Cost of heating Dubia Roach Breeding Bin

[yoshimi]

For those who use an undertank heat mat, particularly ones made for people that don't automatically shut off on their own, what do you suppose (or know) the cost in electricity is to heat an 18-20gal bin? I know in Summer it'll be perhaps cheaper, depending, but I'm wondering if anyone knows or has a guess. I'm trying to justify keeping them if I move, as they're new. Keeping the roaches, which can bring in some money, I think it'd be a short *hop* to keeping Banjo (my toad). This is not a cat forum so I won't even go into that.
Unique situation as mortgage company (I'm a renter here) took over utilities a while ago without warning, so I can't just look at my electric bill and see. They're just regular sunbeam heat mats, tho one might be a conair (cheaper to buy with less controls, but effective). With ACs running in the house, it will be impossible to tell what my roach keeping is costing. Just looking for some input, if anyone has any.

[Mentat]

To estimate the cost to run them, you would need to know the particular mat watt rating and from there estimate the monthly watt requirement. Then use that number divided by the cost per kilowatt you are being charged to get final cost. Heat mats are inefficient and if in your position, would use Flex Watt Heat Tape or similar. Good luck !

[deranged chipmunk]

i agree with carlos, the heat tape is higher in initial cost, but their efficiency will save you $$ in the long run.