I am mostly controling them by feel. I use the 1 minute rule; if you hold your hand on it for a minute and you don't get burned, it's safe. Other than that, I just turn them off if they get too hot. (I am pretty low on money, what with my Bearded Dragon prep and everything, but I will get some electric control asap, but for now this method works fine)
That is a good idea, I will move the lamp, although my "warm hide" is actually nearer to the middle of the cage.
I have a glass tank, so it pretty much holds no heat whatsoever. I have a sheet of plexiglass across 3/4 of the screen lid to hold humidity in, the 1/4 is where the CHE lamp is. The humidity is around 70% at the side with the water bowl and around 50% at the opposite side.