Heating Lamps vs. Grow Lamps: Where Minnesota Growers Should Invest

Minnesota homegrowers face a challenge most cannabis cultivators in warmer states rarely think about—cold. Long winters, short days, and basement-level chill make indoor cannabis cultivation in the North Star State less about “if” you’ll need extra warmth and more about how to balance heat and light without blowing up the electric bill. One of the most common debates among new growers is whether to invest in heating lamps or simply rely on grow lamps that provide both light and heat. Let’s break it down and find out where Minnesota growers should really be putting their money.

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Why Temperature Control Matters in Minnesota Grows

Cannabis thrives in a Goldilocks zone: not too hot, not too cold. For most strains, daytime temps around 70–80°F and nighttime dips no lower than 60–65°F are ideal. In Minnesota, especially during the deep freeze months, outdoor air can creep into basements or garages, dragging room temps into the 40s. Without intervention, plants slow down, show stress, and can even stall out completely.

That’s where the lamp debate comes in—should you pay extra for a separate heat source or let your grow lamps pull double duty?

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Option 1: Heating Lamps

What They Are

Heating lamps are designed primarily to emit heat, with light as a byproduct. These are common in reptile tanks, greenhouses, or farm use. They’re cheap upfront, easy to set up, and effective at raising temps in small spaces.

Pros

• Affordable upfront cost – Basic heating lamps can cost $20–40.

• Direct temperature control – Quickly warms up chilly corners of a tent or basement grow.

• Flexible placement – You can position them where plants need extra warmth (near root zones, for example).

Cons

• Energy drain – They add heat but no usable light for plant growth, doubling your electric bill if you already run grow lights.

• Fire risk – Heating lamps can be dangerous in small tents or with flammable materials nearby.

• Limited use window – Once spring or summer comes, they’re useless, meaning you’ve invested in something seasonal.

Bottom line: Heating lamps are a band-aid solution. They work in a pinch for Minnesota’s brutal winters, but they don’t maximize your investment long-term.

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Option 2: Grow Lamps

What They Are

Grow lamps—whether LED, HPS, or CMH—are designed to mimic sunlight. Many (especially older HID models like High-Pressure Sodium or Metal Halide) throw off a lot of heat in addition to providing light.

Pros

• Dual purpose – Provides both light for photosynthesis and radiant heat.

• Long-term investment – A good grow lamp runs year-round, not just in winter.

• Energy efficiency with LEDs – Modern LED grow lights produce less heat, but many models include dimming and spectrum control that allow fine-tuned energy savings.

• Better canopy penetration – Unlike heating lamps, every watt goes toward plant health and growth.

Cons

• Upfront cost – A quality LED or HID grow lamp can run anywhere from $150 to $600+.

• Variable heat output – LEDs run cool (great for summer but may not add enough warmth in winter), while HID lamps run hot (good for cold rooms but harder to manage in spring/summer).

• Learning curve – Spectrum, intensity, and hanging height all factor into success.

Bottom line: Grow lamps cost more at first but are the smarter investment since they pay off every grow cycle and reduce the need for extra equipment.

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The Minnesota Grower’s Dilemma: Which Should You Choose?

Scenario 1: Cold Basement Grow

If you’re cultivating in an unfinished Minnesota basement where temps drop into the 50s, HID-style grow lamps (HPS or CMH) might be worth the investment since they double as heaters. Supplement with a small space heater or heating mat if roots get too cold. Heating lamps alone won’t be enough.

Scenario 2: Insulated Indoor Grow Tent

If your grow tent is in a heated room of the house, modern LED grow lights are best. They won’t overheat your plants, and any slight drop in temp can be offset with inexpensive heat mats for seedlings or a small ceramic space heater with a thermostat.

Scenario 3: Seasonal Grower (Winter-Only Runs)

For growers who only fire up tents in the winter, investing in a hybrid approach might make sense:

• Use HPS grow lights for both heat + light in the winter.

• Switch to LEDs in the summer for efficiency.
  Heating lamps are only useful if you’re fighting a sudden cold snap and don’t want to crank the household thermostat.

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Cost Comparison (Minnesota Winter Perspective)

*Based on Minnesota winter electric rates and a 12–18 hr light cycle.

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Invest in Grow Lamps, Not Heating Lamps

For Minnesota cannabis cultivators, heating lamps seem like a quick, cheap fix—but in the long run, they don’t contribute to plant growth and eat up your energy budget. A well-chosen grow lamp not only keeps your plants warm but also ensures they thrive with the right light spectrum.

If your space is extremely cold, consider HID grow lamps or a small supplemental heater instead of wasting money on heating lamps. For most growers, modern LED grow lights plus smart insulation will deliver the best yields without draining your wallet.

Grow smarter, not harder—and remember, in Minnesota, every degree counts.

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Our goal is simple—help local growers save money, grow smarter, and get better bud without wasting cash on gear that doesn’t make sense for our climate. Check out our website for other Minnesota specific cannabis growing tips.