Geothermal Well Drilling Cost

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. It costs between $5-$40 per foot to drill geothermal wells.

What Is 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.

How Much Does Geothermal Well Drilling Cost?

Geothermal well drilling typically costs between $5-$40 per foot, as mentioned above. This means the total cost will land somewhere between $3,500-$5,000 per well.

The majority of homes require 3 to 5 boreholes with about 300′-500′ of piping per ton of HVAC capacity. The installation of a vertical geothermal heat pump can cost as much as $35,000, which includes the drilling process.

The biggest cost associated with geothermal wells is getting the equipment to the job site and paying the experienced contractors. Here is a quick look at geothermal well drilling costs:

*These are cost estimates according to Homeguide. Contact the team at Sunbelt Drilling for more information.

What Are The 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.