Ale or lager yeast

[kirbykollege]

The last brew I made stayed around 60-65f during fermentation. This was a month ago. My house temp will only get lower in the next two months an I'm about to brew a milk stout. Should I use a lager yeast? Any warming methods besides using a heater?

 

[Tiber_Brew]

I've successfully used a hot pad on a A-419 controller before. That won't compensate for more than a 10-15 deg F differential or so (uninsulated). If your ambient temp is in the low 50's, then I'd go for a lager strain.

On another note, I'd rather ferment an ale yeast on the low end of its effective range, than ferment a lager yeast on the high end of its effective range.