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Mar 30
Love1
modern day water well

Why We Need Wells in Modern-Day America

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What Can a Water Well Offer?

 
Water wells are often associated with more primitive ways of life. Modern-day America has come a long way since people needed to source their own water, but some people are voluntarily moving back to it. Find out why.

Sustainable Living

 
An off-grid movement has taken America by storm. It took off with the tiny home community and has since become more mainstream. The intention to live a more sustainable lifestyle has brought wells back into modern life as a viable option for securing potable water.

Economic Freedom

 
Some people are drilling wells for the same reason others get solar. While getting the original system set up takes time and money, once it’s set up, you no longer pay bills to utility companies for your water. If you are dealing with high water bills month after month, you may want to consider a water well.

Water Pollution

 
Groundwater is still one of the cleanest and healthiest types of water you can get your hands on. Just think of the water you get from natural springs. In contrast, water that falls through the polluted air runs off dirty catchment surfaces, or flows across the land might not be as clean.

Unfortunately, not every property is ideal for drilling a well. Experienced professionals at Chesapeake Geosystems can help you determine whether it is feasible to pursue before investing your time and money in drilling your well. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today to learn more!

Feb 25
Love1
well water

Do You Need to Test Your Well Water?

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Water is a necessary part of living but also something many people take for granted. Although it’s generally quite accessible with public supply, some individuals have wells from which they get their water. Well water is an excellent source of hydration, but it can get contaminated from time to time. There are a few instances when you should have your well water tested for contaminants.

Once Per Year

To ensure you are only drinking healthy water, you should have your well water tested once a year. This test should look for nitrate and coliform bacteria. If the nitrate level is at or higher than five milligrams per liter, you should also test again six months later.

After You Notice Changes

While you may keep up on your regular, once-per-year tests, you should also keep in mind that the content of your water could change at any given moment. There are some changes you should watch out for, and if noticed, you should contact professionals right away:

  • The taste, scent, or appearance of your water is different
  • Someone (or everyone) in your home becomes ill, and there is no other explanation
  • The well undergoes a repair
  • You have a neighbor with well water that has become contaminated
  • You suspect the well has flooded

In Specific Circumstances

There are also some specific circumstances that would require you to have a well water test. For example, if someone in the home who regularly drinks the water becomes pregnant, you should test for contaminants, particularly nitrates, to ensure it is safe for them. Also, if you live near an area of industrial waste or livestock, you should test for contamination.

Contacting Chesapeake Geosystems

Well water is some of the most refreshing water there is, but it can be quite dangerous if it becomes contaminated. Contact Chesapeake Geosystems today by calling 410-489-1712 or sending us an email to learn more about well water testing.

Jan 30
Love1
winter frozen ground

How Cold Temperatures Affect Geothermal Systems

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Geothermal systems can both heat and cool a home, but they are primarily known as heating systems. However, people commonly question their ability to function when the ground is frozen, so we wanted to break it down for you.

Earth’s Natural Insulation

Gardeners and construction professionals can tell you right off the bat that the cold weather does not penetrate deep into the earth’s surface. Anything below the frost line maintains a constant temperature, regardless of the weather conditions overhead. This is why geothermal systems work well for both heating and cooling. They simply re-route that constant temperature to generate the interior conditions you seek for your home.

Recirculation of the Air

Pipes and pumps are responsible for recirculating this air throughout your home. This system works much better than traditional HVAC systems and mini-split units that require air-based heat and high energy consumption to create warmth. The simple recirculation is why geothermal systems generally lead to much lower energy bills than a conventional heating system.

Winter Installation

The one way that winter does affect geothermal systems is the installation process. While anything below the frost line is safe, getting below that frost line in cold conditions can prove difficult. Frozen ground is hardened ground. The unfavorable conditions can also make it hard for workers to carry on for long hours. Because of this, it is best to install your geothermal system in milder weather.

Geothermal heating systems are one of the most misunderstood green initiatives gaining momentum in America. As more homeowners adopt this technology, this may change. Until then, Chesapeake Geosystems is happy to answer any questions you may have. Call 410-489-1712 or send us an email today!

Dec 28
Love1

More Geothermal Benefits: Environmental

By blog No Comments

Geothermal energy is largely known for saving consumers money and lasting longer than your average energy system. The units are quieter to run and don’t require as many repairs, but the benefits don’t stop there. At Chesapeake Geosystems, Inc., we are committed to helping you understand all the benefits, including those that benefit the environment.

No Dangerous Emissions

The quality of our air is in direct relation to our health and our wellbeing. When energy systems emit dangerous gasses and chemicals into the air, it contributes to our pollution problem. Geothermal systems do not pose that threat. As the system heats and cools your home or office, there are no carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or other types of greenhouse gasses that enter the air.

Reduced Peak Grid Demand

Geothermal energy reduces the demand for electricity in your home. This decreases the peak grid demand as well, which lessens the need for electric generation plants. These electricity generating plants emit carbon dioxide into the air, also impacting water and biodiversity. With carbon dioxide in the air, climate change becomes a bigger problem. You can see how geothermal energy is a huge factor in preventing this issue.

