Apologies for starting 2 threads in as many minutes (long time reader first time poster etc). Have read a lot about this with regards to brew fridges but not purely for heating with a brew belt.
I have and STC 1000 cheapo temperature controller and plan to tape and insulate the thermistor to the side of the 5 gallon plastic FV then use a 100W (rather potent - I will check it doesn't melt anything) brew belt on lower part of FV as heat source. I'd insulate the whole lot in a couple of layers of 6mm closed cell foam.
Im doing this because the wife hates the bubbling noise of fermenting so I have been banished to an unheated garage. Over winter (even with the brew generating heat) I can't see that any cooling will be needed (600ft above sea level in Sheffield) to necessitate a fridge.
Any wisdom?
Cheers!
Joe