I use it as my primary heat source. By my main house thermostat is set at 74* literally year round. I’ve been keeping for a good 35 years, I know Che’s can serve great purpose depending on the application. But for tropical snakes I see no benefits. I also have a whole house humidifier I run at 45% humidity in the winter. In Chicago, where I’m located the humidity in my place hits 45 to 50% on its own in the summer months, so no need to run it then. Hope this helps.