homebrewandbeer.com

Hi,
Ive got my first batch of beer fermenting at the moment (Coopers lager with the included yeast)

I need a temp between 21-24 (although 18-27 is apparently acceptable).

When I started the brew it was at 22, however with nightfall it has dropped to 20ish. I have moved the fermenter which has blankets on it to near of my fireplace in a hope to warm it.

My question is, should I leave it there until the temperature hits 24 and then move it back to the kitchen (or somewhere half way where it is about half way temp wise) or try and keep it constant.

Basically, will temperature fluctuations inside the acceptable brewing range affect my beer? Anyone have experiences with warming belts, or any other method of warmth? Then again, I've heard lagers should be brewed at around 10 degrees, but I dont know if the yeast is an actual lager yeast or an ale yeast?

Best to keep it constant.
If you can keep it in a area of the house which has a stable temperature, stick it there.
In our last house, we had a Huge cupboard in the center of the house which stayed about 18 degrees most of the time. I fermented my brew in there for years.

Use the search link at the top of this page. There is heaps of info & discussion on temperature control.
Look up temperature control or brew heaters or the like.

In my humble opinion 20*C is a great temperature for ale brewing, 24*C is a touch too high.

The best temperature range is 18-21*C and so long as any fluctuations you have are few and within this window, you shouldn't notice any ill effects on your brew.

thanks for the quick tips guys, Ive put the fermenter back in the kitchen (as the fire cant go all week!). Ive set the kitchens Air Conditioning at 19, because much above that and it costs ALOT to run, and wrapped a few towels around it. Hopefully it wont drop too low, but decided that the lager provided with a microbrew kit has to be pretty hard to stuff up lol.