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How To Heat Your Greenhouse or High Tunnel

Updated: Oct 5


Heater sitting in the back of greenhouse and venting out the back.

If you're a gardener like me, you know how important it is to extend the growing season and protect your plants during colder months. I’ve spent years tinkering with different ways to keep my greenhouse warm, and I’ve learned that heating a greenhouse efficiently comes down to two primary options: electric heat or propane heat. Both methods have their pros and cons, and the one you choose depends largely on the size of your greenhouse and your specific needs.

 

In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of each heating option, compare costs, and help you decide which is best for your greenhouse. Plus, I’ll tell you about a great resource called GreenhouseKits1, which is a one-stop shop for everything you need to set up and maintain your greenhouse. Whether you’re a hobbyist with a small greenhouse or someone running a larger operation, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

 

 

The Importance of Heating Your Greenhouse


Before I get into the nitty-gritty of electric versus propane heat, let’s talk about why heating your greenhouse is crucial. If you’re like me, you want to create an environment where your plants can thrive, no matter the season. As the weather cools, the temperature inside your greenhouse will drop. Without adequate heating, frost can settle in, and your plants won’t grow as vigorously, or worse—they may not survive at all.

 

Even in milder climates, heating can help your plants grow faster and more robustly. For colder regions, it’s a necessity if you want to extend your growing season beyond summer and fall. So, finding the right heating system for your greenhouse is one of the most important investments you can make.

 

 

Electric Heat: The Easy Solution for Small Greenhouses


When I first set up my greenhouse, I was drawn to electric heat for its simplicity. With electric heating systems, all you need is an available power source, and you’re good to go. No complicated installation or venting required. Here are some key advantages of electric heat:

 

1. Ease of Use

Electric heating systems are incredibly easy to install and operate. You don’t need to worry about storing fuel, venting exhaust gases, or maintaining fuel lines. Just plug in the heater, set the thermostat, and you’re all set. This is why electric heat is particularly suited for small greenhouses, where the convenience of plug-and-play systems can’t be beaten.

 

2. Precision Control

One of the things I love about electric heat is the precise temperature control it offers. You can dial in the exact temperature you want for your greenhouse, ensuring a stable environment for your plants. Some electric heaters even come with timers and smart thermostats, so you can program them to turn on and off at specific times, adding another layer of convenience.

 

3. Low Maintenance

Electric heaters are relatively low-maintenance compared to propane systems. There are no fuel tanks to refill, no gas lines to maintain, and no moving parts that require frequent repairs. This means that once you set up an electric heater, you can basically forget about it.

 

4. Cleaner Energy

Another benefit is that electric heating is generally cleaner than propane. There are no emissions or fumes, which can be important if you’re growing sensitive plants. If you’re conscious about your carbon footprint, you might also be able to source renewable electricity, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

 

However, electric heat does come with its downsides, especially when you’re working with larger greenhouses.

 

1. Best for Small Greenhouses

While electric heat is convenient, it’s generally better suited for smaller spaces. In a large greenhouse, electric heating can struggle to keep up with the volume of air that needs to be heated. And even if it can heat the space, the cost of running an electric heater in a larger greenhouse can quickly add up.

 

2. Higher Operating Costs

One of the major drawbacks of electric heating is its operating cost. Electricity can be expensive, especially in colder regions where your heater will be running constantly. If you’re heating a small greenhouse or only need heat for a few months out of the year, this may not be a huge issue. But for larger spaces, the cost can become prohibitive.

 

 

Propane Heat: The Cost-Effective Option for Large Greenhouses

After a couple of winters with electric heat, I started looking for a more cost-effective option for my larger greenhouse. That’s when I turned to propane heat. While propane heaters require a bit more setup and maintenance, they’re often the best choice for larger greenhouses due to their efficiency and lower operational costs.

 

1. Lower Operating Costs

One of the biggest advantages of propane heat is the lower cost of operation compared to electricity. Propane is generally cheaper than electricity on a per-BTU basis, meaning you can heat a much larger space for less money. This makes propane heat a great choice if you have a large greenhouse and need to keep it warm during the colder months.

 

2. High Efficiency

Propane heaters are extremely efficient. A propane heater can quickly raise the temperature of a large space, and many models come with fans that help distribute the warm air evenly throughout the greenhouse. This is crucial in larger spaces where uneven heating can lead to cold spots that might harm your plants.

 

3. Flexible Installation

Propane heaters come in a variety of sizes and styles that are permanently installed systems. This gives you flexibility in how you set up your greenhouse heating system. 

 

But like any system, propane heat has its own set of challenges.

 

1. Requires Ventilation

Unlike electric heaters, propane heaters produce combustion by-products, including carbon dioxide and water vapor.  So, you need to ensure your greenhouse has proper ventilation to prevent gas buildup. Some propane heaters are vent-free, but it’s still essential to keep an eye on air quality.

 

2. More Maintenance

Propane systems require more maintenance than electric systems. You’ll need to regularly check and refill your propane tanks, ensure proper venting, and occasionally clean the burners. While this isn’t a huge burden, it’s something to consider if you’re looking for a completely hands-off solution.

 

3. Larger Initial Investment

Propane heaters tend to have a higher upfront cost than electric heaters, especially if you go for a more permanent installation. This can be a barrier for those just starting out, but the long-term savings on fuel costs often make propane the more economical choice for large greenhouses.

 

 

Finding the Right Greenhouse Kit: GreenhouseKits1

No matter which heating option you choose, one thing I’ve learned is that having the right greenhouse setup can make a world of difference. At Greenhousekits1 we are a fantastic resource if you’re looking for all-inclusive greenhouse kits that come with everything you need.

 

What’s great about GreenhouseKits1 is that we offer kits tailored to different sizes and needs, such as our Four Season Kit or All Inclusive Kit. Whether you have a small backyard greenhouse or a large commercial setup, we’ve got options for you. Plus, our kits are designed for easy assembly, which is a huge plus if you’re like me, and don’t want to spend days trying to put everything together.

 

 

Conclusion

Both electric and propane heating systems have their place in greenhouse gardening, but the one you choose ultimately depends on the size of your space and your budget. For small greenhouses, electric heat is a convenient, low-maintenance option. However, if you’re heating a larger space or need to keep costs down, propane is the way to go.

 

No matter which option you choose, having a well-designed greenhouse is key. That’s why I can recommend our business, GreenhouseKits1, for all your greenhouse setup needs. We can take the guesswork out of the equation.




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