Heat mat insulation

WalkingStickMan · Jan 22, 2012

So I've read that some people use insulation under their heat mats to prevent heat loss. Generally people seem to be using some kind of bubble wrap, foil covered insulation. I guess I can find this by looking around home depot? hopefully I'll recognize it when I see it, and I plan on picking some up soon.

For the time being though, I've placed a regular bath towel under the heat mat. My question is, are there any safety issues with this method, i.e. the towel catching on fire? I don't see any warnings on the product itself, however I'm just not sure about what's completely safe and what isn't with these heat mats. Anyone have an opinion?

Thanks!

hotjohn9 · Jan 22, 2012

this is a great question and something I haven't thought about. I am going to place a towel under mine right now

stc3248 · Jan 22, 2012

Towel should work fine...or cardboard. You don't need anything more fancy than that. I also cover the top of the plastic dome on my germ tray with a towel and that saves even more energy. Of course you must remove it once you get some sprouts or they'll get leggy really quick.

Pepp3rFreak · Jan 22, 2012

+1 for the towels! I use one below the heat mats and wrap one around the entire tray for the first couple days anyhow.

WalkingStickMan · Jan 22, 2012

Thanks everyone for the quick responses! I guess I'll be keeping the towel then.

Maxsack331 · Jan 22, 2012

yea I have a towel under mine, I know at least for reptile undertank pads you really don't want something like tinfoil or the insulation bubble stuff covering the bottom of it (I used that bubble stuff to surround and insulate the rest of my shelving area though and it is great) because it can overheat the pad.. but I would think for the normal low watt heat pads for plants, you'd be fine, but towel is good.. if you really want you could stick that stuff under the towel (I actually taped a layer under the metal shelf just to keep as much heat in as possible.. but didn't want to put it on the inside of the shelves due to the reason I stated above).. but if you don't have it already, and don't want to spend the extra money, don't worry about it

Spankyscolts · Jan 22, 2012

I've had a towel under and over mine without any problem. I think it is completely safe .

Dshlogg · Jan 22, 2012

I use a car windshield sun shade. The cheapest ones are perfect. They go for around $3. One side is mylar and the other is almost like bubble wrap. Great for insulation and reflective material.