[cheba420]

So, this is a weird one for Phoenix, AZ. We've been experiencing freezing temps here in the Valley recently. I use a fermentation refrigerator that I keep in my garage. I keep my johnson control between 66 and 68 for most of my beers. With the cold snap recently, I cant keep the temp that high. Its been holding inside the fridge around 58. I have a cider in there now that needs to be in the high 60's and I'm brewing an ipa tomorrow that needs to be in the same zone. Does anyone have suggestions on how to increase the temp a little inside the refrigerator. Should I wrap my carboy in some towels or a blanket? Any advice would be appreciated.

[oscarvan]

Put a 100W light bulb in a porcelain fixture in there....

[tom]

And you can use your Johnson to control it. You can keep the light away by covering it with a can or covering your fermenter with a T-shirt, etc. They also sell ceramic heaters for reptile tanks.

Or just move them into the house.

[cheba420]

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. Very much appreciated. Had never thought of the light in the fridge hitting the beer through the carboy. Thats just a good nugget of info to file away. Thanks! Need to make some modifications to that fridge. The light doesnt come on unless the compressor is on. The compressor wont come on because the temp is low and not forcing the compressor to engage. I like the idea of the ceramic heater. I have a buddy that has some lizards. I'll check with him to see if he has an extra. That might be the ticket.

I would bring it in but the wife likes to keep the house @ 72. She's always cold!  So in the house, the fermentation will be a few points higher. I'd really like to get these two brews at 68.

[tom]

He meant that you could use a lightbulb on another circuit that would be controlled by your Johnson, not the fridge's light.

[Kaiser]

You can also get a heating blanket from the dug store. Just make sure it doesn't have an auto shut-off feature.

Kai

[ipaguy]

And you can use your Johnson to control it. ...

[cheba420]

Thanks for the help, guys. Much appreciated. Just got caught off guard by this cold snap.

[cheba420]

I use my johnson for all sorts of things! The wife does too!!!!

[oscarvan]

I use my johnson for all sorts of things! The wife does too!!!!

Controlling it is tough though.

[Thirsty_Monk]

Pet stores have ceramic heaters that screws to regular light socket.
They are about $20-$30 and they are in reptile section is you are concern about light.

Just do NOT put halogen light in your fridge.
Bad things could happen. Serious