A suitable heater is key to ensuring a warm haven for your greenhouse plants. However, finding the right heater size can be challenging due to various factors like the size of the greenhouse, local climate, and the types of plants you nurture. Doing the math yourself can be daunting. So, we created this easy-to-use “Greenhouse Heater Calculator” tool!
This “Greenhouse Heater Calculator” calculates the minimum BTU needed within just a few clicks.
FAQs about the Greenhouse Heater Calculator
If you have trouble using the tool, have a look at this section. If you’re still lost, please send us an email or give us a call.
What does surface area mean?
The surface area is the whole area of your greenhouse exposed to the elements (basically the glazing and framing). This does not include the floor space. So, you’d have to add all sides and roof together in order to get the square footage.
What does R-value or U-value mean?
Without going into too much detail, the R-value is the insulating capability and the U-value is the heat loss value. They are reciprocals of each other and therefore, we can use either one. We are basing our R-value and U-value on the glazing. Although framing and gaskets play a role in insulation values, it’s easier to utilize the glazing. For a full guide about insulation, read this article!
Do you know the R-value of different greenhouse coverings?
Here’s a table if you don’t know the R-value for your greenhouse:
| Glazing/covering | R-value |
|---|---|
| 3mm glass (single pane) | 0.95 |
| 4mm glass (single pane) | 1.2 |
| 16mm Double Pane Glass | 2.1 |
| 22mm Double Pane Glass | 2.3 |
| 4mm twin-wall Polycarbonate | 1.43 |
| 6mm twin-wall Polycarbonate | 1.54 |
| 8mm twin-wall Polycarbonate | 1.60 |
| 10mm twin-wall Polycarbonate | 1.89 |
| 16mm triple-wall Polycarbonate | 2.5 |
| 3.5mm Solexx™ panels | 2.10 |
| 5mm Solexx™ panels | 2.30 |
| Poly film, 6mm | 0.83 |
