Choosing the right greenhouse heater

Advantages of IR heaters

All types of heaters known to us, with the exception of IR, emit heat, which is then absorbed by objects, that is, they heat the air. IR heaters work on the principle of the sun, they emit rays that heat objects and all non-reflective surfaces, and those, in turn, give the received heat to the air. Since the heated air rises up, and the plants are below, and sometimes they need warm soil more than warm air, the invention of IR lamps can be called a real blessing for greenhouses. After all, they heat the soil, the plants themselves and all objects that fall into the coverage area.

IR heaters work completely silently, they emit heat, which is useful for plant growth, but do not produce any harmful substances. This heat can be regulated and evenly distributed over the entire required area, without affecting the level of humidity in the room at all. By varying the distance between the IR lamps and the ground, you can create comfortable temperature conditions for all plants, even if their needs differ.

So, having sown seeds in the ground, we will install the lamp at a certain height above it. Over time, when the seedlings sprout and grow, raising the heat source higher, we will reduce the heating of the earth. Thus, at the time of germination, the seeds will receive the high temperature of the earth, and then, with a change in their needs, the temperature will also change. All this is easy to manage, you can even arrange zones with different temperature regimes for different plants in the same room.

An infrared heater does not provoke air movement, which means it eliminates the presence of drafts, which are harmful to many plants. Moreover, it is possible to reduce the harm from the ingress of cold air from doors or windows by placing the heater in such an area with damaged thermal insulation. If you correctly calculate the power of IR lamps, then you can use their minimum number to heat the entire greenhouse instead of the whole heating system. The only drawback of such heaters is their high cost. But winter greenhouses are usually created not for one year, but for 2 - 3 years of operation, such equipment will certainly pay off.

IR lamps are very practical and easy to use, they take up little space, which is very important for a greenhouse. They have great efficiency at low power, which greatly helps to save electricity, and equipped with a thermostat, they save it even more and reduce the number of owner's worries.

For greenhouses, there are two types of heaters: ceiling - they are attached to the ceiling or walls, and film - designed to heat the ground. Films can be installed vertically near the ground or buried under plants. The second option is arranged in greenhouses where soil is not often dug up, where the ground freezes very deeply in winter.

Video "Infrared heating film"

The author of this video will explain to you the advantages of using IR films in the house, which also applies to a greenhouse.

How to choose a model

Infrared heaters are electric, gas or liquid fuel. When choosing a model, you need to navigate in advance by the power source. Far from civilization, you can feel completely independent by purchasing a heater on liquid fuel. The most economical power supply is considered, but if there are problems with electrical wiring, then gas infrared lamps are quite reliable, moreover, you can use gas cylinders.

In industrial greenhouses with a huge territory, light heaters are used, the surface of the emitter can heat up to +600 degrees. For small private greenhouses, long wavelength lamps are better suited.

The first models had a flat radiation surface, while the newer ones have a spherical shape, which allows the rays to be scattered by 120 degrees. Spherical models are more economical when used on large areas, and flat ones on small ones.

Today you can find on sale infrared heaters from different manufacturers: imported ones will cost more, domestic ones - cheaper. Of course, you need to choose only from well-known brands, the products must be well packaged, have a quality certificate. Checking the integrity of the packaging and asking the seller for a certificate is never superfluous, as well as issuing a warranty card.

The Peony brand has proven itself well. Its product is a circular heater with a ceramic heating element that must be fixed to the ceiling. Models of the Ecoline brand are considered very economical, they are used in large industrial greenhouses and for heating small rooms, they are distinguished by a long service life and a high efficiency. The Ballu brand is known among fans of gas appliances. It offers very different heaters, even of high power among them, which can be used in open areas or in huge greenhouses.

Video “Infrared heat. The specialist's answer "

In this video, a representative of a company producing IR equipment will tell you about all its advantages.

How to calculate

In order for infrared heaters to work correctly, not only to help grow agricultural products, but also to save the owners' money, it is necessary to correctly calculate the ratio of the power of the devices to the heated area. How to do it? Consider the example of the most widespread home winter greenhouse in terms of area.

Most often, people arrange approximately the following greenhouse: 3 m wide with a working corridor in the middle, 6 m long, with an entrance from the end. For a greenhouse of this size, only two 1.5 kW panels may be enough, you just need to choose the right size. A zone 3 m wide and 2.5 to 3 m long will be covered by rays from a heater 1.7 m long, provided that the dispersion is at least 100 degrees - here the height at which you need to place it also matters.

If the width of the greenhouse is less, and the passage is arranged on the side, then less powerful heaters will be needed. If the width is greater, then you can place them not on the ceiling, but on the side on both sides. In this case, you will need not 2, but 4 heaters, but less powerful ones. When calculating the number and power of infrared heaters, you need to find an option when the entire area of ​​the beds is covered with rays.

Mounting

Another advantage of IR heaters is that they are very easy to install; this can be done without the involvement of specialists. The only moment when a specialist is needed will arise when the heater is connected to the mains, and that is not necessary.

Since film heaters (if you decide to install them) are placed under the plants, you will have to remove at least 50 cm of soil in the right place, pour a thin even layer of sand, lay insulating material, and cover it with sand again.All this sand is poured with water to make it easier to level and tamp. An infrared film heater is laid on top, electric wires have already been connected to it in advance, they have been brought out of the groove. Sand is poured onto the heater, moistened again and tamped.

On top of the sand, it is advisable to lay a metal mesh or other material that will protect the heater from mechanical damage. And a fertile layer of soil is already poured onto it. That's the whole installation, it remains to plug the heater into the power outlet.

Ceiling or wall heaters are even easier to mount, they are simply attached to walls, shelves or ceilings at the desired height, which, by the way, is easy to adjust if necessary. There are mobile infrared lamps that can be simply carried from place to place, installed where necessary.

If an infrared heater is placed on the ceiling in the middle of the greenhouse, then it is advisable to arrange a cement or brick path under it, which will heat up and accumulate heat, gradually giving it to the beds and air. This will save a little - after all, you can buy a slightly less powerful heater.

And here are some more images with greenhouse heating options: