Choosing an infrared heater for a greenhouse

Heating from below

If you want to qualitatively heat the soil with an IR system, you should use heating from below. It is a special film that must be laid on the ground. There are two schemes for its installation: horizontal and vertical.

If the installation is horizontal, the film should be laid under the beds to a depth of approximately 0.5 meters from the surface. When installed vertically, it should be laid vertically around the perimeter of the greenhouse and between the beds.

Despite the fact that the installation of lower heating is much more complicated than vertical heating, it is more economical. This is due to the fact that the energy heats only the soil and the air below.As a result, significant energy savings can be achieved. But at the same time, this method of heating has some disadvantages.

In particular, care must be taken not to damage this system when replacing the soil in the greenhouse, which is carried out daily as a preventive measure to prevent plant diseases.

By installing infrared heating for greenhouses and greenhouses, you can count on a good harvest at any time of the year. This method of heating is much more efficient than all other methods. In addition, it allows you to save a lot. Thanks to infrared heating, conditions are created in the greenhouse that are almost completely close to natural. After all, the radiation of these systems largely corresponds to the sun.

Using this method of heating, you can significantly reduce the cost of grown products and increase productivity. After all, a greenhouse equipped with infrared heating can be used throughout the year.

Pros and cons

Greenhouse infrared heating has many advantages.

• Directionally heats and evenly heats a specific area of ​​​​the room.
• Fast warm-up time and heat distribution, which is already felt at the moment the device is turned on.
• Economical heating provides a combination of high efficiency and low heat loss devices. Saving electricity is about 35-70%.
• Silently works.
• Versatility of use - IR equipment can be used in any place, a variety of mounting methods.
• When heated, the combustion of oxygen or the formation of a dust "storm" is excluded. During operation, the dust will circulate less in the internal space of the building and settle on the landings.

• Since heating with an infrared device eliminates the problem of dry air or its burning, stable humidity will be maintained in the greenhouse - this is one of the integral components of a healthy microclimate for the full growth of plants.
• Heat prevents the development of mold fungi and the formation of a favorable environment for the reproduction of garden pests. Many of them are carriers of mosaic, late blight and other infections.
• The presence of temperature sensors provides several significant advantages. For example, one corner of the greenhouse can be occupied by heat-loving exotics, and the other by crops that need coolness.
• Climate equipment is constantly being improved. In the latest models, the flat screen has changed to a spherical one. In this case, the streams of light have a larger scattering angle - 120 °, this contributes to a uniform distribution of heat, which is beneficial for plants.

• Durability and trouble-free operation around the clock. The design of the heaters excludes moving parts, air filters and other elements that require periodic replacement or repair.
• The compact dimensions of the devices, so they are hassle-free in transportation.
• Fire safety equipment.
• The possibility of self-assembly without the involvement of masters from outside.

Infrared heaters for greenhouses have some disadvantages.

With the economical use of equipment, the organization of infrared heating itself is quite expensive.
The market is rife with fakes of reputable brands. The gullible buyer is still tempted by attractive low prices and promises that the device performs “just as good” as the original.
The need to accurately calculate the number of IR devices specifically for a particular room

It is also important to determine which models are suitable for specific needs.

Infrared heater Polaris PKSH 0508H

Next, a heater designed for a greenhouse area of ​​​​20 m². Inside, the manufacturer has provided an infrared heating element with a carbon fiber, which has an increased service life. In the reviews, the owners are satisfied with the presence of a timer with a period of up to 180 minutes. After three hours, the device will turn off by itself, which increases the safety of use while you can not look after the device. If the timer does not work, then a mechanical circuit breaker will come into play, reacting to overheating of the heating element.

Infrared heater Polaris PKSH 0508H

Advantages:

• carbon heating element
• robust metal case
• there is a timer for 180 minutes
• shuts off automatically when overheated

Varieties of infrared heaters for greenhouses

The variety of this product on the market is represented by several manufacturers.

"ECL-I 500W"

In the production of such an infrared heater for greenhouses, special ECS ceramic emitters with a spherical surface are used. Thanks to their structure, it is possible to remove the emitter from the heating plane.

