That is one heck of a well house. Two years ago, I tore out my storage tank and moved the pump out to the dug well (Wife was tired of the noise). The well has an insulated 4'x4' box over it and is heated by a a 90 watt incandescent bulb. Since I am now pushing water instead of sucking water...the pump is on very minimally. This is a 1hp Grundfos jet pump and operates on pennies a day. Not to shabby for this frigid climate. I did plumb in a "Winter Watchman" and a trouble light to let me know if the bulb burns out. This bulb is on its 3rd year and is on 24/7 from October-May.
pics of new well house
- Thread starter AlbertC
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idaho2
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Zerk,
I have not built my house nor my shop yet. I have not decided on the type of foundation for the house and shop. The picture where the SIP is being prepped is my sons shop on adjacent land.
Idaho2
I have not built my house nor my shop yet. I have not decided on the type of foundation for the house and shop. The picture where the SIP is being prepped is my sons shop on adjacent land.
Idaho2
Zerk
Veteran Member
I have 2 thermostats for 2 different heaters. Also I happen to have to circuits ran out to my well, so if one trips, the other will be on.
One year a cord got on top of heat lamp, tripped the breaker. The heat lamp is my back up now. I am using a small heater. I have done the incandescent bulb, and infrared. Last few year, been buying cheap heater every winter. I guess some day I may have 30 of them. The ones with the fans the bearings go.
I also like having extra heaters as back up. Plus working in the barn you can set one next to you and its not to bad. I got some buildings heated and some not.
I know people talk about bulbs burning forever if left on constant, but I burned some out. That is why I went with a t-stat with a heater, and let it run when needed.
Have also heard of putting second light on a photocell so it comes on when then first burns out.Clever. But they make the t-stats that plug in just for this. Also can use poultry t-stats, but it is going to get warmer.
My "Backup" is a 250watt heat lamp which I used before I realized the 90watt bulb was sufficient. If my trouble light comes on, I just flip a switch until I can change the bulb. I use Rough Service 130volt bulbs (heavier filaments).
At over .28 per KWH, I just can't afford electric heaters. Tried one once in the chicken coop and had a $500 dollar bill. Live and learn.
Zerk
Veteran Member
Works for you. I would think with a thermo stat it would not matter what wattage you used. I don't like the idea of having to manualy flip a switch. I like the something informing you, but I personally would not take that chance.
You could put the thermostat next to the bulb. Should never come on. Could still do the indicator. Being that I sleep at night, leave the house, get involved with stuff, get sick, ect
I have done the rough service bulbs too. I don't remember if they burned out. But I can't imagine using one a second year. Not like they are that expensive.
You could put the thermostat next to the bulb. Should never come on. Could still do the indicator. Being that I sleep at night, leave the house, get involved with stuff, get sick, ect
I have done the rough service bulbs too. I don't remember if they burned out. But I can't imagine using one a second year. Not like they are that expensive.
I just hope Amazon keeps supplying my incandescent bulb needs. I may need to make some changes due to age (getting harder to climb in that well). Hahahaha
Zerk
Veteran Member
That is the issue when I use mine in the winter. Climbing in and out to drain. I am not that old but don't enjoy it. I had solenoids so I didn't have to but they leaked. Then I put bigger tank in, which would make it hard to fit them, let alone a 2nd to prevent leaks getting outside the heated zone. But maybe I need to get creative the piping.
If I was going to do a new one. I would consider a bigger hole with steps going down. You could do a false wall for heating.
While young enough now. When I build I think how will I maintain that in 30 years. Ergonomics or maintance free. When I build sheds, I build them to never be shoveled off. I am figuring around 60 to have do some kind of last painting or siding. I dded to my wood shed, that at some point will be filled for its final time.
If I was going to do a new one. I would consider a bigger hole with steps going down. You could do a false wall for heating.
While young enough now. When I build I think how will I maintain that in 30 years. Ergonomics or maintance free. When I build sheds, I build them to never be shoveled off. I am figuring around 60 to have do some kind of last painting or siding. I dded to my wood shed, that at some point will be filled for its final time.
Zerk
Veteran Member
Last I heard rough sevrice bulbs were surviving the ban as a niche. But I wouldn't count on that forever. I say why not just buy a big box for $25 and have enough to last maybe rest of your life.
Someone said they picked up a bunch of them from hardware store selling incandescents cheap. He said paying $.25 better than cost of LED. Probably especially in lights not ran much.
Someone said they picked up a bunch of them from hardware store selling incandescents cheap. He said paying $.25 better than cost of LED. Probably especially in lights not ran much.
