Greenhouse on personal plot– one of the most important agricultural structures. You can grow vegetables, berries, herbs and flowers in it practically all year round. Modern materials for greenhouse structures not only simplify the construction of the structure, but also allow you to achieve any necessary microclimate. The heating system in a greenhouse in winter is one of its most important parts, necessary to preserve and maintain heat inside. Today, several types of heating are used for winter greenhouses made of glass or polycarbonate, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is also worth paying attention to what should be
Types of heating polycarbonate greenhouses in winter
Polycarbonate, unlike film and even glass, retains heat inside the greenhouse much better. The thermal insulation properties of this structure depend not only on the shape and type of structure, features of the foundation, but also on the type of heating. Here are the most effective ones.
How to heat with a stove in winter
This type of heating allows you to heat the air to the desired temperature under any climatic conditions, and it is important that the quality of the equipment matches the size and tasks of the greenhouse. The oven is usually installed in the coldest place, and fans, ducts, or natural convection are used to distribute the heated air. Coal, peat or wood are used as fuel.
One of the stove heating options
Stove heating is the most common method of heating greenhouses, since they have several undeniable advantages:
- Quick heating of the entire room and starting the heating device;
- Cheapness of maintenance and installation of the furnace;
- Possibility of self-installation of equipment.
Among the disadvantages is the impossibility of automating the process (every time you need to manually start the firebox and wait for heating), and also in some cold regions, the stove in winter conditions is unable to heat the air to the required temperatures. There are several types of stoves for greenhouses.
Heating with a potbelly stove
The simplest oven to build non-residential premises. It is a metal container with a direct chimney. The design consists of a compartment for storing firewood, which is the combustion chamber. At the bottom there are devices for traction and ash removal. 
During heating, the potbelly stove quickly heats up and gives off heat, but to heat a large room it is necessary great amount fuel. In addition, even with the installation of a competent convection system, this type of stove does not allow high-quality heating of the entire room. But with such heating it is important to understand
Buleryan (Breneran)
This is a type of potbelly stove that is used for heating production premises. The main difference from the stove described above is the presence of hollow pipes, which are built into the structure and are necessary for constant circulation of cold and hot air. The Buleryan stove is highly efficient, but only heats the room during heating.
With the help of buleryan, you can install air ducts even in the most remote parts of the greenhouse, and there are also combined models that use water heating.
You may also be interested in information about
Brick oven
A reliable and permanent structure for a polycarbonate greenhouse, with which the building can be used throughout the year. It can be of any size and shape, and additional elements depend on the design of the greenhouse itself. Typically, a brick kiln is placed only in buildings with a reliable concrete foundation. Heat distribution occurs evenly over the entire area of the greenhouse, and the brick maintains the temperature for up to 24 hours.
This is what the oven location might look like
When using stove heating in a year-round greenhouse, it is important to follow the rules for installing and operating the device. This is especially true for heating parts and the chimney, which, when heated, can deform the polycarbonate structure. But is it possible to water tomatoes with potassium permanganate in a greenhouse, and how to grow tomatoes correctly, this will help you understand
Water heating
It is considered one of the highest quality and most effective ways to maintain the necessary microclimate in a greenhouse for the growth and development of plants. This is a whole system of equipment, which consists of a heating boiler, a circuit of pipes and radiators, as well as an expansion tank for heating large areas, and a pump for uniform pumping of water. Solid materials (peat or wood), gas, electricity or diesel can be used as fuel for boilers.
Water heating circuit
The choice of boiler equipment is carried out based on the budget and remoteness of the site. The installation of different devices is different, although they have common principles. As a rule, when installing water heating, they resort to the help of third-party specialists, since it is necessary to comply with all technological rules for crimping and installing radiators.
Some summer residents make a water heating system from scrap materials. This requires scrap metal, a large water tank, and welding skills.
Here's how to fight ants in a greenhouse folk remedies and how dangerous such pests are for vegetables, you can read
The main advantage of water heating is the complete automation of the process and versatility of use for any type of greenhouse. When choosing a modern boiler, you can regulate the temperature and even delay heating for a certain time.
Electric heating
The most affordable type of greenhouse heating in winter, but its implementation requires a constant current source that will allow you to connect all the necessary devices.
Electric heating circuit
Electric heating is represented by the following types:
- Installation of a heating cable or radiator system buried in the ground. They are dug directly into the beds, which avoids soil freezing. Typically used in conjunction with other types of heating;
- Electric heaters or convectors. Their installation is possible only if there are solid walls. This type of heating best protects against cold air flow air, however there is a risk of deformation and fire of polycarbonate;
- Infrared lamps or heaters. The most modern heat source for greenhouses. It is not the air that heats, but the surface on which the rays of the device fall. As a result of this effect, any type of surface can be heated, including the plants themselves;
- Electric boiler with water heating system.
Installing an electric greenhouse heating system is possible on your own, and all the necessary electrical appliances can be purchased at any hardware store. When choosing this heating system, it is important to consider not only the power of the devices, total area premises, but also the price, as well as the stability of electricity in your area. But you can read why ants appear in a greenhouse with tomatoes and what can be done about such a problem
Infrared radiation
It is considered the most progressive and high-quality type of heating for year-round greenhouses and greenhouses. The operating principle of devices using infrared radiation is based on the fact that heat rays do not heat the air itself, but the surface on which they fall. This can be the soil, the plants themselves, the surface and frame of the greenhouse, as well as all equipment and paths. This type of heating is most useful for plants, since it is as close as possible to natural sunlight.