The power indicator of such an infrared heater for greenhouses is 500 W, the parameters are 28x21 cm, the voltage is 220 V.

Heaters of this type are ideal for use in small greenhouses, otherwise 2-3 units are required.

The ECL-I 500 W is mounted in 1.5 m increments, with a ceiling to floor height of at least 1 m.The location of the IR heaters should be adjusted by increasing the height as the plants grow. It is better to fix the ECL-I 500 W on a rigid base closer to the walls of the greenhouse, and not in the center.

The cost of such a heater is about 1000 rubles.

ECZ 250W

This is an electric lamp made of refractory material with an internal air cushion.

The power indicator of such an infrared heater for greenhouses is 250 W, the bulb base is E27, the voltage is 220 V.

Installation of ECZ 250 W must be carried out at a height of 1.5 m. As in the case of the previous type of heaters, the installation step of this type is every 1.5 m.

These IR lamps are ideal for keeping plants grown in boxes. As they grow, infrared heaters for greenhouses of this type must be fixed to a higher mark.

The cost of ECZ 250 W varies around 350-400 rubles.

"Bilux"

An infrared heater of this type provides radiation in the range of 7-14 microns. This indicator is absolutely safe and, to some extent, even useful for plants and humans.

"BiLux" is very effective in use, because it warms up the soil and plants. Only after that warm air rises to the ceiling. Due to such a correct dimensional distribution of heat, there is no need to turn on the infrared heater frequently.

The difference between "BiLux" and the previous options is that it can be safely used not only in greenhouse conditions, but also in the house.

The peculiarity of the structure of such an infrared heater is that its plane is made of outer glass, which prevents moisture from getting inside.

The dimensions and power of this product can be different, it all depends on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe heated room, the voltage is 220 V. The cost varies from 1000 to 8000 rubles.

When using any type of heaters, it is worth remembering that they must be positioned in such a way as to eliminate "dead" zones, and heat is distributed evenly throughout the room.

To choose the right equipment correctly, you should familiarize yourself with the classification of infrared emitters:

By appointment. Manufacturers produce industrial appliances and household heaters. In large greenhouses or greenhouses, industrial equipment can be installed.

The short-wave spectrum, in which the devices operate, allows you to accelerate the growth of plants. But for the human body, short waves are harmful.

By type of fuel. Electrical appliances use a lot of electricity. If summer residents grow vegetables or flowers professionally, they choose a more economical option - infrared heaters for greenhouses that run on gas.

Gas-fired infrared emitters are a less expensive option for heating greenhouses. Their advantages are obvious: cheap energy source, beneficial effect on plants, durability.

According to the heating temperature of the radiating flask. Light emitters with a temperature of more than 600 degrees should be placed in a large room. Dark heaters do a good job of heating a small winter greenhouse.

According to the method of fastening. The photo of infrared heaters for greenhouses shows domestic and industrial models.The latter look like panels that are mounted on the ceiling. Household appliances are fixed on the walls or special tripods.

By performance. The owner of the greenhouse, before buying appliances, must first calculate how many heaters he will need. An industrial radiator heats an area equal to 80-100 m2. As for household models, their performance varies from 5 m2 to 20 m2.

Choosing a quality heater

There is a wide range of prices on the market for infrared devices and you need to be very careful in choosing.

• calculate how many devices you need, and how much power. You can do this with the help of a sales assistant;
• if you have chosen the best option, be sure to check its performance right in the store;
• the heater should not make noise during operation;
• store employees are required to carefully pack the purchase;
• do not buy without making sure you have a certificate. The brand of the goods and the data in the certificate must match;
• Don't leave without your receipt and warranty card.

Reviews of infrared heaters are mostly positive. One young man complained that the heater made a loud clicking sound when heating up and cooling down. Most likely, this is related to a specific device. In general, the owners note the economy and high-quality heating.

Ways to improve the efficiency of the heating system

As you know, infrared heaters do not heat the air, but objects, including the ground of the greenhouse. At the same time, they are able to warm the soil only by 7-10 cm, and as plants such as cucumbers grow, less heat gets to the soil. Therefore, to increase the efficiency of the heating system, experienced vegetable growers recommend that soil heating be provided.The following options are possible:

• supply of warm air from any source through pipes;
• traditional cable "warm floor";
• laying a layer of foam between the foundation and the ground;
• laying under the ground IR film PLEN.

