I've asked a lot of dumb questions about geothermal today, and the source for my interview for February's issue was kind enough to indulge me.

As I've mentioned in the magazine, I'm new to this industry. That presents challenges: There's quite a learning curve. But, it also presents opportunity. I get to ask dumb questions, and I have the perfect excuse.

 

So, I've asked a lot of dumb questions about geothermal today, and the source for my interview for February's issue was kind enough to indulge me. I learned when you use a closed loop system and when you use an open one. I learned about horizontal and vertical systems. And I learned about some of the rigs you can use to get the job done.

 

For those already out in the field installing geothermal systems, I found this website from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a division of the U.S. Department of Energy. One regular critique of geothermal is the up-front cost. In fact, it seems that critique overshadows the potential for long-term savings for residential and commercial customers. The site I linked to discusses all sorts of incentives, state by state, for geothermal.

 

So, when you get a potential client on the phone, educate yourself about the tax breaks, grants and loan guarantees out there. It just may clinch the deal.

 

 

I like to think I'm a generous guy. (Individual impressions may vary.) So, when I got my review model of RZ Mask's latest filtration mask, I thought I'd pass it on to a reader. The folks at RZ say it filters out 99.9 percent of airborne dust and particulates and protects against more than 130 toxins and chemicals.

 

It seems like a great option drillers out there working in dusty or otherwise nasty conditions (though, to be clear, it's not for use with asbestos or other really nasty stuff; use your common sense, folks). The one I have is gently opened (to take the picture below), and 100 percent unused. The first one to email me their address gets it.