My husband and father built a PVC enclosure/vivarium (with sliding tempered glass doors) last February for me--or I should say my 18 year old Russian tortoise. Prior to this he was in an open topped enclosure in my studio from mid September to May. During the cold Connecticut weather I had to run an oil circulated heater and a humidifier 24/7 for months. Once I moved him into his new enclosure with thermostats and timers, I was able to get rid of the electric heater and humidifier.
My husband tracks all our utility usage in a spread sheet (he can't help it--he has a PhD in electrical engineering). This morning he informed me that the enclosure has paid for itself. The amount of money saved in our electric bill since last February has paid for all the materials and new equipment necessary. Best of all, he is healthier and more active. That's a fantastic return on investment!
My husband tracks all our utility usage in a spread sheet (he can't help it--he has a PhD in electrical engineering). This morning he informed me that the enclosure has paid for itself. The amount of money saved in our electric bill since last February has paid for all the materials and new equipment necessary. Best of all, he is healthier and more active. That's a fantastic return on investment!