Heating scheme infrared radiation
The great advantage of devices of this type is their efficiency and complete automation of the process. Installation of the device is accessible to anyone, even without any electrician skills, and modern reliable materials of infrared heating devices allow them to be used for up to 10 years of continuous service.
The choice of heating type for a polycarbonate greenhouse for year-round use depends on many factors. When choosing a heating device, it is important to take into account not only the characteristics of the room and budget, but also the possibility of independent installation and operation of the system. If you want to learn more about how a greenhouse is heated with an infrared heater, you should go
How to make it yourself
Installation of a heating system for a greenhouse depends entirely on the type chosen. In recent years, infrared emitters have become widespread, the installation of which does not require any special skills. However, in many year-round greenhouses and other types of heating are still installed in greenhouses. You may also be interested in information on how and why it is used
Water heating device
This is a convenient and economical option for heating agricultural premises if there is a constant source of water. Installation occurs according to the following algorithm:
- You can use a purchased heating tank or make a container with your own hands, for example, from an old fire extinguisher or barrel. The heating tank is connected to the water supply system or pump;
- There are always two pipes leaving the heating tank, which are connected to the radiator. Such a system will ensure constant heating and circulation of water. In this case, it is necessary to ensure complete tightness of the structure to avoid leakage. Rubber seals are suitable for this purpose;
- In order for the device to operate in constant mode, it is necessary to connect to a standard current source with a voltage of 220-240 V. In this case, it is advisable to additionally install a fuse box to avoid short circuits;
- The number of pipes for water circulation and their system depends on the area of the beds. Typically, up to two pipes are installed on one ridge to uniformly heat the soil. If a small heating tank is used, then radiators will be sufficient.
But how the fight against aphids on cucumbers in a greenhouse occurs and what products should be used is described in detail
The video shows a heating diagram for water heating:
The use of water heating in a greenhouse is the most variable type of heating. You can use old cast iron or metal radiators and even barrels as pipes, and the actual volume of water and the area of the system depends only on the area of the soil.
Air heating installation
The use of an air heating system for a greenhouse involves the use of furnace equipment. The type of furnace depends on the budget and size of the structure.
Traditional installation scheme:
- It is necessary to install a stove with an air duct outside the greenhouse. The hole for the pipe must be reliably sealed and covered with a layer of insulation. When using a brick oven, it is important to install it on a reliable and durable foundation;
- One or more pipes must be removed from the furnace, the size, number and length of which depend on the area and design of the greenhouse. As a rule, metal pipes are used, which have increased heat transfer. They must go outside, otherwise the entire greenhouse will be filled with smoke and fumes. Exit openings must be properly insulated;
- Before putting the system into operation, a trial draft test should be carried out.. If there are any problems, the fire should be extinguished and each element of the structure should be reconsidered.
The video shows an air heating device in a greenhouse:
The efficiency of air heating depends on the outside air temperature, as well as the type of stove and fuel used. In recent years, coal and peat have been actively used.
But you can read why aphids appear on tomatoes in a greenhouse and what can be done about such a problem
A year-round greenhouse or polycarbonate greenhouse can provide you with a fresh harvest at any time of the year. For the growth and development of plants, heat is simply necessary, so today many methods have been developed for heating farm buildings.
Infrared radiation is the most progressive type of heating, but in addition to it, there are other equally effective methods. The choice of system type depends on the design of the greenhouse, the availability of communications and the budget during construction.
In central Russia, it is simply impossible to get a good harvest of heat-loving crops without greenhouses. If they are also heated, then from the beginning of March you can plant seedlings of any plants in it, and also get early greens for the table. Moreover, installing most greenhouse heating systems with your own hands is quite simple and does not require special skills.
Which method should you choose?
Read also: Do-it-yourself drip irrigation device in a greenhouse: from a barrel, a plastic bottle, or even an automatic system. For tomatoes and other crops (Photo & Video)+Reviews
It all depends on the goals, type of greenhouse, type of crops, as well as financial capabilities. If you plan to grow vegetables or flowers in it throughout the year, you will need a fully insulated building, which can be heated using infrared electric ceiling heaters, underfloor heating or a water circuit. To heat the greenhouse only in spring and autumn, it is enough to install a stove-stove, a gas gun or put biofuel (manure or plant residues) in the soil.
When calculating the required amount of heat, it is necessary to take into account that its consumption depends on the degree of insulation of the room and the ratio of the wall area to the soil area.
It makes no sense to heat a room that is blown from all sides. Therefore, before proceeding with the installation of heating a greenhouse in winter, it should be thoroughly insulated. For this you will need:
This heating method ensures uniform heating of both soil and air. Another advantage is the creation of an optimal microclimate in the room - the air with such a heating system does not dry out. Heating in this way is possible using firewood, peat, gas, coal or even waste automobile fuel. Therefore, you can choose the most optimal option, taking into account the cost of energy in a particular region.
How to make water heating of a greenhouse? This heating system consists of:
- boiler or furnace
- expansion tank, serving to store water
- radiators
- pipeline
- pump: since lowering the heating boiler in a greenhouse below ground level is quite problematic, water circulation through the pipes is forced
- chimney
Even if there is a circular pump, the pipeline in such a system is best positioned at a slight inclination. In this case, even if the pumping system temporarily fails, the heating will continue to function.
To calculate the thermal power of radiators, the formula is used:
P = S * 120 ,
S– area of the greenhouse (with a standard wall height of 3 m, calculation of the volume of the room is not required).
