How do I pick a reputable contractor?

You need to make sure that he has been in business for many years and has a commitment to be around for many more to come. You need to make sure that he will not only drill your well but he will also install the water system and repair it when needed. At some time your well will require service so you want to make sure that your contractor will be available to service it both in the present and future.

 

How do I get a well drilled?

Just give us a call, tell us the location of the property along with your name, address, phone numbers, etc. We will then design a well for you for that specific site. If you have any questions, just give us a call. Once you give us the go-ahead, we will place you on our list. Jim or Mark will then set a meeting at the site to take care of the permit and placement of the well.

 

What is the difference between a drilled well and a bored well?

We drill a small diameter (5" to 10") well. We are drilling into aquifers that can produce so many gallons per minute. This type of well is not as susceptible to drought conditions. The bored well is a larger diameter (24" 30" 36" etc.) wells. Each type of well has a place within our state.

 

What about annual well maintenance?

We recommend that your well is checked annually for two reasons. The first reason is so a water sample will be collected and sent to the State Lab for testing. This annual test will assure both you and your family that your water is safe and sanitary. Also, there is a list of items that can be checked out to assure that your water system is operating at its fullest capacity.

 

Where and how can I find out more about our water supply and water system?

We have a small manual of information that we have compiled for our customers. We can send you this booklet, just contact us.

 

What other sites can I go to for further information about groundwater and my well?

 

What is geothermal?

Geothermal, also known as a ground source heat pump (GSHP), is a system that uses the earth's constant temperature for cooling, heating, and hot water. The earth acts as a large heat sink, storing energy.

 

How does geothermal work?

During the winter months, heat energy is pulled from the ground and amplified through a compressor and fan system located in the home, resulting in a warm, comfortable environment. During the summer, heat energy is pulled away from the home and deposited in the earth. Part of this heat energy can be diverted to the hot water heater for low-cost hot water.

 

How are geothermal units rated?

Similar to cars, there are various makes, models, and options for geothermal units. Each unit will be rated with a COP rating and EER rating so you can compare one unit to another.

 

Is geothermal cost-effective?

It is cost-effective. The operating and maintenance costs are less than any system on the market and have the longest life cycle. The initial cost of the system is typically higher than gas (forced air) or air-to-air heat pumps, but this is much more efficient and therefore saves you money every month.

On a new construction home, the added cost of geothermal is reflected in a higher monthly mortgage payment which is offset by a higher amount of energy cost savings, resulting in net positive cash flow to the owner.

On a retrofit, the investment of geothermal will result in lower energy bills. Typically, annual energy savings range from 40-60%, giving a very good return on investment.

 

Kickapoo Drilling History

Are there incentive programs for geothermal?

Yes, in many cases tax allowance, rebates, and grants may be available from the Federal, State, and local governments as well as electrical companies and co-ops. Contact your local utility company or Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE).

 

How much room do I need for a geothermal system?

  • Depending on the geothermal field design, the wells will be placed a certain area apart.
  • State well regulations and setbacks must be complied with.
  • The area should be relatively flat and accessible by a drill rig.
  • Underground utilities, large trees, sidewalks, and landscaping are a few of the features that must be considered when locating geothermal wells.

 

How do I find and choose a geothermal heating contractor?

Most utility companies maintain a list of qualified installers. The International Ground Source Heat Pump Association has an online listing of qualified installers for each state. Equipment manufacturers will also have a list of their installers. It is very important that the heating contractor is able to size the building load using a "Manual J" process. To service your unit, the heating contractor should have a flush cart to purge the system of air and have heat fusion tooling and training to properly install the in-house piping.

 

How do I start the process of installing geothermal?

  1. Call us and speak with Jim for commercial projects and Mark L. for residential projects. They can assess your needs and answer any questions you may have.
  2. We will recommend one or more heating contractors in your area.
  3. The heating contractor will do a site visit and/or review floor plans.
  4. The heating contractor will calculate equipment size needed and will contact us with the number of units and the size for each.
  5. We will do a site visit. Site plans showing property lines and septic fields are very helpful. Before the site visit we will call Julie to locate and mark underground utilities.
  6. We will show you possible locations for the loop field.
  7. Along with the heating contractor, we will write a proposal contract for the geothermal system.
  8. Upon your approval and receipt of deposit, we will order equipment, supplies, and start the permit process.
  9. Upon receiving the permit approval, the loop field drilling will be scheduled. Any required site work (tree removal, etc.) should be completed prior to the drilling date.

 

Are geothermal systems safe?

Yes. They have no open flames or flammable fuels with potentially dangerous gasses.

 

Can geothermal be installed in both commercial and industrial applications?

Yes. In almost any application of heating, cooling, and hot water, the system can be installed.

 

Will my existing ductwork function with a new geothermal system?

Yes. In most cases, only minor modifications are needed to install the new geothermal system.

 

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Do the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) recommend geothermal?

Yes. Both organizations promote the use and installation of geothermal.

 

Does geothermal benefit our environment?

Yes. The current systems installed are eliminating more than three million tons of carbon dioxide and that is equivalent to taking 650,000 cars off the road. The units move heat energy that already exists, rather than burning fossil fuels to create it.

 

Will the underground loop field adversely affect my lawn and trees?

No. most of the piping is located in vertical wells 200 feet deep and the supply and return lines are buried at three to four foot depths.

 

Can I add geothermal to my existing fossil fuel system?

Yes. Geothermal can be used as a dual system with fossil fuel, solar, or supported by wind power.

 

What type of pipe is used in the loop field?

High density, polyethylene PE 3408 that is specially made for its heat transfer qualities.

 

How are the pipes joined together in the loop field?

The pipes are joined by heat fusion rods. The fittings and pipes are heated to over 500 degrees and forced together, welding the two pieces together.