Hydrofracturing, commonly referred to as hydrofracking, is a well development process that involves injecting water under high pressure into a bedrock formation via the well. This process is intended to flush and remove fine particles and rock fragments from existing bedrock fractures and/or increase the size and extent of existing fractures, resulting in an increased flow of water, and a larger network of water bearing fractures supplying water to the well.

The procedure is often used to increase well yields of new deep drilled wells with marginal or inadequate production rates. It may also be applied to older existing wells that have progressively diminished recovery rates over time, which is usually caused by mineralization and incrustation of rock fractures.

Wells that are 400’ and deeper typically fall into a 99% success rate that adequate increases will be obtained through the hydrofracturing procedure.

For more information on Hydrofracking visit Capital Well Online.

Thinking of building a house or adding a bedroom?  Is your leach field failing?

Septic system design is sometimes over looked in the building process and should be considered carefully, as a priority. A proper functioning septic system starts with a great design which considers many factors including:

• State of New Hampshire and Local Town Requirements
• Placement of your house, drainage, tank and leach field
• Proper design for future use including water filtration systems, whirlpool bath tubs, etc.
• Proper leach field placement for future use including swimming pools
• Review of your land for proper slope, flat designs, pump or raised systems
• Review of the soils for proper leaching

Septic system design starts with a State of NH licensed designer. Please contact Jackie Roy of AJ Roy Excavation, LLC.   Jackie is a licensed designer and installer. She currently represents the installers on the board of directors for the Granite State Designers and Installers Association. Other licensed professionals can be found through the State of NH Department of Environmental Services. Many well qualified designers are also active in Granite State Designers and Installers Association which is a nonprofit association of septic system professionals.

Advantages & Disadvantages to the Open Loop vs Closed Loop

New England seasons have large temperature variances. The winter temperatures consistently reach below zero so the heat pump needs to be sized according to the heat loss, not heat gain. We also have rocky and low soil conductivity to contend with which makes horizontal ground loops costly and difficult to install. However, there is a closed loop system that works very well here in New England, the vertical loop. This is a series of bore holes that have a glycol and water solution circulating between the ground loop and system to obtain temperature.

Several differences between the open loop (standing column well) and closed loop systems lead customers to choose one over the other. Water temperatures entering the system from an open loop range from typically 47 to 50 degrees in the Southern NH region. Entering glycol and water fluid temperatures on a closed loop system are between 36 and 40 degrees. In most cases, this temperature difference means that you are able to size the geothermal heat pump smaller for the open loop application, costing less up front. The installation cost of a closed loop is slightly higher than the standing column well since it requires drilling more holes. The other advantage to the open loop is you have the ability on new construction to use the ground source for your domestic water as well as for geothermal which can save money.
However, there are many advantages to the vertical closed loop. It does run more often since the temperatures on the incoming loop are lower but the loop is circulated by small, 0.7 amp circulators, which require much less electricity than the well pump that is submerged hundreds of feet in the ground. For this reason both the open and closed loop cost about the same when looking at operation costs. There is less maintenance to a closed loop since there is not any ground water sediment coming in to the system that needs to be cleaned. It is also much cheaper to replace a circulator pump at about $400 than a well pump at about $3500 and the pumps on a closed loop system are easily accessible in the mechanical room, not in the ground requiring a well rig to take it out. Both open and closed loop systems have their benefits and we look at everyone’s’ situation on an individual basis. For more information on this visit www.ultrageothermal.com

Open Loop Ground Source and Vertical Closed Loop System

If you are like thousands of other people that suffer from low water pressure in your home there is a solution. For years people that have private wells have had to deal with pressure problems, and did not realize that there is a solution!

A private bedrock well (or artesian) is one of the best water supplies that you can have. YOU are in charge of the water you drink and no one else! This is a wonderful thing that many take for granted!

Now, with regards to pressure, most people have a standard pressure tank in the basement that has a pressure switch. This pressure switch regulates the on and off of your well pump. Most pressure switches are set for a standard 40/60 or 30/50 PSI. What does this mean? WELL, when the pressure in the pressure tank falls down to 30 or 40 psi the pressure switch makes contact and this turns the well pump on and the pump starts to deliver water to the pressure tank and then out to the home. The problem with this old technology is if you are taking a shower and someone flushes the toilet or turns the dish washer on or tries to use water outside you will see a considerable pressure drop. This is because you are using a conventional pump system and the pump cannot keep up with the demand of water in the home. (Another common complaint is this; “when I am taking a shower and someone flushes the toilet I lose water pressure and get hit with a burst of cold or hot water)

ITS 2011! – we don’t have to live with low water pressure any longer, There is a solution for this problem and its called CONSTANT PRESSURE Pump Systems. The preferred constant pressure pump system is made by Grundfos. The Grundfos constant pressure “soft start” pump system utilizes a transducer that constantly monitors the flow of water to the home and simply put, it speeds up to deliver the flow rate based on the demand and it delivers whatever you have the controller pre set at for pressure from 40-100psi.

