Things to Remember About Greenhouse Heating

Tips for Maintaining Outdoor Structure Heat

Outdoor garden Greenhouses operate on the idea that controlled conditions are best for growing plants the whole year round, regardless of the prevailing weather. One of the most important variables in said controlled conditions is the heating system. Greenhouses depend on the heat energy generated by the sun during the day in hot seasons. However, during the nights and in cold weather, supplemental heating systems must be installed to ensure that the plants continue to receive the proper amount of warmth and artificial sunlight.

Here are the things that you must remember when installing heating systems in your greenhouse. Keep in mind that each system will require specific sets of requirements so it is always best to think through your greenhouse-related decisions carefully.

Proper Insulation

The very first rule in proper greenhouse heating is insulation. This is because even when your heater is the most powerful unit in terms of BTU, your greenhouse will lose heat if and when it is not properly insulated against the cold coming in from the outside.

You can start by purchasing greenhouse panels made of polycarbonate if you are still in the process of building one of your own. If you already have an existing greenhouse and you want to boost insulation, you should line the walls with bubble wrap. Also, you have to ensure that the doors of the greenhouse are closed every night for heating purposes, not to mention that it will keep pests out.

Necessary BTU

You should use a heater calculator when looking for the right kind of greenhouse heater. Add in a few more BTU so as to ensure that your heater will keep up with the greenhouse expansion in the future. Before buying a greenhouse heater, it is important to do your research about the different types of heaters. You can then choose based on heating requirements, purchase costs and maintenance requirements.

Heaters come in three types according to fuel source - electric, propane and natural gas. You should ask your utility company about the rates in the area to determine which one is the most cost-effective in your case. Furthermore, you must look into the vented and non-vented heaters. On one hand, non-vented heaters are adequate for most small greenhouses, but certain plants may not flourish. On the other hand, vented heaters are suitable for sensitive plants like begonias and orchids.

If possible, you should ask the greenhouse manufacturer for recommendation on the type, capacity and costs of the various types of heaters available. This way, you truly get value for your money.

Natural Heaters

There are ways to maximize the greenhouse heaters through natural means. You can paint ten-gallon buckets with two colors - white on one side and black on the other side. Now, fill the buckets with water, put the lids on and place them around the greenhouse. Be sure that the white side faces towards the center while the black side faces outwards. You can also place rabbits in cages inside the greenhouse. The animals will provide heat and the natural fertilizer. Just be sure that the rabbits are well taken cared of.

Natural and artificial heaters are very important in the success of a greenhouse. Thus, be sure that you have them.