The greenhouse is a great way to grow your own food and keep it fresh for as long as possible. However, the temperature inside your greenhouse needs to be kept warm enough for your plants, so you’ll need some kind of heating system.
These days, there are many different types of greenhouse heaters on the market from infrared heaters to hydronic systems so how do you know which one is best for you?
Here’s our guide to all things greenhouse heating:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| – Adding heat to a greenhouse can be done in an easy way. |
| – Proper heating is crucial for maintaining optimal temperatures in a greenhouse. |
| – Various heating methods and techniques are available for greenhouse owners. |
| – Choosing the right heating system depends on factors like greenhouse size and climate conditions. |
| – Insulation and energy-efficient methods can help retain heat in a greenhouse. |
| – Renewable energy sources can be utilized for greenhouse heating. |
Infrared Heaters
Infrared heaters are a great way to warm the air in your greenhouse during cold weather. They’re energy-efficient, safe for plants, and can be used to warm your greenhouse all year long!
In the winter, infrared heaters are your best bet if you want to get those plants growing in no time at all.
Unlike other types of heaters, they don’t add moisture or dry out the air like propane or kerosene-based units do so there’s no risk of burning up any plants near them (or even yourself).
Since they only emit infrared waves rather than visible light like incandescent bulbs do they won’t cause any damage either – just keep them away from windows/electrical panels where they could cause a fire hazard!
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Coil Stock Heaters
For a low-cost, low-maintenance heater that can be used in your greenhouse or home, try an electric coil stock heater. These are installed on the floor of a greenhouse and sit under soil beds or flats.
They provide both heat and humidity to plants growing in these areas. The coils are buried about 18 inches apart and connected to a thermostat that controls temperature settings up to 130 degrees F (54 C).
They can also be used with water lines running through them to create steam for additional benefits.
Hydronic Heaters
Hydronic heaters are a great option for greenhouses, especially if you have a lot of space to heat.
They’re more efficient than other types of greenhouse heaters and can also be used in a variety of applications, including greenhouses.
While hydronic heaters are more expensive than some other options, they will save you money over time as well as help keep your plants healthy and happy!
Tube Heaters
Tube heaters are more complicated than other types of heaters, but they can be used for a variety of purposes.
If you want to heat your greenhouse with a tube heater, you need a hydronic heating system. This kind of system is used in greenhouses and other indoor areas where you don’t want to use electric or propane sources of heat.
Tube heaters also work well as radiant floor heating systems if you’re looking for something easy to install and maintain on your own.
The main thing that makes these tubes so popular is their versatility: they’re great at distributing warm air throughout the room without using any outside sources like natural gas or electricity!
Just fill up some water inside those tubes and turn them on; soon enough those hot water molecules will spread out into your home’s air supply (or greenhouse) creating an evenly distributed temperature throughout all four corners!
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Steam Heaters
A steam heater is a good choice if you want to heat the greenhouse with hot water, rather than using electricity or propane.
They’re typically made with copper tubing and stainless steel, which means they last a very long time.
There are many different types of steam heaters on the market, but they all have one thing in common: they use water to generate heat for your greenhouse.
Some examples of how you can use a steam greenhouse heater include:
- Adding moisture to the air in your greenhouse during cold weather to prevent mold from forming during winter months
- Keeping plants warm during colder seasons by keeping them close to the heater (which will radiate heat around itself)
Ventilation-Heater Systems
A ventilation-heater system is a cost-effective way to heat a greenhouse. In this system, the greenhouse’s own ventilation system circulates warm air into the building from a heater located outside the greenhouse.
You can use any type of space heater for this purpose propane or electric but should choose one that works with your existing heating system if possible.
When installing your ventilation-heater system, be sure to follow all safety instructions included with your heater. Do not disturb electrical wiring and make sure that all connections are secure before you turn on power.
Also, inspect hoses often as they can become damaged over time due to exposure to cold temperatures and pressure changes caused by wind and moisture levels in the air around them during windy weather conditions
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Gas And Propane Heaters
Gas and propane heaters: These are the most common types of greenhouse heating systems. They’re safe, efficient, and easy to install.
Propane heaters are ideal for greenhouses that don’t have access to natural gas or electricity, but they’re more expensive than electric heaters.
Electric heaters: Electric heaters are often used in small greenhouses with no access to natural gas or propane.
They’re less expensive than propane models but can be difficult to install and may not provide the same quality of warmth as gas or propane models
Oil-Filled Radiator Heaters
Oil-filled radiator heaters are a good option for greenhouses. They’re more efficient than electric heaters, safer than propane heaters, and more expensive than either but they have a lot of features that make them worth the money.
