Why Use An Electric Greenhouse Heater

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 9:45 am

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It is a given that greenhouse gardeners living in colder, northern climates need a greenhouse heat source enabling them to extend the growing season or even grow plants all year. Who wouldn’t want to be growing tomatoes in a greenhouse no matter what season it is!Greenhouse gardeners usually prefer to use electric greenhouse heaters as opposed to paraffin heaters.

It is extremely convenient and easy to use electric heaters. With thermostatic controls you can program the temperature range you wish to maintain and then let the heater do its job. There are some greenhouse gardeners who invest in complete heat/AC systems for their greenhouse so they provide heat in the winter and cooling in the summer, allowing controlled temperature all year round. Since you have taken the time to build your own greenhouse, it only makes sense to enjoy it year round.

Factors to Consider when Choosing an Electric Greenhouse Heater

When choosing an electric greenhouse heater it is best to select one that not only has a fan, but a variable speed fan with an option that allows for blowing non-heated air. Blowing unheated air allows the gardener to simply circulate and refresh the air in the greenhouse. A fan is important with your heater in order to minimize cold spots and avoid fungus problems due to stale air.

The heating capacity needed for the electric greenhouse heater depends on the size of the greenhouse. An important fact to remember is to choose an approprietly sized heater because a heater that is too small for the size of the greenhouse can result in a heater running continually and overheating, causing a fire. For most home greenhouses a 2,000-3,000watt electric heater is a good size, neither too small to adequately heat nor so large it creates possibilities for damaging the greenhouse plants.

Electric greenhouse heaters may be permanently installed or there are portable models that may be removed from the greenhouse when not in use. Don’t have a power source near by? Learn about gas greenhouse heaters.

Make sure the style of electric greenhouse heater you choose is designed for greenhouse use in order to avoid any water versus electricity issues.