How To Choose The Best Greenhouse Heater - The Basics Of Heating A Greenhouse
A greenhouse is where you can grow plants in a controlled environment. That's pretty basic. But it gets a bit more complicated when you consider exactly how to control that environment. Heating a greenhouse during the winter is absolutely essential if you are going to grow any plants at all, especially if you live in a northern climate.
To make the most of your winter gardening space, you may need to install a greenhouse heater of some kind to knock the chill out of the air and keep those plants thriving.
This will provide not only the option to harvest fresh tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and fruits year-round, but keeping it warm will offer you a wonderful cozy retreat on those cold, but sunny, winter days.
Keeping the proper environment in your greenhouse year-round involves planning the right heating system. Let's take a look at a few basic things to keep in mind to achieve the right environment inside the greenhouse during the cold winter months.
Heating
Your choice of a greenhouse heating system will depend largely on where you live. If you live in the far north, where the winter is severe, you'll need much more heat than if you live in a southern, moderate climate.
Another factor in determining your heating system is the amount of sunlight your greenhouse receives, since sunlight plays a major role in heating.
The types of plants you want to grow during the winter months will influence your choice of a heating system. If you want to simply overwinter plants to keep them from freezing until they can be put outside next spring, then a minimum amount of heat will be required.
However, if you really want to harvest those luscious homegrown vegetables all winter to avoid buying them at your local store, then you will definitely need a more extensive source of heat.
The size of your greenhouse and your personal budget for greenhouse heating will also help determine your heating needs. The latter includes not only the initial cost to purchase, but also how much each type of heater will cost to operate.
Don't forget to consider the fact that you will need some kind of fuel for the heater you choose. Check the availability of fuel and the safety measures required. Make sure your required type is easy, convenient, and affordable.
One more thing: If you live in a growing zone that has very hot summers, you may want to consider installing a combination heating - cooling system. That will save the expense of purchasing two different systems.
Types of Heaters
When you start checking around, you'll find that there are several different types of heaters and heating systems available for your greenhouse. Your job is to determine which one will best suit your specific needs. Here is a brief overview of the major types of greenhouse heaters.
Gas Greenhouse Heater
Gas greenhouse heaters are fueled with natural or L.P. gas and require no electric hookup.
Greenhouse Space Heaters
Greenhouse space heaters are usually portable, run by electricity, fairly low-cost, and are intended for small greenhouses. You could not heat a large greenhouse efficiently with this type.
Forced Air Greenhouse Heater
A forced air greenhouse heater is thermostat controlled, using a forced air furnace and duct or plastic tube system. This is also intended for heating a small greenhouse.
Electric Greenhouse Heater
Electric greenhouse heaters can provide heat overhead or on the ground through soil cable heat.
Ceramic Electric Heater
Ceramic electric heaters are durable, efficient electric heaters where heat is evenly circulated with a heavy-duty, enclosed fan.
Hot Water or Steam Greenhouse Heater
Often used in professional greenhouses, this type of greenhouse heater is usually fueled by natural gas or coal. The greenhouse heater circulates hot steam.
Wall Mounted Greenhouse Heater
If you have a greenhouse with a sturdy frame, you can attach this type of heater up and out of the way. One advantage to this type is that they don't take up a lot of space. However, it is not intended for a portable greenhouse.
Floor Mounted Greenhouse Heater
Maybe you can't mount a heater to the wall of your greenhouse, so lets look at the floor mounted type. They do take up a little space, depending on what size you buy, but when not in use, they can be tucked away under a bench or table.
Hanging Greenhouse Heater
If you want to hang your heater from a greenhouse ceiling, then you can do so with a hanging greenhouse heater. They don't take up much space, but do require a sturdy ceiling to hang from and sufficient head room.
Prices of Greenhouse Heaters
Heaters for greenhouses will cost anywhere from under $50.00 to well over $1000.00, depending of course on the type and size you purchase.
What size is your greenhouse and what climate do you live in? If you're blessed to be in a warm climate, then you obviously won't have to get as extensive a heating system as those who live in a colder, wintry climate.
One important thing to keep in mind is that you should not go for a cheap heater just to save some money up front. A cheap heater won't work well when it's snowing and the wind is blowing that cold, bone-chilling air.
Install the right heater, and you can easily enjoy your toasty warm greenhouse all winter.
Chris M Frederick is a greenhouse enthusiast and self-proclaimed backyard gardening expert. His website offers you more information on Heating A Greenhouse. ALSO...Don't miss his FREE 10-part mini-course on "Greenhouse Gardening". It's jam-packed with tips and techniques for you. Subscribe for FREE by visiting his website at Greenhouse Plans Secrets.com.
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