Greenhouse Heaters

Greenhouses are dependent on capturing the natural sunlight and storing the heat generated by the rays of the sun in the greenhouse. But in the northern upper regions and in other parts the temperatures at night can drop quite significantly and the greenhouse may require some form of artificial heating to maintain the temperature required for the plants. There are several types of greenhouse heating devices that one can choose from. Every gardener and farmer knows that too much or too little heating could kill the plants. There is a mathematical method of calculating the BTU requirements of the greenhouse. This calculation takes into account the size of the greenhouse the type of covering and the number of layers of the covering. Doing a calculation of the heating requirement and then getting the proper heating equipment is advantageous as one would not be over spending on heating. One must also remember that when any form of heating is used ventilation is also necessary. A build up of harmful gases in the greenhouse would be dangerous for both; the plants and anyone working inside the greenhouse.

There are a variety of greenhouse heaters that one can choose from. If the greenhouse is a part of the main house one could put in some extra plumbing and install a radiator in the greenhouse. If natural gas is available in the area then the choice could be to install gas heaters. However gas heaters tend to dry up the atmosphere and therefore care is required in their usage. The gas heater for a greenhouse should not have an open flame. As this can be dangerous and set the greenhouse on fire. Secondly the heat radiated from an open flame gas heater would dehydrate the plants that are placed near it. If such heaters are used one would have to keep shifting the plants around and ensuring that plants, shelves and benches are placed at a safe distance from the gas heater. Should one invest in a gas heater for a greenhouse then the gas heater should be designed specifically for greenhouse usage. In a gas heater for greenhouses there is a water circulation system that surrounds the gas flame. It is the heat that is radiated from these pipes that heats the greenhouse and not the direct heat from the flames.

The best method for heating a greenhouse is not to place a direct heat source in the greenhouse. Pumping hot air into the greenhouse and then circulating it will help maintain an even temperature in the greenhouse.

Electric soil cables are another greenhouse heating solution they act like an electric blanket will provide heating from the floor of the greenhouse. Another heating device that can be used for heating greenhouses is electric heaters with circulating fans. Propane heaters are also used as a source of heating propane greenhouses. Then there are paraffin heaters. The only problem with them is that one has to keep refilling them and cutting the wicks. Coal, gas, electricity, kerosene, propane and paraffin are the common fuel supplies in greenhouse heaters. A lot depends on where the greenhouse is located and of course the cheapest heating source available.

Whatever type of heating appliance or equipment one chooses to heat the greenhouse there are certain things to remember. Plants should not be exposed to a direct heat source. The heating device should radiate the heat. An external heating source from where the hot air can be circulated in the greenhouse is definitely preferred. Propane and gas heaters require proper air supply as in a confined space and especially at night these heaters can get extinguished if there isn’t sufficient fresh air supply.

Modine are known for their heating systems and manufacture virtually every type of heating equipment that one could imagine. It is again up to one to find an efficient and within budget solution for heating greenhouses.