whats a rheostat?

i already have my uth and thermostat, but do i need a rheostat?

A rheostat is just a fancy word for dimmer-switch. If you have a t-stat to go with your heat source, and you don't intend to use any other heat sources (such as a supplemental bulb) then you don't need anything else.


A rheostat is typically used as an alternative to a t-stat and can work alright in a room that already has steady ambient temps. They're also inexpensive and can be found in any hardware store if you find yourself in a bind and can't get a t-stat right away but must control a heat source.