1. Purpose of Weblog

Welcome to the Geothermal Blog! I am Don, your humble(?) host.

This country is utterly dependent on oil, a commodity that is growing more expensive as an inevitable worldwide depletion approaches. Ground based geothermal systems can be an important part of the solution. It is far more efficient and less costly to transfer existing heat from the earth than it is to burn oil or gas to create heat. When you think about it, we are using Neolithic, caveman era technology; burning things when we could be borrowing renewable heat energy from the earth.

But at this point, it is an under utilized technology. This is partially because of lack of information. 7 out of 10 people I talk to have no idea what this is or have an inaccurate viewpoint. This blog is a modest attempt to do something about this. To do this, I need to harness your experience and knowledge that is out there, to stimulate discussion and to reach out, inform and educate others.

Here is my approach in three parts.

1. To inform. For those considering a geothermal installation, read my pages on How it Works, Why it Works, Advantages and Disadvantages. If you have other questions, (and you will), post an entry and I will do my best. If my best is not good enough, there are others out there who will come to the rescue.

For those of you already well immersed in the subject, read the same sections. I think that I have provided a better explanation than I have seen anywhere else. But, if you disagree, have questions, or think additions are needed, then post. I’m open to better information.
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2. Case Studies. If we can build a database with a large number of actual residential ground based geothermal installations, perhaps we can draw some conclusions and maybe learn something. So I ask you who have installations to click on my page on Geothermal Case Studies and add your home to the list. I have listed my home to kick it off. You do not need to specifically identify yourselves. Please follow the format so that the data is consistent.

3. Discussion. There are many issues involved in this technology. Here is where I really need your insight. Please go to my Geothermal Issues page. Pick an issue and provide your experience. Or suggest a new issue. I plan to occasionally bring one out of the issue page and onto my post for added emphasis.

Comments

[Richard Newman]

Hi Don,

Saw your article in the Artful Mind (picked it up at Mass Moca). Just wanted to thank you for putting out the word.
I have been trying to figure out how to convert my big old victorian to geothermal for 7 years. Finally was convinced that it wouldn't work unless I can figure out how to super insulate. So for the moment my quest has changed. Still I ran it to so many roadblocks, I really appreciated your sharing your experiences.

Best of Luck
Rich Newman