posted 4 years ago
We're selling our Airstream which formerly housed two beer kegs (so we didn't have to purchase/run an additional refrigerator). In the interest in keeping our utility costs low (rates are very high here in NC), we'd like to explore using our creek to cool the keg. We're in zone 7a/6b so we do get some 10 degree days in the winter. The creek never freezes over, but we do see some ice forming along branches. The creek runs year round, but can get as low as 6" deep at times. There's a nice shady spot under some rhododendrons.
We're trying to think of a way to use the nice cool running water to cool the keg, but not have it freeze on the top. We imagine building some sort of bridge structure with holes for each keg that would secure them from tipping over in periods of high waters. We're thinking we might have to dig a hole and line with bricks to immerse the keg deeper, but that's going to be challenging with a fast running creek.
And then preventing freezing in the winter months...
Any thoughts?