well when i was testing my room to see the temps and everything i did the "hand test" and i was holding my hand up to 6" away and it wasn't too warm at all, but i guess i don't know what is too warm for a plant.........this was after about 6 or 7 hours of running...........also i put the sensor (i don't know what its called) for my thermometer about 8" directly under the bulb and at the absolute warmest that its got is 84 degree's...........what do you think??