The most important consideration is mounting: you’ll probably want to put your new heater on the walls or ceiling rather than on the floor. That way it will be out of the way and won’t block anything like an open doorway or window.
Oil-filled radiators come with two different kinds of pipes: one long pipe that runs through your greenhouse, inside an insulating sleeve; and several short pipes that connect directly to each plant or plant bed (you’ll need at least two connections per bed).
The latter pipes are typically made from copper tubing, but there are some models available where these pipes are made entirely out of metal instead!
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Solar-Powered Heaters
Solar heaters are a good choice if you have a greenhouse that isn’t connected to the electricity grid.
Installing one is easy, but there are some considerations to keep in mind:
choose a heater that can handle your greenhouse’s size and heat output requirements (typically measured in British Thermal Units per hour)
make sure it’s placed in an area where it won’t be obstructed by plants or structures; this is especially important if you live in an area with frequent snowfall during winter months, as solar panels may get covered by snow and become ineffective until they’re cleared off
ensure that cables/wires don’t interfere with access to areas inside your greenhouse
Maintaining your solar heater is simple. Make sure it’s positioned in an unobstructed location, then check its condition periodically throughout the year (especially during winter).
If there are any signs of damage or wear and tear on the panels themselves or their connections, replace them before they cause further damage!
Geothermal Heating
Geothermal heating is a great way to heat your greenhouse, and it can be fitted into almost any design.
Geothermal heating works by using the ground beneath your greenhouse to store and transfer heat. The system taps into the naturally occurring temperature of soil, which is generally much cooler than the air above it during winter months.
When mixed with water, antifreeze is sprayed into a series of pipes buried in trenches deep in the ground below your greenhouse (or even right underneath).
As this mixture heats up over time, it circulates throughout these pipes and heats them up as well.
The heated air rises through plastic tubes fixed to your house walls, where it will be warmed again before being circulated around inside for free!
This process continues until spring arrives at which point you’ll need another method for keeping things warm (such as electric fans).
| Geothermal Heat Pumps | Geothermal Radiant Systems |
|---|---|
| Efficient | Energy-saving |
| Utilizes renewable energy | Provides consistent heat |
| Low operating costs | Even heat distribution |
| Environmentally friendly | Ideal for radiant heating |
| Long lifespan | Compatible with various flooring materials |
| Low maintenance | Efficient use of space |
| Cost-effective | Suitable for new construction or retrofitting |
| Provides heating and cooling | Programmable temperature control |
| Quiet operation | Reduces reliance on fossil fuels |
Coal Stoves Or Furnaces
A coal stove or furnace is a great choice for heating your greenhouse. Coal stoves are more efficient than wood stoves, and coal furnaces are even more efficient than wood furnaces.
Coal is a good fuel source for cooking and heat pumps, as well as heating and cooling your greenhouse.
You’ll need to ventilate the room when using a coal stove or furnace.
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Pellet Stoves, Boilers, And Furnaces
Pellet stoves, boilers, and furnaces are three options for heating your greenhouse. They all work well and produce heat by burning wood pellets or coal.
Pellet stoves are the most efficient of these options because they burn up to 80% of the wood’s energy, compared with 30-50% for a traditional wood-burning stove.
However, pellet stoves require regular maintenance and cleaning in order to maintain efficiency. If you don’t want to deal with this added responsibility, then furnace or boiler systems may be more suitable for your needs.
A boiler system is a type of heat exchanger that burns propane gas or natural gas instead of wood pellets; it produces hot water that can be used to heat your greenhouse or home directly through radiators.
Boiler systems don’t require any electrical connection since they draw their power directly from fuel sources such as propane tanks outside the home (which makes them ideal for off-grid living situations).
A furnace is similar in concept but instead uses oil as its primary source of fuel a common choice among those living within city limits due to less road congestion when delivering bulk items such as heating oil than if using diesel trucks which carry other types of fuels used by larger agricultural operations out on rural lands
| Pellet Stoves | Boilers | Furnaces |
|---|---|---|
| Efficient | High performance | Reliable |
| Easy to use | Versatile | Powerful |
| Environmentally friendly | Energy-saving | Effective heating |
| Convenient | Suitable for larger spaces | Distribute heat evenly |
| Low emissions | Efficient heating system | Reliable source of warmth |
| Automated | Ideal for central heating | Maintain consistent temperature |
| Cost-effective | Reduce fuel consumption | Efficient fuel utilization |
| Compact design | Provides hot water | Quick heating response |
| Adjustable heat settings | Suitable for residential and commercial use | Ideal for whole-house heating |
Heating With Wood, Waste Oil, Or Coal
You can also use wood, waste oil, or coal to heat your greenhouse. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages.
