Applications of Warm Aired Greenhouse Heaters

Greenhouses usually need some form of heat during parts of the year when the weather changes and the temperatures shift downward;

One of the two main types of heaters used for greenhouses is infrared and warm air heating systems.

Both have distinct points as to which works best for different types of greenhouse use and climates, if done properly the heating system can be self-sustainable.
The warm air greenhouse heaters are a bit different in applications and usage then the infrared models.
The warm air heaters are usually fueled by natural gas, electricity or propane although natural gas is usually cheaper to use. Passive solar heaters provide efficiency and are completely sustainable, for modern green gardeners.

Applications of Warm Aired Greenhouse Heaters

When greenhouse heaters that use the warm air are to be used in the building, it is important to make certain that the proper venting and intake of fresh air be set up according to the manufacturer specifications.

If harmful exhaust enters the greenhouse, while the heaters are working, it can cause a great deal of damage, to the people and plants inside.
In addition to the proper placement of the heaters and ventilation, the means for circulating the air flow, so that the plants are protected from the colder temperature.
It is important remember, that the conservation of the heat, in the areas that can be controlled by heaters, is one of the applications that may make the difference, in how a crop does.

Warm air rises and cool air sinks, which make it an important fact that the greenhouse owner or grower needs, to keep a close eye on the temperature of the different areas of the greenhouse because the ends and certain areas may not warm as evenly with warm air heating systems.

The use of fans in addition to the heating system, may be needed to make certain the warmed air is circulating properly to all areas of the greenhouse as it is needed. The efficiency of the greenhouse heaters that supply warm air to keep the plants, from becoming too cold, is debated especially when the climate change is more drastic.

The importance of the building geographic location, materials and size are all some of the elements that need to be calculated when figuring out the best size and type of warmed air heater to use.

Some will require a certain size, based on the square footage of the area, to be warmed, and others may need an additional system.

The secondary system means to keep the even flow of warm air, where it belongs down among the plants to protect them. An accurate means of detecting and controlling the temperature of various areas of the greenhouse, is an important part of the system as a whole.

Controlling the Temperature in the Greenhouse

Some of the heating systems, use the fact that warm air rises, to let the heat flow from the bottom of the growing areas into the top.

This can cause problems if there are wide temperature variations, that cause problems in areas of the greenhouse. For example, the heat could be hotter at the ceiling level and much cooler down where the plants are growing.
These problems are usually corrected, with the use of additional equipment, such as fans and automated ventilation windows.

Application of the warm air heaters can be measured by the efficiency of the system itself as well as how it is set up inside the growing area.

A good heating system should offer enough warmth throughout the area without major cold spots;

Be able to be adjusted and maintained easily.
Be able to be installed and used in a manner that is responsible, for the environment and adhere to the regulations, about air quality inside and outside where it is ventilated.

One of the more interesting ways, to apply the warm air heaters to work more effectively is to use them with a series of pipes, that can either carry liquid or have air blown through them to heat the areas where the plants are grown.

If a liquid filled pipe is underneath the planting medium, then the seeds will germinate and grow faster than if the soil was not heated. Conduction heating is also used with this method as the objects that are heated in turn heat others within their proximity.

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The use of heating systems for greenhouses is of course, dependent on the budget available and the means to implement the particular system that is desired.

If the growing area is not large, then the heater needed will not be the giant model but something that fits the space.

It is a good idea when using the warm air greenhouse heaters, to keep track of the weather changes during the day and evening after the sun goes down.
If the greenhouse is made of a material that is energy efficient, less energy will have to be used to keep the plants unharmed. The fact is that energy efficient greenhouse designs, already are in use and are growing in popularity.
If heat loss calculations are in the greenhouse design, built and maintained well, the warm air heating system that is chosen should be adequate for the job of keeping the climate within a good growing temperature.

Heat Loss Calculations are in the Greenhouse Design

Video: Learn How to Make an Old Greenhouse Structure More Energy Efficient

Source: YouTube.com
Number of Views: 454 (As of 11/22/2013)
Uploaded: October 28th, 2011
Description: Michigan State University's Dr. Erik Runkle interviews Michel van Rijn, commercial director Rijn Plant, De Lier, NL on how they have updated an older greenhouse to achieve sustainable goals and reduce energy costs & compare to new.

How to Make an Old Greenhouse Kit More Energy Efficient

Greenhouses that are not designed well may take some thought and additional effort to make the application work, but it is not an impossible job.

Part of the use of greenhouse heaters can be learned from articles and books, but pure experience in your particular geographical area will be the best way to find out if it is the best application for your greenhouse.

The circulation of the air is what will help your plants to grow and thrive, with the heated air available to keep away the chilly night temperatures.