We recommend locking the pressure in at 70psi for residential applications.
With this system you can have constant water pressure everyplace in the home without loosing pressure in different areas. This system does not utilize a pressure tank that sits on the floor but rather a stainless steel manifold that mounts neatly on your basement wall which saves you valuable space and is much nicer to look at! Below is an actual example of what the inside manifold looks like when you install a constant pressure pump system in your well.

A simple diagram of a heat pump’s vapor compression refrigeration cycle and components are as follows:
1) condenser,
2) expansion valve
3) evaporator
4) compressor

How do all of these parts work together?
The working fluid, in its gaseous state, is pressurized and circulated through the system by a compressor.
On the discharge side of the compressor, the now hot and highly pressurized vapor is cooled in a heat exchanger, called a condenser, until it condenses into a high pressure, moderate temperature liquid.
The condensed refrigerant then passes through a pressure-lowering device also called a metering device, expansion valve.
The low pressure, liquid refrigerant leaving the expansion device enters another heat exchanger, the evaporator, in which the fluid absorbs heat and boils.
The refrigerant then returns to the compressor and the cycle is repeated.

Take a look at our environment…
• Overtime we have misused our resources
• Continued on with an environmentally unconscious attitude
• Caused stratospheric ozone depletion leading to a destruction of 70% of the ozone located over Antarctica
• Even though we have seen a significant turnaround since the 80’s it is still not enough of an effort.
• We need to change our ways since we are dependent on oil and the solution is renewable energy sources!

When is the last time you tested your household water?

At the Clean Water Center, your family’s water safety is our #1 Priority. There are many elements to water that people take for granted, or simply do not know anything about. A few of the most important “health related” items that should be tested every year are Arsenic, Radon & Bacteria. Below is some information pertaining to these items. Please don’t assume that your water is “SAFE” and have it tested TODAY!

Arsenic (Limit = 0.010 mg/l)
Arsenic occurs naturally in New Hampshire and other areas of New England. In fact,
arsenic was mined commercially in New Hampshire during the 1800s. Arsenic also
occurs as a result of human activities. Activities that could have left arsenic residuals
include apple orchard spraying and coal ash disposal. Generally is not possible to
predict if a well will have elevated arsenic. Arsenic has no smell, taste or coloration
when dissolved in water, even at high concentrations. Only water quality testing can
determine its presence and concentration in well water. Arsenic has been classified by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a human carcinogen (cancer
causing agent.) Long term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer,
cardiovascular disease, immunological disorders, diabetes and other medical issues.
On February 22, 2002 a new EPA rule for arsenic in drinking water became effective.
This new Limit is 0.010 mg/l, the old limit was 0.050 mg/l. This new rule is final, and
became fully enforced on all public water systems in January of 2006. New
Hampshire DES recommends that at least two tests be processed before concluding the
well’s arsenic concentration, as well water quality can change due to many factors.

Radon (No regulated limit)
Radon gas is normally found in all well water. Bedrock wells typically have much
higher levels then dug or point wells. The most significant concern is the inhalation of
Radon from the air. Radon typically enters air via two common pathways:
1. Migration (up from the soil) into the house air through cracks and/or other
openings in the foundation.
2. Release of dissolved radon gas into the air from water usage in the home.
The migration of radon up from the soil contributes the largest percent of radon found
in the average home. Radon from a groundwater type water supply source, particularly
a bedrock (artesian, drilled) well, contributes the next largest percentage of radon in the
home. The US EPA has set an advisory “action level” of 4 pCi/L for radon gas in
indoor air. While not a mandated health standard, this level is a guideline for people
to use in assessing the seriousness of their exposure to airborne radon. Studies show
that high levels of radon gas in the air increase the risk of developing lung cancer. At
present there is no federal or state regulated standard for radon in drinking
water. In 1991, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES)
and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) jointly
recommended a maximum level for radon gas in PUBLIC drinking water at 2,000 pCi/
L. Although this recommendation was never acted upon by any regulatory agency, it
is commonly referred to in New Hampshire. The EPA is currently proposing a limit of
4000 pCi/L. Massachusetts recommends 10,000, Vermont 5000, and Maine 4,000 pCi/
L. A useful equation developed by the EPA to determine the seriousness of Radon in
water is that 1 pCi/L of Radon will develop in the air for every 10,000 pCi/L in the
water. This is especially useful for adding the total radon found in both air & water.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Radon levels may test significantly different when
collected from a well that is not in a normal pattern of use, compared to Radon
levels from the same well when in normal daily use.

