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Two Geothermal Projects Featured on RMPBS

Two geothermal projects installed by Colorado Geothermal Drilling were featured in the Heart of a Building premier on Rocky Mountain PBS (RMPBS). This episode seeks to promote living, working, and playing in spaces that are cleaner, healthier, and better – for the environment and for our families. Three different projects highlight these and showcase the expertise behind energy efficient building. You can find this episode of Heart of a Building on Rocky Mountain PBS.

The sponsors of our videos are an incredibly important part of the Heart of a Building team for the obvious reasons that they afford us the ability to showcase more and more inspiring stories but also because of our shared desire to leave the world better than we found it.

Colorado Geothermal Drilling was proud to be a part of both of these projects. First Universalist Church and the residential home are two great examples of transforming structures into sustainable renewable energy systems. Sometimes things are more important than money. A shared conviction of sustainable living, a desire for reduced reliance of fossil fuels, and the need to create buildings that not only last generations but use fewer resources to do so were combined goals on these projects. With growing interest in renewable energy and sustainability we are committed to bringing geothermal systems to all.

Learn more about installing geothermal here!

With over 15 years of experience in all aspects of the design and installation of energy-efficient geothermal systems Colorado Geothermal Drilling has successfully completed over 600 geothermal installation projects throughout the Front Range.

We can answer any questions you may have.  We want to make sure our clients have the most energy-efficient geothermal system to fit their needs and budget.

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Colorado Geothermal Drilling Nominated for Business of the Year 2020

Colorado Geothermal Drilling Nominated as Business of the Year
Colorado Geothermal Drilling Nominated as Business of the Year
Brighton Chamber Awards 2020

December 16, 2020: Colorado Geothermal Drilling was proud to learn they were nominated for Business of the Year 2020 by the Brighton Chamber of Commerce.

“With 2020 coming to a close, we are thankful to have such amazing clients, partners, and supporters and will continue to lead our team straightforward, unbroken, and unhindered to another fortunate year. We made decisions that weren’t always right from a ‘business sense’, but were the ‘right thing to do’. Something we know we will continue to do in our future. We are so honored to be nominated for this award and we don’t think it would be nearly as meaningful any other year. And for that we are proud and thankful to be members of such a great community.” Thank you Brighton!

Founded in 2005, Colorado Geothermal Drilling is the leading installation contractor for geothermal systems along the Front Range of Colorado. We are a family-owned and operated business, and handle both residential and commercial projects, large and small. With over 600 systems installed, our background in geothermal design and installation is incomparable. With a growing interest in renewable energy, we are committed to bringing affordable geothermal systems to all! We are the geothermal experts.

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Colorado Geothermal Drilling Finalist for 2020 Top Company Award

ColoradoBiz 2020 Top Company Finalist Colorado Geothermal Drilling

CEO Dan Rau’s engineering background and childhood on a Midwest dairy farm have made him passionate about building safer and more efficient equipment. That helps family-owned Colorado Geothermal Drilling install its cost-effective heating and cooling systems with less equipment and manpower.

“Because of geothermal’s unique heating and cooling benefits, the industry is really growing,” says co-owner and Vice President Kari Rau, Dan’s wife, noting that it can reduce peak loads for utilities and reduce fossil-fuel dependence. “As more thought goes into developing our homes and communities to be more energy efficient, geothermal is truly a natural way to do this and works well with other renewable energies like wind and solar.”

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Dan and Kari Rau on Panel to Discuss Geothermal Possibilities in Colorado

Colorado Geothermal Drilling owners, Dan and Kari Rau, were recently invited to be on a panel to discuss Geothermal in Colorado. Colorado Senate Nominee, Sally Boccella hosted the round table event with guests including HEET Co-Founder Audrey Schulman, Gary Arnold with UA Pipefitters Local 208, Sydnie Lieb with Xcel Energy, and Colorado State Representative Brianna Titone.

The discussion included information on geothermal ground source heat pump systems, employing more Colorado workers, federal and state tax incentives, as well as utilizing geothermal micro districts in future development. It was a thoughtful conversation about what we are doing at Colorado Geothermal Drilling and we always enjoy educating more people about the benefits of geothermal.

Dan and Kari Rau have operated their family owned business, Colorado Geothermal Drilling, since 2005. They have been one of the leading installers for geothermal systems in Colorado, partly due to their unique operation and vast knowledge of geothermal design and installation. Their combination of specialized equipment and experienced personnel has made them a rarity in this field and they are able to provide their customers with valuable information, answering any questions, and providing the best energy efficient system to fit the client’s needs.

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Iowa State alumni find success with geothermal drilling

ISU Alumni Article

Dan Rau, a mechanical engineering alumnus, is making strides in geothermal energy. After he graduated in 1998, Rau began working as a mechanical engineer for a consulting firm that designed heating, venting and cooling systems for commercial use. That’s when he was introduced to geothermal technology and began to invest his time into researching the technology and the installation of geothermal systems. Now, he has his own geothermal drilling business.

When his wife, Kari (who earned her bachelor’s in exercise and sport science from Iowa State in 2000), received a job in Colorado and the couple relocated, Rau took the opportunity to begin his adventure into geothermal drilling. He shadowed another geothermal driller, hoping to gain as much information as possible. He says he learned many aspects about the business, such as what does and what doesn’t work, a deeper understanding of hydraulics and how to drill more efficiently. He then utilized what he learned at Iowa State to improve and build more efficient, safe and streamlined equipment so installations require less equipment and manpower.

Rau says the education he received at Iowa State was a big help. The knowledge from his classes like machine design helped Rau design his drill as well as all the parts that go with it. Even more, classes like thermodynamics and fluid transfer helped Rau create more efficient and safe drilling. Adding his experience to the mix has made Rau a one-of-a-kind driller who can do it all, a rare occurrence in the geothermal industry.

Because much of geothermal drilling is virtually invisible when compared to solar or wind powered operations, Rau says a big portion of his job is about educating clients on geothermal energy. His research in the field and being able to apply his extensive knowledge to his business helps him inform his clients about all aspects of his operations.

While he’s enjoying success with his business, he says starting from scratch presented many challenges. He built the company right before the recession, and that brought many worries as some of his biggest competitors began to go out of business. Rau powered through, and his business was able to grow each year.

Rau plans to continue providing Colorado and its resident’s quality geothermal systems. His business is family-­owned ran by Rau, his wife Kari, his father Doug, his brother Nick, and two other employees.

Click here to read the full article