Augmenting Natural Resources

Because geothermal energy is renewable, we don’t have to worry about our natural resources being depleted. Instead, they can be increased as the earth lives and grows without us taking or killing portions of it to energize our homes.

Contacting the Experts

At Chesapeake Geosystems, Inc., we care about the environment and our quality of life in the future. If you’re considering doing something that will save you money, while also making a positive impact on the environment, geothermal energy is a great option. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today to learn more!

Nov 25
Love1
geothermal tax incentives

Geothermal Benefits: Behind the Tax Incentives

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A geothermal heat pump is an efficient, environmentally-friendly heating and cooling system. Unlike other heat sources, when you have a geothermal HVAC installed, you have renewable energy stored in your backyard. This is cheaper than fossil fuels and saves you on energy costs too.

In addition to energy and cost savings, you can also save on your taxes.

What Are the Tax Credit Amounts?

Before you invest for the tax credits, you probably want to know what the tax credits are. How much can you save? What percentage of the HVAC cost can you use as a credit on your taxes? The tax percentage has everything to do with the year that you installed it.

For HVACs installed between 2016 and 2019, you can take a credit of 30%. For those who installed in 2020, you can take a 26% credit. Then, in 2021, the credit will be 22%.

Do You Qualify for the Tax Credits?

If you have a geothermal HVAC system installed, you qualify. You do not have to worry about maximum tax credits. The year that you installed your geothermal HVAC system is what matters since your percentage is based on that year. It doesn’t matter if your home is a rental, a vacation home, or a primary home that you have ownership of. You can take the tax credit on any home that belongs to the system. If you have other tax credits, such as the energy efficiency upgrade, you can use it with those credits. If you do not have enough liability, you can carry the tax credit forward to the next year.

A geothermal heat pump can save you money in many ways, with tax incentives just being one. At Chesapeake Geosystems, we provide installation of residential geothermal HVAC systems along with water well drilling and repair. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today for more information!

Oct 27
Love1
keep your home warm this winter with geothermal

How Do Geothermal Systems Warm Homes During the Winter?

By blog, news, Uncategorized No Comments

Winter temperatures can dip fairly low in the Northeast. When they do, homeowners need a reliable source of heat to protect themselves and their properties. Without proper heat, not only can family members become ill but pipes in the home also become more likely to freeze and burst. Can geothermal systems achieve this or will you still need an HVAC system for the coldest winter nights?

What Are Geothermal Heat Pumps?

The machines work by relocating hot or warm air from one area to another. In the case of geothermal systems, the machines pull the warm air from the earth. No matter how frigid temperatures are above the ground, below the earth, the temperatures remain fairly consistent. This is one of the reasons geothermal heat pumps are so reliable and energy-efficient.

How Energy Efficient Is It?

One of the main selling points for installing geothermal heat pumps is that they are more eco-friendly than other available options. The EPA estimates that homeowners can save as much as 70% on the cost of heating a home each year. Because it relies on recirculating air already found in the natural environment, it also uses fewer chemicals to do its job.

Are All Homes Suitable for Heat Pumps?

We can install a heat pump in virtually any home in our service area. However, whether it may prove feasible is another concern altogether. Only a professional can inspect your home to determine whether your it is suitable for the installation and what option would work the best.

Does the System Work for Cold Air Too?

One fact that commonly surprises homeowners is that geothermal heat pumps can also keep homes cool. The system achieves this in the same way it provides warm air, i.e., it pulls the cooler air from the earth. This allows homeowners to enjoy a year-round climate-controlled home from just one, effective and efficient system.

Geothermal energy systems do require professional assistance to install. Contact Chesapeake Geosystems by calling 410-489-1712 or emailing us today to learn more. We look forward to providing you with a fair quote and excellent service.

Sep 27
Love0

Understanding the Truth Behind Geothermal Myths

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Understanding the Truth Behind Geothermal Myths

Green energy is a popular option, but many people don’t understand geothermal. There are a lot of myths that surround geothermal energy that might have deterred you from considering it. The following myths are among the most common and we would like to set them straight. Once you understand the truth, it will be clear just how beneficial geothermal heating and cooling is.

Myth 1: It Takes Too Long to Install

Installing a geothermal system doesn’t actually take that long. It might be a few months between the initial estimate, the design, permitting, planning, and the finishing touches on installation, but the amount of time the installers are in your yard won’t be longer than a few weeks in most cases. The entire in-person process only includes drilling, trenching, and installation, then it’s done.

Myth 2: It Requires a Large Yard

The ground loop installation of your geothermal system will determine the amount of space required to install. While horizontal ground loops will require a large yard, you don’t have to install that way. Vertical ground loops are another option, and the preferred option if you have a smaller yard.

