What are your temps hot side cool side and the ambient temp? I would NOT turn off you UTH if the hot spot is 1/2 way correct (under 100ºF) I would do the best to balance it until you get a T-stat. My snakes would not last long with no heat in my rooms (60ºF today) the concern is a burn but not all UTH get to the same temp especially when you look at the effect room temps can have.