What's the general price of a cheap heating pad?

avidgardener25

11 years ago

I'm just trying to see how much to expect when I go to town.

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Comments (8)

robeb
11 years ago
I've been using one of these for 3 years:

Here is a link that might be useful: heat pad
avidgardener25
Original Author
11 years ago
Ok cool I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

-Preston
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canuckistani: When you write "around" 20 x 60; may we take that to mean your GH is still in the planning stage? If so and you are not on ground that's solid rock just below the surface; if you are seeking cheap heating, think about the free, constant temp furnace just below your frost line. Then, start reading up on pit GH's and what you can do with heavy guage silver reflecting mylar mounted to strong but lightweight aluminum panels set on rotating frames and small, solar powered motors to track the sun and move reflecting mirrors to flood a 6 - 8 ft. deep hole with light as well as heat. But to answer your question: If it isn't at least 85% effecient, it's not at all effecient and these days; high effeciency means at least 90% or better. Recently, I saw an ad for a new furnace the maker (Rheem?) claims is 97%. However, without a means of RETAINING whatever heat it produces and not attract sparrows to sit on the roof warming their wee tootsies in January, heat from any GH heater effecient or otherwise, can be lost as fast as it's produced.
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Hi Bill. Thanks again. My comment about water proofing meant to be about cmpman's method using regular light bulb as heat source. So I dont want the water to get on the bulbs. I may also visit the drugstore and look for shoulder heating pads, if the stuff is cheaper. I can germinate my peppers first then do the tomato seeds after that. I have a 48" shop light wit two T8 tubes. I might get another one to hang side by side, if needed. Costs about 20 bucks with the tubes. No. I am not into germinating in paper towel and coffee filter in plastic bags. I have tried it before. It works but just too primitive. I want to do it like the REAL pepper growers , like yourself , do it. LOL INTENDED GERMINATION SET UP Another Thought: How about germinating on the top of the shoplight. Got to make a water proof tray that just barely touching the shoplight but not sitting on it. I will do a pilot teast to see how it works. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Added ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I am monitoring the temperature on top of shoplight ( w/ two T8 tubes) Direct contact temperature stabilized around 105F, at them room temperature of 72F. I figure with a tray (almost touching it) cannot get any hotter than 85-90F. I can always cushion it to lower temperature the This post was edited by seysonn on Fri, Oct 25, 13 at 2:17
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My minimum recommendations... Here is my general spec sheet for new system. both outside and inside units should be replaced to have a properly matched system. 15 SEER, 12.5+ EER, 9 HSPF best matching VS air handler full BTUs in both cooling and heating for your rated size R-410a refrigerant(same as Puron) scroll compressor preferred electronic demand defrost preferred thermostat with "dehumidify on demand" feature staged backup heat strips new and correctly sized refrigerant lineset 10 yr warranty on parts and compressor you want a thorough inspection of your ductwork system. size, overall condition, supply and return lines, insulation qualities, leak test, etc. any hot/cold spot issues in your home should be addressed. My personal recommendation is Trane/AmStd, Rudd/Rheem, and Carrier/Bryant. Depending on your location, I would not purchase a new system that did not have electronic demand defrost. The XB series of Trane heat pumps are a bit noisier and are the low end of Trane but I generally would not describe XB series as builder grade. I would look at XB14, XR13, and XR15 HP models. Normally I would recommend TAM7 var speed air handler. However if humidity removal in AC cooling mode is not an issue for your location/summer weather, then you could save some bux with the GAM5 high eff air handler. Trane's sister company, American Standard offers similar HP models in the Heritage 13 and Heritage 15 pumps. The air handlers are identical to Trane's. Not a fan of Lennox in particular their heat pumps. IMO Here is a link that might be useful: Trane Heat Pumps
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"...Is this true?" My guess is that is an attempt by the maker to avoid liability. Seriously, if a horticultural heating mat can't be left unattended - it's useless! I doubt you'd have problems, but you gotta wonder about how much trust you an put into a product which you can't leave unattended. Keep in mind though, that you should be extra careful, whether attended or unattended, using any electrical device around water. In the past I've used heating pads made for sore muscles. I would recommend that before you sow, you put a thermometer in the soil to make sure the soil temp isn't too hot. If it's above what you want (depending on factors such as what seeds you are sowing) place something to provide a layer of insulation. You can usually even use a couple of pencils to lift it up off of direct contact with the pad or metal pan you described. If try a few things, you'll find something that works well. Again, make sure it's safe.
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tsheets
11 years ago
If you're going to go that far, you will probably want to get the thermostat listed under "related items" as well.
tsheets
11 years ago
Here's an old thread with some discussion and sample sources.

Here is a link that might be useful: old thread
esox07 (4b) Wisconsin
11 years ago
I agree. I bought two Hydrofarm heat mats and a thermostat at the beginning of this growing season. THey worked flawlessly. I believe I purchased them off of Amazon.com. I definitely recommend the thermostat or you risk cooking your seeds.
Bruce
peppernovice
11 years ago
I bought the same combo on amazon too Bruce. It was a 10" by 20" with a thermostat for $62.35 usd delivered. I was trying to use an old "muscle" type heating pad before that. I think I cooked most of my bhut jolokia seeds, because I only had 4 out of 20 germinate. I switched to the hydrofarm mat with the thermostat, and my germination rate sky rocketed. I strongly suggest you buy one of these units. It looks like a big investment up front, but you can use it for years to come. I have the name of the company I purchased mine from. Just let me know if you need the link. Good luck.
User
11 years ago
I'm a seed heating mat / thermostat lover but I have also had success with placing a small covered tray on satellite / cable box. If cost is a concern, you could try it.

One caution; take the tray off the box when watering. Don't ask how I know.
avidgardener25
Original Author
11 years ago
I will try and order a thermostat pad from hydrofarm

@ottawapepper; I will try your technique on the cable box as well; oh and why cant I water it there? ;-) I'm sure I can figure it out haha. As my grandmother used to tell me as a child, "the mistakes you make will be wise lessons to all in the future".

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What's the general price of a cheap heating pad?

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robeb

avidgardener25
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esox07 (4b) Wisconsin

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What's the general price of a cheap heating pad?

Comments (8)

robeb

avidgardener25Original Author

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tsheets

esox07 (4b) Wisconsin

peppernovice

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avidgardener25Original Author

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avidgardener25
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avidgardener25
Original Author