The cost of the VE is so close to the herpstat (shut down if it is too hot or suddenly gets too cold too via a mechanical relay) and the additional safety of the herpstats make it a simple decision to my mind. I would suggest that with out this feature I would really recommend a fail safe t-stat as well. The herpstat it is perhaps not needed. They are ultimately a more flexible unit (runs lamps, humidly controls, coolers.)