Greenhouse heating with infrared heater

I will share the experience of using IR heaters. I’ll make a reservation right away that only complex solutions are effective for year-round use of the greenhouse. For example, I have a greenhouse heated by infrared heaters Solaronics (France), and the soil is heated by pipes with hot water, from an ordinary gas boiler. I turn on this circuit for 10-15 minutes. In the coldest time 2-3 times a night. The earth gives off heat for a long time, the pipes are 5-10 cm lower than the working layer of cross-linked polyethylene, even if they do not burst, they freeze.

Solaronics infrared heater is very economical, in addition, it made an additional reflector made of foil and installed behind infrared emitters. The foil is not smooth but with irregularities (refraction effect) There is more dispersion and radiation does not harm the plants. You can also set crumpled and straightened foil directly under the heaters at night. Then the soil immediately below them will not dry out, and the heat will be distributed more evenly.

savings, but only in combination with other heating methods

the rather high cost of truly effective and economical devices, there are practically no high-quality domestic products, I don’t mention Chinese

I have been using “Heat Life” film for heating a polycarbonate greenhouse for several years. I have excellent practical results. If the winter is not too harsh, then I start planting seedlings in the last days of February, and I finish the season (picking the last tomatoes) almost until January.
The main advantage of the film is its economy. Consumption of 0.01 kW / h. I have a greenhouse of 80 sq. M., Respectively, consumption of 0.85 kW / h for the entire structure. In the coldest month I spend 576 kV. What fully pays off by selling vegetables

There are really certain nuances. Polycarbonate in the greenhouse 1.6 mm two-chamber. Flew me a pretty penny, but now solid savings. It is better to spend money on a quality thing once than then pay constantly.

saving on heating, heats only soil and plants, a convenient system of automatic temperature control, which gives additional savings, in the spring I just remove the strip of film from the fasteners and put sealed plugs on the cable

you need to invest in good polycarbonate, you need to buy a gas generator in case of a power outage. Lack of electricity, even for half a day, can destroy all plants

I bought a heater in April 2015. I wanted to try cucumbers early. Used one, but for my greenhouse it would be better 2.I noticed that the seedlings, which were closer to the heater, grew better.

Before buying, I read a bunch of information on IR heaters. For myself, I determined the following parameters that the IR heater for the greenhouse should correspond to:

The thickness of the anodized layer is 15 microns, not less;
TEN from a stainless steel;
The case of the device is MANDATORY with IPX protection class 1. It must be written that it can be used in humid rooms of saunas, baths, etc.
There should be a reflector foil IR creek, this significantly saves electricity.
High-quality reliable heat insulator on the back side, otherwise it will melt polycarbonate on the ceiling of the greenhouse. Or you need to lower it.

reasonable price, noiselessness, automation of the heating process, energy saving

there is no indicator light, it is not clear whether it warms up or not until you come up, unreliable fasteners

I am engaged in growing seedlings of flowers. I grow on shelves in a glass greenhouse attached to the house. Area 15 sq. M. Last year I bought an infrared heater. How I chose it, calculated power, consulted with specialists, etc. separate story.

One of the main criteria was cost. Well, I can’t afford the professional climate equipment for the greenhouse. I limited myself to a ceiling IR heater Rio 10. Power 1 kW, I hang out at a height of 50-70 cm from the top of the table. Additionally, an electric battery was installed at the far end of the greenhouse.

The heating was efficient at -8 outside the potted land was warm. For peace I covered them with a film. Nothing froze. Usually at this temperature I drag all the pots into the house, which is not very good for plants and difficult.

much cheaper than professional systems, efficient, does not dry air

it is advisable to connect through an additional thermostat mounted at the height of seedlings