Temperature Problems:

I have searched and read several posts and believe I have found my problem. My last three batches have all came out with a nutty smell and a banana aftertaste. I noticed that since the colder weather has started to set in my wife (all 120lbs soaking wet) has turned up the heat to keep comfortable (low 70's). Thus raising the delicate fermentation temperatures of my past three fermenting beers located on the kitchen floor. Granted a nice banana nut bread brew is good from time to time but I really would like the flavors that are as advertised for the recipes.

Now the questions comes into play, while keeping the cost and dedicated space to a minimum I believe a swamp cooler would help me with the problem I am having? How often would I need to check the temp on the swamp cooler in order to stay in the yeast temp range? Is there a certain container I should look for in order to chill my larger 7.5 gallon carboy?

My other question is in my garage I currently have an empty RS6000 server rack and a small dorm fridge not being used. Roughly how much money would I have to sink into this to convert the two into a temp controller chamber for fermenting and laagering? I have read about a temp controller that you plug in to keep it cooled but what about keeping it warm if the temp drops too much. Would the fermentation put off enough heat for this as long as my garage does not get too cold? I also under stand that some of the rack will need to be insulated off to minimize the area being controlled so the chamber would not run all the time.

I know the details are a little vague but after 15 gallons of banana beer I need a easy solution without requiring much babysitting. I will post pictures of the fridge and rack once I get home if it will help any. Thanks in advanced…

 

Cost depends on how fancy you want to be. Foam board runs $15-20 for a 4x8ft sheet.

Maybe, but even though my brewery rarely gets below 40F in the winter, I've had to put a small (25w) light bulb in the fermentation fridge to keep it warm. I've got a Ranco controller that I could use to control the bulb, but I just turn it on and cool as needed. A bit wasteful, but the bulb is only necessary towards the end of the ferment.