John Manning has been working to make the planet cleaner for decades. He began working with geothermal energy in the 1970s, and now, he’s an expert in the technology.

Geothermal heating works by utilizing the natural heat present underground. Manning says with a pipe placed in a 500-foot hole, it can generate enough energy to heat a 3,000 square foot building.

Now, he and HeatSmart CNY hold open houses to ensure locals understand how it works, and how it can help them save.

"A geothermal heat pump does require electricity, but for every four units of heat you deliver to the house, you're buying only one unit of heat from the electric company,” Manning said.

And by utilizing renewable energy sources, those savings can be even more drastic, as well as being more environmentally friendly. That concept was on full display during Sunday’s open house, which was held at Manning’s home.

By utilizing geothermal heating and solar panels, he’s been able to cut his electricity bill by over $100 a month.

He and the group will be holding additional meetings next month, including a workshop and open house at Auburn City Hall on November 19. That venue features geothermal heating that Manning helped develop in 2003.