Wood is perhaps the most environmentally friendly option, but it’s not necessarily the cheapest. It also takes some time to get a good fire going in a wood-burning stove so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to be using your greenhouse all winter long.
If possible, try using reclaimed wood and leave some dead branches on the ground outside so they can decompose into soil nutrients for your plants in the springtime.
Heat Exchangers And Storage Units
There are two main types of equipment that can help you add heat to your greenhouse: heat exchangers and storage units.
Heat exchangers are used in conjunction with a separate heating unit, such as a wood stove or electric heater, while storage units can store solar energy during the day and release it at night or on cloudy days.
Heat exchangers are typically placed between the source of heat such as an active fireplace or wood-burning stove and your greenhouse’s water system in order to transfer some of the warmth into your water pipes.
This allows you to use existing sources of warmth without having to buy additional appliances like solar panels or batteries (which are great if they’re an option for you).
Storage units consist of an insulated tank where hot air from inside the greenhouse is collected and stored until it’s needed again; this allows growers who don’t have access to natural sunlight throughout all seasons access more consistent temperatures for their plants during colder months when there would otherwise be little sunlight available for photosynthesis.
| Heat Exchangers | Storage Units |
|---|---|
| Efficient | Spacious |
| Transfer heat | Store excess heat |
| Increase energy | Preserve warmth |
| Recycle heat | Retain temperature |
| Enhance heating | Convenient storage |
| Utilize thermal | Optimal utilization |
| Improve efficiency | Minimize heat loss |
| Eco-friendly | Energy-saving |
Greenhouse Heating Options Are More Diverse Than Ever
In the past, you had to make do with a single source of heat: propane. Not only did this have its drawbacks (like high cost), but it also meant that you had no control over your greenhouse climate. The more options you have, the better.
If you’re looking for more control over your greenhouse climate, check out our list of heating options below.
And if there are other ways to keep your greenhouse warm and cozy that we didn’t mention? Let us know!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you understand the range of options available for greenhouse heating. There are many kinds of heaters, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, gas or propane heaters tend to be cheaper than oil-filled radiator heaters, but they aren’t as efficient because they use more energy per unit of heat output.
Hydronic systems are very energy efficient but require a lot of installation work upfront before they can be used effectively.
As with any other kind of greenhouse construction project, it’s important to do your research first so that you know exactly what kind of system will work best for your needs before making any decisions about which type would suit you best!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of heating a greenhouse:
The Spruce: How to Heat a Greenhouse: Discover various heating methods and techniques for maintaining optimal temperatures in your greenhouse.
Gardener’s Path: Greenhouse Heating: Learn about different heating options, including passive and active systems, to keep your greenhouse warm and extend your growing season.
Bob Vila: How to Heat a Greenhouse: Explore practical tips and advice for effectively heating your greenhouse, ensuring your plants thrive in a controlled environment.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about greenhouse heating:
How can I choose the right heating system for my greenhouse?
The choice of a heating system depends on various factors such as the size of the greenhouse, climate conditions, and budget. Consider options like propane heaters, electric heaters, or radiant heating systems and consult with experts to determine the best fit for your specific requirements.
What is the ideal temperature range for a greenhouse?
The ideal temperature range for a greenhouse varies depending on the plants being grown. Generally, a range between 60°F (15°C) and 80°F (27°C) is suitable for most plants. However, it’s important to research the specific temperature requirements of the plants you intend to cultivate.
How do I insulate my greenhouse to retain heat?
Insulating your greenhouse is crucial for heat retention. You can use materials like bubble wrap, greenhouse shading, or double-glazed panels to reduce heat loss. Additionally, sealing any gaps or cracks and adding insulation to walls and roofs can help maintain a stable temperature.
Are there any energy-efficient methods for greenhouse heating?
Yes, there are several energy-efficient methods for greenhouse heating. These include utilizing passive solar heating techniques, installing thermal curtains or screens, optimizing insulation, and exploring alternative heating sources like geothermal or biomass systems.
Can I use renewable energy sources to heat my greenhouse?
Yes, renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or biomass boilers can be used to power greenhouse heating systems. These sustainable options can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower environmental impact while providing the necessary warmth for plant growth.
I am Hellen James, a professional handywoman with expertise in improving home and garden spaces by using pergolas, gazebos, and tents.