Total Coliform & E.coli Bacteria (Limit = “ABSENT” per 100ml)
The organisms in the total coliform group are called indicator organisms. That is, if
present, they indicate that there is a possibility, but not a certainty, that disease
organisms may also be present in the water. When absent there is a very low
probability of disease organisms being present in the water. The ability of the total
coliform test to reliably predict the bacterial safety of water relative to the hundreds of
possible diseases that might be present is critical since it is impossible, in a practical
sense, to check separately for every disease organism directly on a monthly or
quarterly basis. The presence of only Total Coliform generally does not imply an
imminent health risk but does require an analysis of all water systems facilities and
their operation to determine how these organisms entered the water system.
Escherichia Coli (e-coli). This is a specific species (subgroup) within the coliform
family. They originate only in the intestines of animals and humans. They have a
relatively short life span compared to more general Total Coliform. Their presence
indicates a strong likelihood that human or animal wastes are entering the water
system, and have a much higher likelihood of causing illness.

The process of researching and shopping for windows and doors can be daunting – even maddening for the average homeowner. Not only are there many styles, materials and brands to choose from, but the industry codes and ratings can be very confusing, leaving one frustrated. Familiarizing yourself with window lingo will not only educate you, but will make the process of picking out your new windows and doors an enjoyable one. Whether you are replacing old, drafty windows and doors, planning a remodel or building a new home, the information below will help you decode industry jargon and turn you into a window and door expert in no time.

Energy Efficiency -
First things first, make sure you are selecting an energy efficient brand. The easiest ways to ensure this is to look for the ENERGY STAR label. Companies that have earned the right to use this bright blue logo, provide you with more than just an average window or door. This important label signifies that your products will use less energy, reduce your carbon footprint and best of all – save you money. Pella Windows & Doors have been named an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year for the last five consecutive years.

Understanding the NFRC Label
Now that you know not to settle for anything less than ENERGY STAR qualified products, it’s time to discuss the importance of NFRC ratings. Each ENERGY STAR rated window or door has been individually tested by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and bears an NFRC label on it as proof. The NFRC is a third-party, non-profit organization that grades windows and doors to help consumers compare products and brands. This black and white label is loaded with pertinent information about the performance of windows and doors. Here’s how to decipher three important NFRC stats.

U-factor -
U-factor is a term used in the construction industry to illustrate the amount of heat transferred through the structure of a building, including through windows and doors. In layman terms, the U-factor tells you how efficient windows and doors insulate. U-factors range from .25 to 1.25, with a lower number indicating better insulation. Beware of extremely low U-factors that sound too good to be true. An artificially low rating may be due to testing the center of a window pane. A reputable company will only discuss NFRC ratings, which are conducted around the seals of window and door units.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)–
The SHGC measures how much heat from sunlight transmits through a window. The lower the SHGC rating, the less the window or door transmits solar heat. Typically, the SHGC rating varies between 0.25 and .80. A high SHGC may provide some bonus heat in the winter months but can also lead to high energy bills in the summer when compensated with air conditioning.

Visible Transmittance (VT) –
The VT rating explains how much light transmits through a window. This may sound similar to what the SHGC expresses, but rather than heat from sunlight, the VT measures the actual light. VT becomes a factor when thinking about how much sunlight you want in a particular space in your home. For example, a lower VT may be desirable in a home theatre. The VT ranges from .02 to .80, with a higher number indicating more light transmission.

Other Window & Door Terms
Low Emissivity (Low E) –
The term Low E refers to a microscopically thin metallic coating on a window. This process is done to primarily help lower the U-factor of a window. Low E windows and doors also offer an added benefit by protecting furniture and carpet from fading by blocking ultraviolet rays.

Insulating Gas –
Today’s windows and patio doors typically include an insulating gas between panes to aid in overall energy performance. The two gases used in window and door insulation are Argon and Krypton. The characteristics of these two gases are very similar. Both gases are nontoxic, nonreactive, clear and odorless. When a window fogs up or becomes cloudy the seal has failed and the gas has dissipated from the window.

The days of traditional residential design are over. While traditional architecture is a great tool and typically a great resource for design collaboration, we live a culture of immediate results. The process of meeting with a design professional time and time again during the development of a project can become a drag and potentially detrimental to the overall experience. Nothing can beat face to face interaction, but when you sit up late at night wondering how that window might look with an arch or valance treatment, on-the-fly design is a great tool.

Using Skype™, digital interactions can take place that allow for design changes to be made in real time while still having virtual face to face conversation. So if you are considering a kitchen or bathroom remodel or adding a custom addition to your home, consider the design build process using Skype™ and working with a design professional that understands the importance of immediate results.

Damian Petry Gutter Solutions is a Leading provider of high quality seamless gutters and custom gutters. Based in New London NH, we serve a large area of New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine with Gutter Installations in Lebanon NH, New London NH, Concord NH, Bow NH, Kennebunkport ME, Woodstock VT, and every where in between. Damian Petry has been in this business for over 15 years, serving more than 8200 satisfied gutter customers. We have eliminated the annual gutter cleaning chore with our Gutter Topper automatic gutter cleaning system, which is available in both aluminum and copper.  Gutter Topper utilizes a unique design which prevents leaves, branches or animals from blocking your gutter system, yet is strong and durable, making it capable of withstanding heavy snow and ice loads.