For example, to heat a greenhouse measuring 3x8 m, its area will be 3 * 8 = 24 square meters. m. Find the required thermal power: 24 * 120 = 2880 W. You can clarify this parameter for one radiator section in the data sheet.
Stove heating
Read also: Blind area around the house: types, structure, schematic drawings, instructions on how to do it yourself correctly (30 Photos & Videos) + Reviews
Stove heating of a greenhouse
To ensure that heating costs do not “eat up” the lion’s share of the profit from the sale of grown products, when choosing the type of boiler or stove, you should take into account the cost of fuel in a particular region of residence. Also take care of an effective room insulation system.
Brick structures are more complex in execution. Without experience, it is difficult to build them yourself. Plus, to build brick ovens that are heavy, you will need a strong foundation. The cost of a brick structure will be considerable. However, such stoves are capable of storing heat for a long time, saving fuel. If you attach a horizontal chimney (“hog”) made of metal to such a stove, you can get an additional source of heating.
Read also: Building a chicken coop: description, tips, arrangement of premises for 5, 10 and 20 chickens (105 Photo Ideas) + Reviews
Metal oven If you have basic skills in working with metal, you can weld it yourself from scrap metal or even an old iron barrel. Therefore, the price of such structures is minimal.
However, if there is no radiator system in the greenhouse, the stove will heat mostly air. Therefore, it is advisable to install it in the center of the room and slightly deeper into the ground. You can also raise the beds or place them on shelves, where the air temperature is always higher.
Read also: A septic tank for a home - a sewer pit without pumping: device, step-by-step DIY production from concrete rings and other options (15 Photos & Videos) + Reviews
Convection and pyrolysis ovens have high efficiency. Such designs are quite complex to implement, so it is better to buy them ready-made. In convection boilers, air passes inside the casing. The operating principle of pyrolysis structures is based on the complete combustion of gases that are formed during fuel combustion.
Read also: Construction and arrangement of a summer kitchen at the dacha with your own hands: projects, design, arrangement, with barbecue and barbecue (60+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews
Stove "Buleryan", surrounded on the sides by open pipes, takes in cold air from below. The rapidly circulating air in the room warms up faster even after adding fuel once. If you put “sleeves” on the lower pipes, you can distribute the heat evenly throughout the greenhouse.
Read also: Making vertical beds with your own hands: the best ideas of 2018. For vegetables, berries, herbs and flowers (65+ Photos & Videos) + Reviews
Feature of the Butakov boiler is increased heat transfer, which occurs due to the special design of convective pipes. However, it is quite difficult to clean it from combustion products. Plus, a single bookmark will not be enough to ensure a comfortable temperature. And it heats the air unevenly. The absence of a secondary combustion chamber significantly reduces the efficiency of the design.
Read also:
Works only with used machine oil. Essentially, this is a modified version of a potbelly stove with two chambers, a lowering and rising piston and a valve for adjusting the air supply. Such a unit can operate without refilling for up to 61 hours! Therefore, if you have the opportunity to regularly refill it with spent fuel, this is the option for you.
To increase the efficiency of your furnace or boiler, install a fan next to the loading door. The efficiency of their work will increase significantly.
Read also: Making and laying paving slabs with your own hands: step-by-step instructions for dry and wet mixture. Making a mold, vibrating table (Photo & Video) + Reviews
The latest developments in greenhouse heating include ceiling-mounted infrared heaters. They consume a minimal amount of electricity, plus the effect of their action far exceeds any other types of heating devices, including water radiators and even heated floors.
The heat from them does not rise upward, but spreads evenly throughout the room. Moreover, it is the soil that warms up most intensively, and not the air, which is very important for plants.
It should be noted that to heat greenhouses it is necessary to use only long-wave devices(preferably ceramic) with heating of the working fluid to 270-300°C. Unlike medium-wave emitters, which heat up to 1700-1900°C, they are not capable of burning plants.
Significant advantages of infrared heating also include:
- environmental friendliness and harmlessness: such heaters do not emit carbon dioxide and other combustion products into the air that are harmful to plant health
- infrared devices do not dry the air at all, since they do not heat it, but any objects and surfaces; no humidification of the room is required during their installation
- no heat loss - the efficiency of such heaters is 95%
- efficiency: since they heat the soil rather than the air, the required volume of thermal resources is reduced by 35%; Plus, such devices consume a minimum of electricity
- installation of systems is simple
- the risk of fire when using infrared devices is minimized
Underfloor heating system
An ideal option for heating the soil in a greenhouse is also a heated floor system. After all, for successful plant growth, it is the roots that need to be warmed up.
Since heating a greenhouse with electric heating elements will cost a lot of money, it is better to install a stove or boiler in it. The heating system can be combined by installing radiators around the perimeter.
- It is better to use polyethylene pipes to heat the greenhouse. They are buried to a depth of about 40-50 cm in the drainage - a layer of crushed stone and sand
- It is not advisable to use metal-plastic for laying in the ground. After all, its fittings (connecting elements) require regular tightening. If you still decide to use such hard plastic, use compensation loops when laying the pipeline
- Polyethylene film is laid first, serving as waterproofing
- Next, a layer of thermal insulation is laid made of polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam
- You can also reduce the thermal conductivity of the soil using compacted sand., which is poured over the heat-insulating layer to a height of 10-15 cm
- The distance between pipelines should be 0.36 m. To ensure uniform heating, 2 collectors are placed along the edges of the greenhouse. Pipes are connected to them alternately
- To protect the pipeline from damage when digging the soil with a shovel or pitchfork, slate or metal mesh is laid on top of it
- The next 35-40 cm layer– fertile soil
Heating with gas
The disadvantages of such heating include the need for mandatory coordination with special services. Moreover, you will not be able to provide gas heating for the greenhouse - the design and installation of such systems is carried out only by specialists. Due to the high risk of ignition during operation, the operation of gas boilers will need to be constantly monitored. Due to the excess carbon monoxide generated during fuel combustion, in order to avoid poisoning and the threat of explosion, it is imperative to install ventilation.
