Moving, need help with heating ideas!!

I'm going to be moving into a new house, and need a new way to bump up ambient temps. It will be chilly, probably around 60ish in the house. I currently run heat tape, with a ranco on my rack. I can't really use electric heaters, as the wiring is kind of old, and I don't want to risk overloading it. I've heard of people using bigger heat tape when dealing with this issue. Do any of you have experience with this kind of problem? I don't want to get rid of my snakes, but I don't want to put them in an environment that isn't optimal. Any input with be GREATLY appreciated. I'm just worried I'm going to have to find new homes for them, and that's really something I want to avoid at all costs :(

I would have an electrician check over your wiring and if he says its fine - then run an oil filled heater in the snakeroom. They don't pull much power.

Other than doing this - I don't know how you would accomplish the raising of ambient heat without some sort of electrical unit.

Most homes have to have at least 100 amp service to meet code - at least in MI that is the case. I just moved out of my 100 year old historic home and the electrical and wiring managed just fine for all my racks and heaters.

Good luck with your new house.

I live in Vermont, and have been dealing with the heating issue this winter...during one really cold week (like -5), I wrapped my BP's tank in extra shirts and sweaters of mine, and it did wonders - raised the temp by a good 8-10 degrees (to about 90 in combination with a 100W bulb). That said, it was a huge eyesore...but I'm sure if you get a heavy blanket or something it will do just as good and not look like your tank is trying to play dress-up.

I had heating problems as well. I went to home deopt and purchased a roll of styrofoam sheets and taped it to the outside of the tank. That has helped my overall temps stay up.

Maybe a heated blanket? I know they wont pull a whole lot of power.

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Originally Posted by L.West

I would have an electrician check over your wiring and if he says its fine - then run an oil filled heater in the snakeroom. They don't pull much power.

Other than doing this - I don't know how you would accomplish the raising of ambient heat without some sort of electrical unit.

Most homes have to have at least 100 amp service to meet code - at least in MI that is the case. I just moved out of my 100 year old historic home and the electrical and wiring managed just fine for all my racks and heaters.

Good luck with your new house.

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I totally agree with this. An oil-filled electric heater is very safe and does not pull much power at all. There are some smaller ceramic heaters that are also safe. If your wiring is so old and frail that it can't handle that, then I'd be concerned about plugging anything in - including your flexwatt! Get a qualified electrician in there to tell you what the deal is. That's a matter of safety for you too... :gj: