What to Know About Geothermal Energy and Northern Nevada
Renewable energy sources are rising in importance as an alternative to limited fossil fuels. Wind and solar are more common sources of energy, but did you know there’s another choice? You might be surprised to know that geothermal energy is a reality, especially here in northern Nevada. Read on to learn more about geothermal energy and its place right here in northern Nevada.
Geothermal Energy Explained
Geothermal energy is heat energy from the earth. Deep beneath the surface of the earth rest reservoirs of hot water. Interestingly, this water and surrounding rock are heated from the radioactive decay of minerals from the formation of the Earth over 4 billion years ago.
Experts can tap into this source of hot water from up to two miles below ground where it is extremely hot and pressurized. As the water reaches the surface, it loses pressure and turns to steam where it powers electrical turbines to generate electricity in geothermal power plants.
Geothermal Energy and Northern Nevada
Geothermal energy is fueled by activity within the crust of the earth. As a result, some areas of the globe have more abundant sources of geothermal energy. For instance, over half of Iceland’s primary energy sources come from geothermal energy. Geothermal activity is especially plentiful in the Pacific Rim and allows Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Oregon to tap into its benefits.
Nevada is positioned to take advantage of geothermal energy as well. Northern and western Nevada have access to vast high-temperature geothermal deposits. Nevada holds the greatest amount of unused geothermal energy and is one of the highest producers of geothermal energy. In 2017 almost 94 percent of geothermal power in the U.S. came from Nevada and California geothermal power plants.
Geothermal Energy and Your Home
Electrical power production is only one facet of geothermal energy. You may enjoy electricity from geothermal energy when you plug in your kitchen appliances, but there is a way to directly benefit from this energy source right in your home.
Geothermal energy can be harnessed to heat water for your family as well as heat and cool your home. Here is how this is done:
Heat pumps transfer heat through a looped pipe system from the earth to your home.
Heated water flows into a geothermal unit that circulates warm air through a system of ducts and vents.
Heated water circulates beneath your home’s flooring to provide radiant heat.
A geothermal system uses the cooler, constant 50-60 degree temperature of the earth to help deliver cold air during the heat of summer.
Geothermal water heaters provide hot water from geothermal energy.
As you can see, your home has a close relationship with the ground beneath its foundation while it utilizes geothermal energy. A system of pipes distributes heated water from deep reservoirs to your home. A system also can cool water within the unique 50-60 degree cool zone of ground.
Geothermal Energy Benefits
Geothermal energy delivers more than heat. A host of benefits are available when geothermal energy is in use. Unlike fossil fuels and even solar and wind energy, geothermal energy does not rely on climate conditions to produce steady power. Geothermal energy is constant and predictable, which makes it a reliable, limitless energy source.
Geothermal heat pumps are almost 65 percent more efficient than conventional HVAC systems. This feature can help you save up to 70 percent on heating and up to 50 percent on cooling costs. Fewer moving parts and better protection from weather means less maintenance. Because of this, some components of a geothermal system can last more than 50 years.
If you live in or near Northern Nevada, you can enjoy geothermal energy in your own home. Contact Bruce MacKay Pump & Well Service. for more information about this plentiful energy source.