But still, such devices have much more advantages. The cost of gas is not that high. You will only have to spend money on purchasing a boiler and equipment for it. Such designs ensure uniformity and rapid heating of the greenhouse, plus they are as easy as possible to maintain. But in order for it to heat up evenly, it is better to install heaters or connect several burners at once.
We list the main types of gas equipment used for heating greenhouses:
- convectors: industry produces special devices of this type specifically for heating greenhouses; built-in heat exchanger distributes heat evenly throughout the room; ventilation in it is provided using a coaxial (pipe in pipe) chimney
- heater with two open burners(the second of them serves as a spare) and a vertical chimney; the ventilation system is installed separately
- burners with infrared radiation: they are located in separate zones for local heating of certain types of crops or accelerating seed germination; equipped with a smoke exhauster that throws combustion products into the chimney; their operation does not require the installation of forced ventilation systems - natural is sufficient
In most cases, gas heating of a greenhouse is combined with water. The principle of its arrangement is similar to that described above.
Thermal gas guns, used for spot heating, can be easily connected to both the gas main and the cylinder. Such structures are light in weight and quite mobile; they can easily be moved to any other place. The fuel in them burns completely, so the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during their operation is minimal. Modern gas-fired heat guns are equipped with a temperature and even humidity control system.
Solar batteries
Collecting and accumulating the heat given off by the sun's rays will help to get an early harvest in the spring. Heating a greenhouse using solar batteries can also be used as an additional option. For the winter period, the heat received only from them will not be enough.
To accumulate solar energy, the greenhouse must be installed in the most open place and located from east to west. It has been proven that arched polycarbonate structures are capable of “collecting” the maximum number of rays. Plus, the air in the cells of this material will serve as a natural heat insulator.
Solar batteries are divided into:
- aquatic: the heat storage in this case is water containers (barrels or pools); Moreover, several small containers have a higher efficiency than one large one, because water always warms up better closer to the surface; they are distributed evenly throughout the room
- stone: this material is capable of retaining heat for a long time, so it makes sense to line the walls of the greenhouse with stone or cover it with a sufficiently large layer around the perimeter of the structure
- air: are among the most efficient battery devices (see photo); for efficient heating, heat exchangers are positioned perpendicular to the direction of the sun's rays; heated air enters the greenhouse through pipes; cold air is taken in through the second duct
When installing an air heating system in
To transform a greenhouse into a year-round greenhouse or winter garden, it is enough to develop an effective heating system. After all, for confident growth and fruiting, plants require not only light, but also warmth. And if translucent polycarbonate fabric allows you to completely solve the problem of insufficient lighting of the greenhouse, then the issue of providing the necessary amount of heat (especially in spring and autumn) becomes extremely acute for the owners.
A heated polycarbonate greenhouse with your own hands allows you to grow plants not only in transitional seasons, but also in winter - the main thing is to choose the right heating option and skillfully implement it.
How to implement heating of a polycarbonate greenhouse
Before heating a greenhouse, it is worth deciding on several factors: what temperature you are going to maintain inside, how cold it is outside, how much financial and time expenses you can afford.
In practice, there are many ways to heat a polycarbonate greenhouse: from homemade options to industrial automatic installations that do not require intervention during operation.
Usually sold in greenhouses the following types heating:
- due to the energy of the sun. The main advantage is the minimum cost. But solar energy can only be used late spring and early autumn. At other times, effective heating cannot be achieved;
- using solid and liquid fuel heaters. An effective option that allows you to create a full-fledged winter garden from a greenhouse. But it requires constant human participation: adding fuel to the firebox, removing non-combustible fractions;
- using electric heaters. Heating a greenhouse with electricity is quite expensive, but effective and convenient: heating can be fully automated, achieving and maintaining the temperature with an error of no more than one degree;
- biological heating of a polycarbonate greenhouse. Traditionally used in spring. The most common option is to use cow or horse manure, which also serves as a fairly effective fertilizer.
It is worth choosing a specific type of heating when building a greenhouse - because in some cases it is necessary to make serious design changes. And it’s better to do everything at the construction stage.
How to heat a greenhouse with the sun
A warm polycarbonate greenhouse based on solar collectors is the best option for the middle and southern regions of Russia. But this method is not suitable for winter. It is not difficult to build this type of heating:
- Initially, you should design a solar collector - this is a system of black-painted pipelines that is heated in direct sunlight.
- Then you need to install heating devices in the greenhouse that give off heat. These can be traditional heating radiators.
- Connect the solar collector to the heating outlets and fill the system with coolant. Usually water is used. It is also important not to forget to install an emergency pressure relief valve.
If designed correctly, the system does not require a circulation pump. Accordingly, there is absolutely no energy consumption for heating, and practically no maintenance is required for such an installation.