Penotherm is an effective and inexpensive material for thermal insulation of greenhouse soil

Penotherm is widely used as a heater for saunas and baths. It is also the most budgetary way of thermal insulation of the soil of the greenhouse. A material with a thickness of 0.5 cm is used, which is laid directly on concrete with an overlap on the walls of the greenhouse to a height of 10-15 cm. A layer of soil up to 50 cm thick is poured over the insulation. Such a “pie” tolerates frosts well 30-40 ° C.

Infrared film can be laid under the ground to a depth of 30-50 cm in stationary greenhouses or used for temporary heating, covering plants from above only on very cold days. The film under the ground can be mounted both horizontally on a concrete or crushed stone base, and vertically along the perimeter or between the beds. Film heaters are also convenient when growing seedlings in boxes on racks or on the floor.

Infrared film can be used for “bottom” heating of the greenhouse soil or cover plants with it from above during very cold periods

When placing IR units in a greenhouse, it is also useful to take into account the recommendations of experienced users.

The potential of infrared heaters with a power of 500 W or more is fully manifested when they are placed in the coldest zones of the greenhouse along walls and windows. Moreover, the distance from the device to the plant should not be less than 1 meter. Powerful heaters with ceiling fastening are effective.They are placed above tables with seedlings, above tall plants in the ground, but the optimal placement height in each case must be determined empirically independently.

Usually, 1 heater is installed for every 1.5-3 meters of the length of the greenhouse. The higher the ceiling of the greenhouse, the larger the area covered by one device. True, the higher the unit is located, the less heat the plants receive.

To some growers, the scheme of infrared heating of the greenhouse with 10-12 heaters with a power of 250 W seems more flexible. It allows you to concentrate more devices in one zone, leaving another cooler. In this case, the distance between the heaters should not exceed 1.5 meters, and the height of their placement above the plants is also determined empirically: first lowered lower, and raised as they grow.

To increase the efficiency of the infrared heating system and at the same time reduce energy costs, heaters are placed above the plants in a checkerboard pattern, thus reducing the number of "dead" zones.

An example of organizing infrared heating of a greenhouse based on 3 units with a power of 1000 W on the video:

Users note the only drawback of infrared heating of greenhouses - the cost. But plants with rapid growth and high yields fully compensate for these costs.

Kinds

Infrared heaters are extremely popular despite the rather high cost. There are many models of different power, for different areas, for different fuels, and so on.

According to the installation method, devices are divided into 2 types ^

• Stationary - the presence of a heater in this case is provided for at the construction stage.Such a solution is rational in the case when the greenhouse needs constant heating and has an area of ​​​​at least 15-20 square meters. m. Otherwise, a mobile model is quite enough.

  Installed on a permanent basis, often without changing position

• Portable - designed for heating a small area - up to 15 square meters. m. The heater can be moved from place to place or fixed to suitable surfaces.

  Most often used in small spaces

By type of food

• Electrical - thermal radiation is generated by a special element. For this to happen, it must be warmed up. In electric heaters, this happens due to electric current. According to the type of heating element, the following varieties are distinguished:

  • ceramic - a ceramic panel acts as a heating element. Its large area guarantees heating of a large area of ​​the greenhouse. Ceramics is almost eternal, it does not react to temperature changes. Another interesting property is that the ceramic element does not glow in the dark. The disadvantage of the device is considered to be a rather long warm-up - up to 15 minutes;

    Greenhouse Ceramic Infrared Heater

  • halogen - tubular quartz heaters act as a heat source. This option heats up much faster, but is designed for a smaller area. It is carried out in any version - floor, wall, ceiling;

    Installed in not very large greenhouses

  • carbon fiber - heat is generated by a quartz tube, inside of which carbon fiber is located. This model is very durable and effective: almost all models are equipped with reflectors. On average, a 500 W model heats up an area of ​​​​10-12 square meters. m;

    Installed in pairs or in combination of 3-4 devices for the best effect

  • mikathermic - ceramic tubes serve as a heating element. This is the safest option among all electric heaters. This structure is best suited for wall and ceiling devices.
  • Gas - gas is used to heat the element, which emits infrared study. There are 2 types of devices:

• light type - the heat source is ceramic tiles, its temperature reaches 950 C. Heating with gas is carried out in the shortest possible time, so that the greenhouse heats up almost instantly. The device works on natural or liquefied gas;

  Efficient long lasting gas appliance

• Dark type - metal tubes radiate heat. The temperature of the metal reaches 400 C. An obligatory element of the heater is an air vent that removes combustion products.

