On Tue, 25 Oct 2005 09:17:58 -0500, Duane Bozarth
wrote:

Mel wrote:

I put two standard 25-40 watt light bulbs in my pump house every winter to
keep things from freezing. Is there a longer lasting bulb out there? These
usually of out mid-winter and I have to make sure I catch it or I could have
problems.

I read where putting in European Bulbs that run off 230volts, run at our 115
last a long time. Only problem, where do I get these bulbs if they are the
solution?

130V bulb or alternatively, buy a rugged-use bulb designed for such
applications as drop-cord trouble lights, etc. On the farm w/ more
voltagle fluctuations than most townies owing to longer lines and the
large well loads not being balanced by as many other loads I use 130V
bulbs exclusively. Makes big difference in lifetime.

I've seen small, radiant, fan-forced electric heaters as low as 500
watts. Such a heater on a line-voltage thermostat will probably save
you money as it will only call for heat when needed and you will have
some flexibility in determining the set-point. You can even use an
electric oil-filled radiator on the low setting. Unlike the bulbs,
these heaters last for years and almost never burn out.

Also, if your pump house is visible from the house, you can easily rig
up some sort of indicator light that comes on when thermostat is
calling for heat.

Beachcomber