Stove heating for polycarbonate greenhouses
To distribute heat evenly throughout the entire volume of the greenhouse, it is recommended to use stove heating based on a water boiler. Moreover, the boiler itself should not be in a greenhouse, but stand separately. It is also easy to build such a system:
- Build a room next to the greenhouse in which to install a stove.
- Install heating devices inside the greenhouse: these can be convectors, standard cast iron or aluminum batteries, even a heated floor system.
- Lay the pipeline, not forgetting the need for thermal insulation of open sections of pipes.
- Fill the system with coolant - you can use both water and antifreeze.
There are many options for heating a polycarbonate greenhouse using a stove: it can be wood, coal, exhaust, gas or diesel fuel. It all depends on the type of boiler you choose and the availability of specific resources in your area.
Do-it-yourself electric heating of a polycarbonate greenhouse
Heating in a polycarbonate greenhouse is more expensive compared to other types of heating, but is extremely convenient to use. It is a good option for heating greenhouses in winter, spring and autumn, and can be fully automated or even controlled remotely.
There are many ways to make a heated polycarbonate greenhouse using electric heaters. Can be used:
- infrared heaters. They are installed on the ceiling and effectively heat the greenhouse, starting from the ground itself. They are one of the economical and heat-efficient types of electric heaters, but their cost is slightly higher than other devices;
- oil electric radiators. The best option for small greenhouses and organizing heating in the spring and autumn. But when installing them, you should be prepared for very impressive electricity bills;
- electric heaters with fans. They allow you to quickly and well warm up the entire volume of the greenhouse, but when installing them, you should take into account a lot of nuances. For example, as soon as you point such a heater at the plants, they will inevitably begin to dry out. It is also worth considering that models equipped with open spiral heaters burn out oxygen in the room.
Any types of heating using an open flame are also not suitable for use in greenhouses - they will simply burn out all the oxygen, which will lead to the death of the plants.
It is worth noting that if you plan to operate a greenhouse in winter, then pay attention to the thickness of the greenhouse material - the thicker the sheets of cellular polycarbonate, the better they will retain heat inside the greenhouse, which will reduce heating costs.
It is also worth paying attention to a rather extravagant method: heating using hot air.
A heated polycarbonate greenhouse is a fairly common design and can be easily implemented with your own hands. The main thing is to choose the right type of heating and pay attention to the thermal insulation of the greenhouse.
The heating of the greenhouse allows it to be used for growing various crops throughout the year. This makes it possible to obtain up to three harvests per year and grow a variety of heat-loving exotic plants, creating optimal conditions for their development.
Greenhouses can be heated in different ways. Each option has a number important features and benefits. Find out information about the most popular heating methods, learn tips for choosing optimal option and get to work.
Comparative characteristics fuel cost What to consider when choosing a heating system?
When choosing a heating system, you need to pay attention to the overall dimensions of the room and its type, because For different materials the required heating intensity will also vary. For example, polyethylene is characterized by high heat loss, so this material will require more intense heating compared to a polycarbonate greenhouse.
When arranging heating for a greenhouse, take into account the total costs of installing the system and its maintenance. Some heating options require significant financial investments, and their use in small greenhouses will not be practical. Others are simple and inexpensive to install, but consume a lot of fuel during operation.
Otherwise, the owner must decide for himself how beneficial the use of one or another heating option will be specifically for his situation. The main thing is that the system provides, does not dry out the air and creates optimal conditions for the development of grown crops.
Greenhouse heating options
Familiarize yourself with the main features of the systems most commonly used to heat greenhouses.
This option should be considered if it is possible to connect the heating of the greenhouse to the heating system of the house.
When laid from the house to the greenhouse, they require high-quality insulation. The boiler power reserve must be sufficient to provide the required level of heating for both the house and the greenhouse.
If the length of the pipeline between the house and the greenhouse exceeds 10 m, it is better to refuse to use such a system.
There is also a way to organize autonomous steam heating. In this case, the boiler is installed in the greenhouse. Pipes and batteries are connected to the heating unit, and the coolant supply is ensured. Water is traditionally used as a coolant.
To ensure forced circulation of water, the system is usually equipped with appropriate pumping equipment.
For organization, air heated in the firebox of a special boiler is used. Such heating is characterized by minimal monetary costs for fuel and high thermal efficiency.
About half an hour after starting the equipment, the air temperature in the greenhouse can rise by 20 degrees. An additional advantage of the system is that there is no need to use any intermediate coolants.
Air heating is best suited for regions with mild climates. In more severe conditions, it is recommended to use a combination of air and steam heating.
In such a system, heat is generated as a result of gas combustion. The system can be configured either by connecting to a permanently supplied gas or by using fuel in cylinders.
During operation of the system, there is an intensive intake of air from the heated room, accompanied by the release of water, carbon dioxide and other waste that pose a danger to humans and, of course, plants. In view of this, the arrangement will entail additional costs for organizing the ventilation system.
This type of heating is well suited for small greenhouses. When used over large areas, the costs and complexity of maintenance may be prohibitively high.
Modern electric heating units allow you to efficiently heat a greenhouse without much effort.
Among the main advantages of such devices, it should be noted that during their operation, only the heating of plants and soil occurs. The air does not warm up. It gradually receives heat from the heated earth. This allows you to equip the most efficient and economical heating system.
Modern systems are equipped with sensors and temperature controllers, which provides ample opportunities for dividing the greenhouse into different thermal zones and providing the most comfortable conditions for each group of plants.
