Ignorance is completely excused as long as you're asking questions.

Hmm, it sounds like you need to pick up a few things, then. You should try and get an Acurite digital thermometer with probe and set the unit on the cooler side and the probe under the warm side hide.
You should get a thermostat, even if it's just a cheaper ZooMed ReptiTemp 500R (found at ReptileSupply.com for around $25-30), ASAP and make sure your heat pad is one for reptiles. It sounds like you have a low heat pad made for small mammals, but I can't be sure without a picture.

With the room at 80 all the time, you won't need another heat source for the cool side, but you do need to get your warm side up about 10 degrees and get a good digital thermometer or temp gun to keep accurate track of the temps.

As for the screen treatment, I'll PM you the detailed instructions since they're kinda long.