The Bedford Public Library has used geothermal heat pumps to cool and heat the building since 2016.
In 2026, the Town of Bedford Solar Project went online, which will cover all electricity needs for the library and other Town buildings.
Prior to 2016, we had completed extensive energy efficiency improvements to the library and needed to replace an old, inefficient, oil-powered HVAC system. The town had appropriated funds to replace the library’s boiler and cooling tower and to design and install a new heat pump system. After our engineering firm provided options for the replacement system, the rate of return (ROI) analysis indicated that a geothermal HVAC system design for the library would have the most favorable ROI (12 years) and be the least invasive to the building.
The project was funded through the combined financial support of the Governor and Executive Council’s award of a NH Public Utilities Commission Renewable Energy Fund grant and an Energy Efficiency Services Rebate from Eversource Energy, in combination with Town funds. This funding combination made it possible to install a state of the art closed loop geothermal thermal system at the Library.
A touch screen monitor highlighting the project is on view for the public to learn about our geothermal system.
The following videos provide further information and are available at Bedford Community Television (BCTV):
Bedford Public Library - Geothermal HVAC System Project Groundbreaking 3-23-16
Bedford Public Library - Geothermal HVAC Upgrade - Mike Casella, CSI Engineering
Bedford Public Library Geothermal HVAC System Project - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony June 22, 2017
Bedford Library Geothermal HVAC Facilities Room Tour with Mike Casella