OP: Herpatats are definitely the preferred choice but they are expensive. if you can't shell out the cash now, go on Amazon and look up a JumpStart thermostat. they're affordable but are not a permanent solution as they can fail: buy cheap, get cheap. however you can use the JumpStart until you can save up for the Herpstat Intro+. a Herpstat will last a LIFETIME. i've used Jumpstarts for 2+ years without issue until i could afford the Herpstats, but i definitely didn't wait around for the 'stat to fail before i made the switch.