installed in three ways: horizontally, vertically, or in a pond/lake. The type chosen depends on the available land areas and the soil and rock type at the installation site. These factors will help determine the most economical choice for installation of the ground loop.

For closed loop systems, water or antifreeze solution is circulated through plastic pipes buried beneath the earth's surface. During the winter, the fluid collects heat from the earth and carries it through the system and into the building. During the summer, the system reverses itself to cool the building by pulling heat from the building, carrying it through the system and placing it in the ground. This process creates free hot water in the summer and delivers substantial hot water savings in the winter.

Open loop systems operate on the same principle as closed loop systems and can be installed where an adequate supply of suitable water is available and open discharge is feasible. Benefits similar to the closed loop system are obtained.

Joseph H. Huemann & Sons Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service is thrilled to be recently (2009) accredited by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) to “HARNESS THE EARTH’S ENERGY” for its customers.

President, Jeffrey J. Huemann has been trained by IGSHPA in the design and installation of ground heat exchangers, which are the basis of the GSHP systems.

The process of geothermal drilling for either new or existing residences or buildings necessitates different rigs and process and is a direction that Joseph H. Huemann & Sons Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service is heading in full force with its commitment to providing natural resources to all of its customers and prospective customers.

Geothermal systems are quiet, long lasting and fashionably green. It is a 150-year-old technology, but is being rediscovered, and is inspiring more people to tap the power supply under their feet.

Joseph H. Huemann & Sons Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service suggests that customers be wary of inexperienced contractors. Ask us and ask other potential contractors what training they’ve had and how many geothermal installations they have completed. Call references and make sure the contractor is accredited by the IGSHPA.

With over a century of experience in the well drilling business, five generations of Huemann family members, and four Nextel dispatched service crews that have over 70 years of combined service, you can trust our expertise!

Rebates. Rebates. Rebates. The US Government is giving out increasing incentives to employ geothermal ground source heat pumps as a natural resource provider. In some cases, over one-third of the cost of the system is covered by incentives. Add to that, that the annual cost to run the system is less than an electrical or natural gas powered system, and you’ve got quite the incentive to help create a sustainable earth for generations to come!

It’s why we, at Joseph H. Huemann & Sons Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service have made such a passionate commitment to geothermal and why we think you should too!

Geothermal heat pumps are manufactured in the United States at domestic plants in nine states, and geothermal systems are operating and saving energy in all 50 states and are being exported around the globe.

For more information on geothermal and an assessment of your property, Click here.

Learn more about Geothermal Energy and Ground Source Heat Pumps at http://www.geo-energy.org

Joseph H. Huemann & Sons Well Drilling, Pump Sales and Service is pleased to offer partnerships with licensed/insured HVAC, and General Contractors interested in offering Geothermal to their clients. Click here to request more information.