Yes, you can use a heat pad or an electric blanket. But do not put it under
the carboy. The weight could pinch the wires and cause a fire hazard.
During fermentation the heat will go up due to the yeast action. You may
find it is enough to just put a regular blanket around it. Experiment.

Ray

"Jack" > wrote in message
om...
> I ended up putting a gallon pitcher of water in this room and
> measuring temperature. Basically, the temp. fluctuates between 66 deg
> F and 67 deg F. From what I've read on Keller's site and from talking
> to a guy @ Midwest Supplies, warm temps. are more critical during
> primary fermentation. Could I use just an ordinary heating pad during
> the week of primary fermentation? Any other suggestions?
>
> @midsouth.rr.com (Jack) wrote in message
. com>...
> > Thanks for all the info. I guess I'm getting a little ahead of
> > myself. As long as I can produce a variety of reds with good quality
> > at the temperatures I have, I can always worry about refining that
> > later.
> >
> > I'm estimating the temperatures in this closet anyway, though I think
> > I'm pretty close. I'm going to take some readings with a thermometer
> > to see what I've really got. I went in there this morning and it was
> > noticeably cooler than the rooms outside the closet. Who knows, it
> > might even be a little cool in the winter, which would mean I would
> > ferment in another room during the cold months.
> >