What should i do about heating my greenhouse?

15 years ago

I am in quite the dilema. I can finally get a greenhouse and a fairly large one as well. however I domt have a gas hookup and the only electric heater I can find is $1500!!!! I need one that is around 60,000 - 63,000 BTU. now I am needing one quite a bit cheaper and more efficent would be great. I was thinking of using a wood burning stove we used to use before we moved and then just use the heater for when im gone and times I can't keep the stove lit. I realize that they get very warm but I will try and not get it as warm and I will make sure and keep the humidity high. but what should I do about the electric heater. it needs to be able to kee the greenhouse around 50 degrees for about a week at a time in case I go on vacation. the greenhouse will be a quanset, plastic covered (6 mill) one layer, 30' x 18'. Hope you can help. thanks so very much in advance.

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Comments (10)

tom_va
15 years ago
Why not get a propane tank and heater?

Regards,

Tom
birdwidow
15 years ago
Your real problem is that unless you are planning to insulate the living H out of it, you are looking to heat what is in essence, just a very large tent. There are any number of options and it can be done, but beyond the cost of the heater itself, you should also consider the cost of the fuel or electrical power to operate it.

If you want to operate a heated GH in winter, even in Z-6; to maintain a steady 50 deg. interior temp. 24/7, you might want to reconsider either the size and/or type of GH you plan to erect, or expect to spend a whole bunch of money to run the heater.
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bcfromfl
15 years ago
After doing some calculations, if you add an inflated double-layer of plastic, you'll drop your BTU requirements from 60,000+ to about 38,000. There will of course be the costs associated with the second layer and a couple of squirrel fans, but it will make finding an appropriate heater much easier, and it will cost less and be cheaper to operate.

You can't walk away from a wood-burning stove for a week at a time.

-Bruce
stressbaby
15 years ago
Single layer poly film GH in zone 6 will be really tough to evenly heat in the winter.
sandy0225
15 years ago
If you only need around 63,000 btu's, then you can get a garage heater that's natural gas powered at Menards for around $500. Get the conversion kit to LP and put it on there, then get your LP tank set up.
FYI, if you can't afford the heater, you can't afford to heat it! the heater is the CHEAP part.....LOL....
tom_va
15 years ago
You might want to price a propane heater instead of converting one from NG. Some of the conversion kits can run over $100 depending on the model of heater. We have three kinds: Modine, Reznor, and Sterling. My favorite is the Modine but its a PITA to take apart and clean the burners. It does appear to throw the heat farther than the others.

I would suggest you calculate your heat needs and go up at least one size.

Regards,

Tom
Mike Larkin
15 years ago
Decide what you want to grow and then what temp you need.
Gas heat is a standard in the industry, but it is not cheap. I have 16x 24 double poly and my gas budget is 70 per month ( heatred at 45-50 F from Nov till april)
I have seen GH heated with Kerosen heaters - BUT you must keep them filed daily - ( there are pro's and cons with that method) Electic is expensive. Do the research and figure our what you want to grow fisrt and then what your heating needs are. You have the GH - congrats that is the first step

mike
tsmith2579
15 years ago
Take a look at this link. There is a section on heating.

Here is a link that might be useful: UGA Hobby Greenhouse booklet
tsmith2579
15 years ago
I sent you a message with a UGA link. I failed to tell you to read the initial section and follow the link There is a page with a formula to calculate heat loss which will allow you to determine how many BTUs you REALLY need to heat maintain your greenhouse at a certain temperature.
Terry
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
15 years ago
A 1000 Watt HID light will give you the same BTU heat as a 1000 Watt electric heater, except you get free lighting for your plants.

dcarch

What should i do about heating my greenhouse?

Comments (10)

tom_va

birdwidow

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