Prices for popular models of infrared heaters
The main unit in such a heating system is a solid fuel boiler, usually burning wood or coal.
The simplest stove heating system includes a solid fuel boiler and a smoke exhaust pipe leading from the greenhouse to the street. Additionally, you can equip the system with pipes and radiators, which will allow you to organize the most efficient and high-quality heating.
The chimney needs regular cleaning of fuel combustion products.
Available in the market as regular wood stoves, and modern. Such devices do not require frequent fuel supply and use it as efficiently as possible.
Installing a solid fuel boiler directly in the greenhouse will lead to drying out of the air and soil, as a result of which the cultivated plants may simply die. To prevent this from happening, when installing a solid fuel boiler in a greenhouse, it is necessary to equip an air humidification system. Usually it is enough to install a large container of water.
Stove heating of a greenhouse is the most popular heating option. In addition, there is nothing complicated in setting up such a system - even a novice master can handle the job. Also, solid fuel heating unconditionally outperforms electric heating in terms of cost. That is why the procedure for organizing heating of a greenhouse will be considered using the example of stove heating.
Arrangement of stove heating for a greenhouse
First option
First step. In the vestibule of the greenhouse, lay out a brick firebox for the stove on a pre-equipped foundation.
Second phase. Lay out along the entire length of the room.
Third stage. Lead the smoke exhaust pipe out of the greenhouse from the other side. As a result, combustion products will be effectively removed from the room, and the heat will remain inside.
Prices for refractory bricks
Fire brick
Second option
1 – heating boiler;
2 – thermos tank;
3 – circulation pump;
4 – relay regulator;
5 – registers;
6 – thermocouple
First step. Prepare a large metal barrel. Paint its inner surface in two layers - this will provide protection against corrosion.
Second step. Make several holes in the housing. You will connect the chimney to one of them. Others will be used to connect the tap and expansion tank.
Third step. Weld a sheet metal stove and insert it into the prepared barrel.
Fourth step. Weld a piece of pipe to the hole in the barrel to connect the chimney. The total length of the smoke exhaust structure must be at least 4-5 m.
Fifth step. Install an expansion tank on the barrel. A container with a volume of 20-30 liters will be sufficient. You can buy a tank or weld it yourself from sheet metal.
Sixth step. Install pipes throughout the greenhouse. Place the pipes on the ground in 120 cm increments. This arrangement of heating elements will contribute to effective heating of the soil in the areas where plant roots are located.
Seventh stage. Install to ensure forced circulation of water through the system.
Turn on the water supply and make sure all connections are tight. If leaks are found, seal them immediately. Only after this can you begin to test the stove and put the heating system into permanent operation.
Good luck!
Video - Heating a greenhouse with your own hands
Boiler for a greenhouse from a gas cylinder
To work, you will need an empty gas cylinder, a coil (a tube in the shape of the letter U with threads at the ends), a metal grill, a shut-off valve, hinges and two metal handles for the doors. You should also prepare a chimney pipe taking into account the length of the greenhouse, a welding machine with electrodes, a drill and an angle grinder, pipes and a radiator for the heating circuit. For the front wall of the furnace you will need a small sheet of steel.
These simple devices are used to assemble a boiler with a water circuit for heating a country greenhouse.
Step 1
After making sure that the cylinder is empty, we saw it in half with a grinder. One of the parts will serve as the furnace body, and from the second we will make an ash box.
Step 2
We take the grating, take measurements and cut it so that the resulting segment fits inside the cylinder. We secure the grate by welding. Now the stove is divided into a fuel combustion chamber (2/3 volume) and an ash pan (1/3 volume).
Step 3
We place the cylinder on a sheet of steel, outline it with chalk, and cut out the front wall according to the markings. Cut off 1/3 of the circle. From this piece we make the ash pan door, welding the handle and cutting out a semicircular piece for the bottom of the drawer from the second part of the cylinder.
We cut a rectangular hole in a larger piece of wall. We weld hinges, a handle and a latch (latch) to the cut-out rectangle. The door should close the firebox tightly.
Step 4
We install a coil (water circuit) inside the oven. We make markings for the coil, drill two holes in the upper part of the furnace to bring out the ends of the threaded pipe. We weld the coil to the metal plate and the top of the oven.
Trying on a coil 
Step 5
We will install a chimney. Cut a hole for the pipe in the upper back of the stove. We weld the pipe to connect the chimney. We monitor quality, otherwise the draft and operation of the boiler will be disrupted.
We weld the chimney pipe in such a way that it will pass at an angle of about 20 degrees through the entire greenhouse. The chimney will exit through the back wall of the greenhouse, rising 1 meter above the roof. Be sure to consider thermal insulation at the point of contact between the greenhouse wall and the chimney so that a fire does not occur.
We connect the chimney pipe to the stove pipe using sheet asbestos and a coupling, tightening it with wire.
Step 6
We connect metal pipes for the water circuit to the ends of the coil brought out. The piping must contain an expansion tank and a pump that will pump water through the pipes.
Thus, the water heated in the coil will flow into the radiator, and when cooled, it will again enter the boiler. The chimney pipe will serve as an additional source of heat. Also, a long chimney will reduce heat loss, increasing the efficiency of the boiler.
Step 7
We install the stove in the greenhouse, having previously built a brick or concrete base and laid out a brick screen on three sides of the firebox. For stability, the furnace can be equipped with legs made from any reinforcement or rolled steel.
We load fuel into the stove, light it, adjust the draft by opening or closing the firebox/ash pan door.
