Why Use An Electric Greenhouse Heater

Greenhouse gardeners living in areas where winter is cold who wish to extend their growing season or even grow plants all year need a heat source. 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.

Electric heaters are extremely convenient and easy to use. With thermostatic controls you can program the temperature range you wish to maintain and then let the heater do its job. Some greenhouse gardeners go all out and install complete heat/AC systems to heat in the winter and cool in the summer for the ultimate in year round environment control. Since you have taken the time to build your own greenhouse, why not make it so that it is available for use all year long.

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. It is important that your heater includes a fan so you can minimize cold spots and avoid fungus problems due to air that is stale.

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 can be installed permanently or you can purchase portable models that are able to be removed from the greenhouse when not in use. Don’t have a power source near by? Learn about gas greenhouse heaters.

When you are ready to purchase your electric greenhouse heater, choose one designed for greenhouse use so you will deflect any electric and water problems.