Country Lore: Make this Simple Well-house Heater

The heat from a light bulb can keep your well house from freezing.

heater array
The well house heater array: light bulb, thermostat and ground fault interrupter.
MICHAEL MCCASEY
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I built this well-house heater for myself and also made some for friends. Mounted on the 2-by-6 are a ceramic light fixture, a thermostat and a GFI (ground fault interrupter) receptacle. This setup is attached to a 20-amp breaker. I use an exterior light bulb for heat, but you could also use a small electric heater in extremely cold conditions. The thermostat is set to switch the heat on when the temperature in the well house falls to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

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The receptacle also can be used for a trouble light or to plug in heat tape. It works well for me.

Michael McCasey
Edmore, Michigan

Comments

  • Ernie Nalty 10/12/2008 5:15:47 PM

    Thanks for the Idea!!!!My Dog will be much warmer this winter !

  • Victor C. Green 10/7/2008 7:56:31 PM

    Reading the latest issue of Mother Earth News, I noticed the article by Michael McCasey on making the well house heater. I am looking for what appears to be his thermostat device, that is a 120 volt, AC thermostat that would control any device(within power limits) connected to it. I have an electric heater that has a "comfort zone" setting on it, but not an actual thermostat. His device sounds like what I'm looking for. Can you please furnish the name, model, price range, and possible locations where it could be found? Thank You very much.

    Victor C. Green

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