In conditions of changeable weather in our country, when building greenhouses, you should think about heating it. In winter, spring and autumn, plants sometimes cannot survive without it. In this article we will look at how to heat a polycarbonate greenhouse and how to build a heated room.
What does a heated greenhouse consist of?
The designs of various greenhouses are similar. However, a winter greenhouse has some features, which must be taken into account at the construction planning stage.
Being a stationary building, a winter greenhouse must have a strong frame that will stand on a high-quality foundation.
You should not make a foundation out of wood because it needs to be replaced periodically.
But a concrete strip foundation, as well as one made of block and brick, will work perfectly.
When building a frame, you should remember the expected load on it from snowfall in winter, which can cause destruction of the structure.
Wood or metal should be used as the material for the frame.
However, both materials will need to be prepared first due to their susceptibility to destruction. Some frame elements will need to be changed periodically.
Polycarbonate sheets retain heat well, however, to increase the thermal insulation properties, the ends of the material plates are closed with plugs. So, cold cannot enter the cells.
Typically, a winter greenhouse is equipped with a vestibule (on the north side of the building) to prevent blowing and provide a thermal curtain for the plants. It is in the vestibule that heating equipment is often located.
It is better to insulate the soil of a winter greenhouse so that the soil layer is far from the cold lower layers. To do this, use sand, insulation and expanded clay (as drainage).
How are greenhouses heated in different climates?
Depending on the region where the greenhouse will be located, the principle of how to heat the building may differ. In the southern regions, it is not advisable to build greenhouses with boilers for heating, because they will only be used for 2-4 weeks a year, and you will have to spend a lot on equipment.
Northern regions require that greenhouses be equipped with constant heating.
Let's look at different heating systems depending on the climate:
- Warm climate. In its conditions, it is quite enough to have warm beds with bioheating and install a backup heating source in the form of electric convectors to protect the plants during the frost period. The energy of the sun in such greenhouses will play the role of the main source of heat. During the day, the air and soil in the building heat up, at night they gradually cool down, and when the temperature drops to the minimum permissible, the convectors are activated. Additional warming of the soil occurs due to the processes that occur in a warm bed (the organic residues filling it, decomposing, release heat). In such a climate, a ventilation system is important.
- Temperate climate. In winter, greenhouses located in a temperate climate require insulation of the blind area and installation of heating devices. A stove that will be heated with wood or other fuel will be inexpensive. It is located in the northern part of the building (it is better if there is a vestibule there). To heat the entire area of the room, natural convection or air ducts are used, which are laid along the beds. The soil can be heated using warm beds. Also, in case of strong temperature drops, you can use infrared lamps or heaters. Convectors or fan heaters are used to heat the air.
- Cold climate. Greenhouses located in regions with cold climates require continuous heating. To do this, you can use a water heating circuit, which is laid along the entire perimeter of the building. It is based on registers or radiators connected by pipes. In this case, a curtain of warm air is formed near the walls, so the external cold does not affect the plants. It is better not to use biofuel to heat the soil in such a climate; here it is better to use artificial heating from heating pipes placed at the bottom of the beds or electric cable. Very severe frosts require the temporary use of infrared heaters. To quickly heat the air, convectors can be used.
How is solar energy used?
Traditional heating of greenhouses occurs using solar energy. Light-transmitting material is used to make their walls.
In summer and spring, heating the air and soil due to solar energy is sufficient for the normal functioning of plants. In autumn and winter, the penetrating ability of the sun's rays decreases, since the sun is low above the horizon and the days are shortened. This way the soil is illuminated at an angle, which means it heats up less. 
On a note: To increase the efficiency of heating from the sun, the greenhouse is located at a slope to the south. Thus, lighting and warming by the sun's rays occurs more efficiently.
Reflective material is often used for wall cladding. The sun's rays are reflected from it, and additional heating of the greenhouse space is carried out.
It is also common to place a black barrel filled with water in buildings with plants. It plays the role of a heat accumulator. Heating during the day, such a barrel gives off heat at night.
Greenhouse roofs are often equipped with solar collectors, which are a system of pipes placed in an insulated housing with a transparent lid. Such a system is filled with water and connected to a water heating system. The circulation of solar-heated water through the pipes helps to heat the building space.
Solar energy can be used as a stand-alone heating system or used in conjunction with other types of heating.
Biological heating
Biological heating of greenhouses occurs due to warm beds filled with organic components. Soil microorganisms contribute to the decomposition of organic matter and the release of heat. To do this, where there will be a bed, they dig a trench 0.5-0.7 m deep, make wooden, brick or other fences, sprinkle the bottom with stones, then with wood chips and tree bark. Next, such a bed is filled with manure and watered with water, which contains biobacteria. The top of the bed is covered with cardboard or paper, on which dry leaves and mowed grass are laid out. Fertile soil is laid on top of the grass.
The finished bed is covered with polyethylene and allowed to stand for 3-7 days. During this time, bacteria in the soil actively decompose organic matter, promoting the release of heat.
As biological heating, a pit 15 cm deep is also often used in a greenhouse, in which a heat insulator is laid, covered with polyethylene, sprinkled with sand and soil on top. Thanks to the energy of the sun, this method leads to maintaining high temperatures in the greenhouse.
You can also use air heating. To do this, take a metal pipe, the diameter of which is 50 cm, and the length is 2-2.5 m. One end of the pipe is placed in a greenhouse, a fire is lit under the other, which should be constantly burning.
