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Greenhouses & Garden Structures

Purchased a Southern Burner Heater

14 years ago

I have a 3 year old 10 x 12 HFGH and finally decided to get it some winter heat. I went with the Southern Burner ventless heater and was wondering if anyone has a recommendation for the propane tank size that would work best. I plan on maintaining around a 55 degree temp. The greenhouse has a solar pool cover installed over the entire top surfaces and sidewalls as well as 1" insualtion on the entire north wall. One side note, the wind has been blowing around 30-50 mph here for the past 2 days and the GH is safe and sound thanks to the pool cover.

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Comments (5)

hpersky
14 years ago
I was JUST about to write a question about a Southern Burner Heater. I cannot answer yours, but it seemed silly to start another thread. Your greenhouse is also relatively small; mine is about 8X8. The SBHs are pretty strong, but when i wrote to them, they said that this would not pose a problem because:

"Since the heater is thermostatically controlled it would only run as long as needed."

Did you confront thids question, or has anyone else?

Winds have been really strong.

Many thanks,
Hilary
boxcar_grower
14 years ago
I am in the process of heating my greenhouse as well. All the HVAC people that I have met with all say 125gl tank minimum. I am looking to run a 30K btu heater. I could run on a 100# cyclinder but that means I will have to spend $130 for the tank and keep on disconnecting it to get it filled. Propane companies will not fill a tank that is not theirs. FUll 100# tanks run about 170#. Too much to lift every couple days. Plus permits get involved upon installation. I need a permit for the heater and the tank.

SO, it is wise to lease a large tank from your local propane supplier and have them fill it.

Also, smaller 40# tanks will freeze in the winter to to the decreased volume.

Something to think about.
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bwright
Original Author
14 years ago
I spoke with a guy at Southern Burner today and due to variables such as the amount of sun in any given day, night time lows, greenhouse insulation and ... you get the idea. He did tell me the C series would be sufficient and their run time on a 20lb. tank (the grill size) is about thirty hours. That would equate to 150 hours on a the 100 lb. size. I figure around an average burn of around 8-10 hrs/day so thats about 2 tanks a month. Again the amount of sun and the duration the unit burns to maintain 50 degrees in my case will impact the total usage. I'm guessing a 2- 100lb. setup would be ok, I only plan to heat from March til May, but who knows if things decide to grow that could change LOL! By the way their number is 1-800-375-5001 and the guy I spoke with was Glenn, very informative and seemed anxious to help me out.
boxcar_grower
14 years ago
To be on the safe side contact your local fire department and building inspector for regulations about non-vented heaters and what state law requirement are for installation, permits, and inspections.

In Massachusetts a non-vented heater that is primary heat source is not allowed.

There is not a lot of information in state fire and building codes for small non-commercial greenhouse. This is waht I am dealing iwth right now. Basically, it is all in the opinion of the fire chief, building inspector, and plumbing inspector.

Good Luck.
jnjfarm_gw
14 years ago
a 100# cylinder of LP IS ABOUT 24 GALLON OF GAS 93000 BTU / GAL OF GAS A 30000 BTU HEATER RUNNING CONSTANTLY WILL USE A GALLON OF GAS IN 3 HOURS OR ABOUT 8 GAL / DAY A 100# WOULD LAST ABOUT 4 DAYS AT THAT RATE. A 30000 BTU HEATER WILL GIVE A 40 DEGREE TEMP RISE IN A 20 X 20 GARAGE WOULD COOK A SMALL GREEN HOUSE WITHOUT BEUNG ON A THERMOSTAT. 20# CLYINDER IS 4.7 GAL AND MIGHT NOT VAPORIZE FAST ENOUGH IN REAL COLD WEATHER . JOHN

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