Myth 3: It Requires Too Much Maintenance

Most of the parts of your geothermal system are going to be located beneath the ground, which makes them less likely to experience damage due to the elements. This can drastically cut down on the amount of maintenance required for your system. While you do need to change the air filters every three to six months and have the system inspected every few years, there’s not much to maintaining the system beyond that.

As you can see, many individuals have concerns when it comes to installing a geothermal system, but the majority of those concerns are due to a lack of education. If you are interested in learning more about geothermal energy and why it might be your best option, contact Chesapeake Geosystems today by calling 410-489-1712 or sending us an email!

Aug 28
Love0

Benefits of Installing a Residential Water Well

By blog No Comments

Have you been thinking about installing a residential water well on your property? In addition to instant access to naturally filtered water, having a well at your home has several distinct advantages.

Avoid Chemical Exposure

Public water contains chemicals such as chlorine and fluoride, which can be difficult to remove from your water even with a filter system. By contrast, the water from residential wells is free of these substances, so you can avoid absorbing it when you drink, bathe, or cook with it. These chemicals also enter the soil when you garden and landscape with public water, causing damage to the local ecosystem.

Save Money

When you have your own well, you’ll no longer pay for the public water system. After running the numbers, most homeowners find it costs less to install and maintain a well than it does to pay rising municipal water fees. A private well can be especially cost-effective for large families who pay a premium for water usage. You may also be able to qualify for a tax credit toward the cost of installation.

Establish a Reliable Water Supply

Issues with city water can result in low flow, low quality, or even limited water access. With a residential well, you can tap into unlimited groundwater whenever you need a fresh supply. Service interruptions from water main breaks will be a thing of the past.

In addition to these practical benefits, many Maryland residents report improved water taste after installing a well. Those who currently live in an area with hard water find that well water does not contain the minerals that can leave a dull, filmy residue on skin, hair, clothing, and dishes.

If you want to learn more about making this cost-effective, environmentally friendly upgrade, contact the team at Chesapeake Geosystems. We specialize in comprehensive residential well installation and service. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today to get a quote for your residential water well.

Jul 17
Love0
Commercial geosystems

Why You Should Choose Geothermal When You Build a New Home

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Building a new home is an exciting time with lots of options. You get to choose colors, styles, materials, textures, systems, and a wide variety of other features. It is a chance to make your home unique to your family. If you’ve been looking at different heating and cooling options, you may have run across geothermal systems. The following are some benefits of going geothermal when you build your home.

Financial Savings

The upfront cost of installing a geothermal system compared to a conventional HVAC system is slightly higher, though they are pretty similar. The savings come in when you start getting monthly bills. Your electric bill will be much lower in the summer when the air conditioner turns on, making this an obvious benefit. There are also many government incentives you could look into, saving even more on your initial installation of a geothermal system.

Easy Installation

Because you are building a new home, nothing will have to be disturbed to install your geothermal system. You can customize the location of the vents and other components without having to rearrange anything that’s typically included in a new home.

Less Maintenance

There are two parts of a geothermal system that may need to be replaced over time. The ground loops could last you anywhere from 50 to 100 years. The heat pump could last up to 25 years. Compare that to a conventional system that needs continual maintenance, repairs, and replacements after only 10 to 20 years, and you can see how much less work this type of system is.

Contact a Professional for More Information

There’s a lot to geothermal systems that you’ll want to understand if you are building a new home and need a quality option for your heating and cooling system. Contact Chesapeake Geosystems today by calling 410-489-1712 or sending us an email to get started.

May 15
Love0
How Geothermal Works!

Understanding Closed Versus Open Loop Geothermal Systems

By blog, Closed Loop Ground Source Heat Pump Systems No Comments

The point of geothermal systems is to use ground loops to regulate temperature in a home. If you are considering a geothermal system, you have probably heard the terms “closed loop” and “open loop”. Here is what you need to know about both.

Know the Differences Between Closed Loop and Open Loop Systems

A closed loop geothermal system utilizes a heat transfer solution through buried pipes. You fill the loop just once, with a moderate amount of solution, requiring little work once this is done. The pipes connect to an indoor heat pump to provide temperature control.

Open loop systems take clean groundwater and deliver it to an indoor geothermal pump. When the water leaves the home, it goes through a discharge well. The water may then be re-directed into a local pond or drainage ditch.

Understand the Advantages and Disadvantages of Both

An important factor for most people making decisions about their home, is cost. With an open loop system, you do not need to drill or bury pipe. Making it the cheaper option in terms of installation. A closed loop system, on the other hand, requires trenching, drilling, and burying.

Next, is the question of durability. Open loop systems do degrade over time, especially when there is a high mineral content. Closed loop systems, while initially more expensive, can last for 50 or more years with minimal maintenance. Once installed, it becomes a permanent piece of the property.

Talk to the Professionals

Overall, installing a geothermal system for your home can provide many benefits. If you are still unsure if it’s right for you, contact the professionals at Chesapeake Geosystems. Call 410-489-1712 or email us today, we will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.