“As fuel prices continue to escalate, so does the interest in geothermal.
They’re 300-400% more efficient than most conventional systems,
making them substantially less expensive to operate.”— Keith Tjosvold

 

have been in business for a quarter of a century. Over the past 18 years, they’ve installed hundreds of geothermal units.

“As fuel prices continue to escalate, so does the interest in geothermal,” Keith replies when we inquire about this product’s popularity. “It comes as no surprise. They’re 300-400% more efficient than most conventional systems, making them substantially less expensive to operate.”

Although our initial outlay for installation and set-up will be pricier than a typical furnace, we like the idea that it’ll pay off in the long run. Our monthly bill will be much cheaper than going with natural gas, oil, or propane, and up to a third less than if we choose straight electric heat. Within seven to 10 years we’ll be able to recoup this cost and literally cash in on this unlimited natural resource.

We find out that our savings won’t be the only perk. While lowering the

need to generate power, there’ll be no emission of greenhouse gases that pollute our environment. And without burning fossil fuels, the cleaner air will make its way indoors. There’ll be no risks associated with carbon monoxide, no need to worry about fire due to open flames, and no fluctuation of our thermostat. With the geothermal supply being continuous, our heat will always remain at a constant and comfortable temperature — even when we first unlock our cottage door after arriving on a cold wintry night. Yes, we will all be happy cottagers, indeed!

But before we can fire up the system, there’s work to be done. Keith explains the four basic ways we can transfer geothermal energy into our 3,000-square-foot retreat. We can go the vertical route and drill six 200-foot wells. That would mean bringing in a costly rig and crew. The adjacent lake offers a vast reservoir of renewable

Green continued on pg. 114

Geothermal Resources Here are just a few starting points to find out more about geothermal energy.

Markey Mechanical Ltd Williams Lake, British Columbia Phone: 250-398-7026 Email: info@markey.ca www.markey.ca

C.R. Martin Heating Ltd. Email: crmheating@telus.net www.crmheating.com

Wisconsin Geothermal Association

Madison, WI Phone: 866-GEO-7757 E-mail: WIGeothermalAssoc@ecw.org www.wisgeo.org

Geothermal Drilling of New England Lowell, MA 978-453-8200 www.geodrillingofne.com

Geothermal Energy Association Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-454-5264 www.geo-energy.org www.igshpa.okstate.edu

FAR LEFT: Geothermal piping is laid in trenches at least seven feet deep. LEFT: A back hoe leaves a maze of gopher-like trenches across the Cassie property, but (BOTTOM) once the piping is laid, the trenches are quickly backfilled and the yard is reseeded.