Electric heating
The most affordable method of heating a greenhouse in winter is electric heating. But in order to organize it, you need to have a constant current source to which you can connect all the necessary devices.
The following types of electrical equipment are distinguished:
- The location of radiators or heating cables in the greenhouse, which are dug into the ridges to resist soil freezing. Basically, this heating method is used in combination with other methods.
- The use of electric heaters or convectors (only if the building is equipped with solid walls). This is the best way to protect plants from cold air currents, but the downside is the risk of fire and deformation of the greenhouse skin.
- The use of infrared equipment (lamps or heaters), which is the most modern source of heat for greenhouses. In this case, it is not the air that is heated, but the surface that the rays of the device touch.
- The use of an electric boiler with a water heating system. This installation can be easily done independently, you will only need to purchase some elements.
Stove heating
Using stove heating, you can heat the air in the greenhouse in any weather. It is only important to take into account the need to match the thermal power of the furnace to the volume of the building.
The stove should be installed where the coldest part of the building is located (in the northern part). To distribute air masses, you can use fans, air ducts or natural convection. The stove can be heated with firewood, briquettes and wood processing waste.
Let's look at the designs of stoves that can be used to heat a greenhouse:
- A potbelly stove is a metal stove with a straight chimney. It has a combustion chamber, a door for loading fuel and an ash pan. With its help, the air in the greenhouse quickly warms up, but the space may heat up unevenly. Such a furnace requires high flow rate firewood and significantly dries the air. Often, to improve the quality of a potbelly stove, a water circuit is used.
- Buleryan is an improved type of potbelly stove. It contains built-in hollow pipes through which air constantly moves. Thanks to this, the air does not overheat. Such a stove is highly efficient and has low fuel consumption, but it is very difficult to make it yourself.
- Brick stoves are installed in greenhouses that are used all year round. Its dimensions and design may vary and depend on the size of the greenhouse. Such a stove provides high heat capacity, does not cool down within 12 to 24 hours, does not require a large amount of fuel, and the heat is supplied in a spectrum that is beneficial for plants. For such a stove it is necessary to make a foundation, and if you are laying it yourself you will need professional skills.
Water heating
This type of greenhouse heating can be called the most effective way creating the necessary microclimate for plants.
This heating system includes:
- boiler;
- contour of pipes and radiators;
- expansion tank;
- pump for pumping water.
The fuel for boilers can be gas, diesel, electricity, wood or peat.
The main advantage of such heating is that the process is fully automated. It can be used in any greenhouse.
Modern boilers allow you to regulate the temperature and delay heating for a selected time.
What can IR heating be like?
IR modern production are light and elegant. They are easy to install in the greenhouse yourself.
The basis of these heaters is represented by a ceramic emitter and a steel reflector polished to a shine.
Let's consider two types of IR heaters:
- Cabinet-mounted ones are very mobile and can be mounted on both ceilings and walls. New models of such heaters are equipped not with a flat, but with a spherical radiating surface, which increases the dispersion angle to 120 degrees, making heating more uniform.
- Film (tape) - permanently mounted in the ceiling. They are less mobile, but significantly save energy and heat the soil more evenly.
The energy source for such heaters is mainly electricity. However, it is possible to use liquid fuel and gas.
What to consider when making a greenhouse heating system with your own hands?
Installation work to equip the greenhouse with a heating system will depend on which heating method is chosen.
Today, the most common is heating in winter using infrared emitters. No special skills are required to install them, which means installation is easy to do on your own. Therefore, when deciding how to heat the greenhouse and wanting to save on additional services builders should pay attention to this option.
Other types of heating are also often used to heat greenhouses that are used all year round. However, they require great knowledge and skill.
Preparatory stage
Before you begin building a heated greenhouse, you need to plan the following:
- The correct choice of location regarding lighting (extent of the greenhouse from west to east), wind conditions (location near the fence of the house or trees that can protect against wind and damage to the building) and ease of use (availability of wide and convenient access).
- At the preparatory stage of construction, it is very important to choose the right shape of the greenhouse roof. Snow should not accumulate on it. The easiest way to install a gable roof.
- Particular attention should be paid to the choice of material for the frame. The most durable option is metal. However, in order to build a metal frame, it will be necessary to carry out welding work. Using wood for a frame is more accessible and does not require special skills. You can significantly extend its service life by covering the material with paint in several layers.
- The choice of polycarbonate is also important. To build a winter greenhouse, you need to use thick sheets (8-10 mm each). If you use thinner material, it may not withstand the load.
Stages of work on the construction of a heated greenhouse
More details:
- Laying the foundation. Dig a trench 30-40 cm deep. Gravel and small stones are filled in. Fill the trench with a layer of concrete.
- Ruberoid is laid on the well-hardened solution as waterproofing.
- Formation of the base of the building.
- Making the frame. When constructing a wooden frame, beams of the required thickness are prepared, thoroughly cleaned and sanded, then several layers of paint are applied. For the side parts of the frame, a 100 by 100 mm beam is used, which is placed along the perimeter of the future building. A 50 x 50 mm beam is suitable for the roof. Self-tapping screws and metal tape are used as fastening elements.
- Construction of a small vestibule (if necessary).
- Installation of communications - heating systems, heating systems and so on.
- Installation of polycarbonate sheets on the frame. Sheets of material are fastened together with a U-shaped profile. When screwing in self-tapping screws, seals are used to prevent moisture from penetrating into the room. A sealing tape is placed between the frame and the polycarbonate sheets.
Video on the topic
Loading...