No matter if you’re running a small backyard greenhouse or managing a large hydroponics operation, maintaining adequate heat is crucial for healthy plants. While not every plant needs tropical warmth, it’s important to keep enough heat inside your greenhouse to prevent frost and protect your crops. Using an outdoor furnace offers a dependable, cost-effective heating solution for many growers.
There are several key factors to consider when selecting a heating system for your greenhouse:
Outside Environment – Is your climate hot and dry by day but cold at night, or do you face long winters with freezing temperatures? Think about the seasons in your area and how long you’ll need your outdoor furnace each year.
Greenhouse Size – For smaller operations, a cord wood-burning outdoor furnace can easily heat one or two small greenhouses. If daily stove maintenance isn’t convenient or you’re heating multiple structures, a biomass wood chip boiler might be a better fit.
Plant Requirements – Most plants will survive winter as long as they’re protected from frost. Plants can avoid frost damage if temperatures don’t go below 39 degrees. This is fine for hardy plants that only require frost-free conditions over the winter. However, their growth and germination slow dramatically if soil temperatures stay below the low 50s (°F). Plants that thrive on tropical conditions will require even more fuel to keep warm.
Heat Loss – Perform an energy audit to find where your greenhouse loses the most heat. Improvements like better walls or adding weather stripping around vents and doors may be necessary. When installing your outdoor furnace, don’t cut corners, choose high-quality underground tubing to minimize heat loss.
Available Fuel – Consider what fuels are readily available in your location. Do you have access to seasoned wood, wood chips, corn, pellets, or coal? Wood is typically one of the most economical options based on BTU output.
Calculate your BTUs – Use this formula to estimate your heating needs: (Wall area + roof area) x (outside temperature – desired inside temperature) x 1.1 = required BTUs. This calculation, along with the above factors, will help you determine the right size of outdoor furnace for your greenhouse.
Once you’ve evaluated these considerations, you’re ready to shop for the ideal outdoor furnace or biomass boiler for your setup. With various models and sizes available, Crown Royal Stoves can assist you in choosing the best option. We also supply all plumbing parts needed for installation, including unit heaters and air handlers for warming your buildings.
If you have any questions about our products, call us at 1-866-361-7355. We’re always happy to help!
