Ferm Chamber Location

[billf2112]

I recently moved and am setting up shop (brewing) in my garage. I (along with my wife, she is awesone) feel I will need a controlled fermating area. We thought about the garage but are worried it will get too cold in the winter (eastern pa).

Should I just plan on fermenting in the basement? Would a fermentation chamber protect the brew from freezing?

Thanks

 

[BronxBrew]

What type of chamber ? if its a freezer with temp control its insulated. Even then a heating pad or carboy warmer might be needed. One of the reasons i went with the Johnson A419 controller. I can switch it over to heat when i need too.

 

[snowveil]

Get a dual-stage temperature controller. This will allow you to plug in both a cooling element (freezer, fridge, etc) and a heating element (lamp, heating pad, etc) and it will keep a set temperature for you, regardless of the temperature outside of the chamber.

If you've got the room for the fermentation fridge/freezer in your garage, you might as well keep all of your brewing equipment in one place and save yourself the hassle of transporting carboys around the house.

 

[ThreeSheetsBrewing]

All you need to do is have a heat source. I've read of light bulbs, hair dryers and heating pads being used. Get a duel control temperature controller(check out the e-bay aquarium thread) and you should be set. Is the garage attached to the house and insulated?

 

[billf2112]

It is a semi attached, semi finished but not insulated or temp controlled. Def have room for any size fridge.

 

[ThreeSheetsBrewing]

I might just keep it closer to the house to help avoid huge temp swings like when you open up the garage door. That's what I found to be best for myself in MN, especially in the winter.