The heat from a light bulb can keep your well house from freezing.
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.
How this family built a solar-powered heating unit for $25....
There are several types of solar water heating systems. Learn more using solar energy to heat water...
On-demand water heaters provide an “endless supply” of hot water, but are they really “green”? Ther...
Your woodstove can heat more than your home. This hot water heating system uses extra heat to produ...
This second installment in a series explains how to install Mother's homemade solar water heater....
The receptacle also can be used for a trouble light or to plug in heat tape. It works well for me.
Thanks for the Idea!!!!My Dog will be much warmer this winter !
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
Please note that there is currently a problem with the comments function and your comment may or may not post successfully. We are working to correct the problem and thank you for your patience.
You can use this comment form to enter your personal experiences or additional information and resources that you'd like to share with Mother Earth News readers. Your helpful advice will be posted on this page. E-mail addresses are never displayed on comments, but they are required to confirm your comments.
Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br> tags.
Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.
At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).
You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.