The process of drilling deep into the earth’s crust is known as geothermal drilling. This process is executed to ultimately access the heat found within. This heat can then be used to generate electricity or for the purposes of heating and cooling.
Geothermal Well Drilling
Geothermal is the green alternative to heating and cooling your home or business! Geothermal, also referred to as earth-coupled heat, geo-exchange, geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), ground-source heat pumps (GSHPs), ground Source Heat Exchange systems, and water source heat pumps is one of the most efficient ways for heating and cooling a home or building of any size.
These systems can be installed in new homes or buildings or retrofitted into existing homes and buildings. The temperature of the ground beneath the earth’s surface remains relatively constant throughout the year, even though the outdoor air temperature may fluctuate greatly with the change of seasons.
These systems don’t have to work as hard (therefore using less energy) because they are drawing from the earth’s constant temperature. There is a series of loops installed in boreholes that are drilled into the earth and then connected by pipes to move liquid (most often water) through the loops and into a heat pump inside the home.
In the summer, the relatively cool ground absorbs a home’s waste heat more readily than the warm outdoor air. The heat pump concentrates the earth’s thermal energy and transfers it to air circulated through interior ductwork in your home or building. This works conversely in the winter.
Environmental Impacts Of Geothermal Drilling
Geothermal Systems are a cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly way of cooling and heating. The EPA has confirmed geothermal systems operate at 75% greater efficiency than oil furnaces, 48% greater efficiency than gas furnaces and 40% greater efficiency than air source heat pumps.
Water Resource Management
It’s no secret that geothermal drilling operations can impact local water resources. That’s why regulations are in place to manage both the use and disposal of geothermal fluids. Some jurisdictions will require permits for the water use and mandate the recycling or reinjection of these fluids.
Monitoring
These drilling operations are subject to both monitoring and reporting requirements in order to comply with environmental regulations. This can include monitoring the fluid’s quality, air emissions, and noise levels.
Land Use Planning
Geothermal drilling methods can also have an impact on natural habitats and land use. Regulations are in place to ensure the methods are utilized in suitable areas for geothermal development. This also helps to minimize impacts on the sensitive ecosystems.
Efficient Practices
These practices include using closed-loop geothermal systems, minimizing the disturbance to the land, and the implementation of erosion and sediment control measures.
Conclusion
In most cases, your air conditioner is the largest consumer of energy in your home. Your monthly utility bill reflects the difference in electricity used during the summer months verses the winter months and vice versa in Arizona’s high country. New geothermal technology in Arizona allows your home to greatly reduce the amount of electricity used in the peak seasons, saving you money.
If you are interested in establishing a well for your commercial or residential property, Arizona water well drilling services by Sunbelt Drilling include quality water well systems and Ground Source heat pump installations. Sunbelt Drilling is an IGSHPA certified Driller/Installer for geothermal HVAC systems. We specialize in air rotary drilling, mud rotary drilling, reverse rotary drilling and casing hammer. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Sunbelt Drilling serves all of Arizona. Sunbelt Drilling, LLC was formed in 2001.
Our experienced team has worked with almost every consulting firm in the state and most of the municipalities and has extensive knowledge and experience in the completion of large Commercial Bonded Projects. Contact the team at Sunbelt Drilling today for more information!