But in order for the heat to get to the beds in full, it is worth understanding how to make beds in a polycarbonate greenhouse.

Film - or tape. The heating elements are fixed on a foil, which acts as a reflector and is covered with a laminated film on both sides. The thickness of the tape is only 1.5 mm. In rooms, a film heater is usually installed on the floor, but there are ceiling-mounted models. They are ideal for greenhouses. The film heater creates uniform heating, does not dry the air, does not require maintenance and is easy to install.

It looks like a tape infrared heater for greenhouses

Devices are also classified according to the type of radiation:

1. light - heated up to 600 C. Models are used for greenhouses with a large area;
2. long-wave - heated to above 300 C.This power is enough to heat small greenhouses.

Also, do not forget about how to install with your own hands and properly use the machine to ventilate the greenhouse.

This setting distinguishes:

1. models with a thermostat - the device allows you to set and maintain the radiation power, which, in turn, provides heating or maintaining the temperature. However, they do not assess air temperature or humidity;

   Installed permanently

2. options with a thermostat - provides for turning off the heating when a certain temperature or humidity is reached. The thermostat can maintain the temperature according to the set schedule.

You can also organize the cultivation of watermelons in a greenhouse, but how to do it correctly is detailed here.

Advantages and disadvantages

Infrared heaters are so relevant today that they replace traditional radiators in modern cottages. So they are good for people. And what benefits do these devices bring to plants? Let's take a look at the benefits of their work.

1. Due to the fundamental feature of IR devices (heat does not go to the air, but directly to the soil), thermal energy is distributed most optimally throughout the greenhouse.
2. There is no movement of air mass from the bottom up, which is familiar to us. This means that there is no circulation of dust and microorganisms. There are no drafts.
3. The heat is soft, not intense, the air does not dry out, which means that the microclimate in the greenhouse is preserved.
4. IR devices can be installed as convenient. On walls, on racks or special fastenings, as well as on the ceiling. Experts say that the best option is a ceiling mount.
5. They do not make any sounds during operation.
6. They have temperature sensors. This means, for example, in one corner more heat-loving exotic plants can rise, and in the other - crops that love coolness. The temperature can be set initially, and it will be maintained without your participation. It is also possible to regulate the heat supply during the growth of one crop.
7. The intensity and uniformity of heating can be adjusted by raising or slightly lowering the device. First you need to install an infrared heater a meter from the floor, and then, as the seedlings grow, mount it higher.
8. IR equipment is also growing and developing. On a more modern one, instead of a flat screen, a spherical one. The light rays are scattered at an angle of 120 degrees and the plants receive even more even heat.
9. The room heats up quickly and cools down slowly due to the fact that heat accumulates in the soil.
10. Energy consumption is more economical than with other heating options. If we talk about electricity, then 30 - 70% is saved.
11. There are no moving parts and air filters in the design of the heaters, they do not need to be replaced. So they are durable. Can work around the clock.
12. The devices are compact and easy to carry.
13. Heaters are fireproof.
14. You can install it yourself, no specialists are needed for this.

IR heater in the greenhouse And now the cons:

1. If the use is economical, then the acquisition is quite expensive.
2. A lot of fakes of famous brands at a lower price. They don't work for a long time.
3. You need to correctly calculate how much and what kind of heaters you need to buy for your room.

Can infrared heaters be used in a greenhouse?

Gas or electric heating for greenhouses is considered the ideal solution to the issue of heating. When choosing a heating system, the greenhouse owner needs to remember the need to create the following conditions:

• the most even distribution of heat;
• lack of drafts;
• profitability;
• practicality.

Another requirement for infrared heating is the safety of use and the automated heating process in accordance with external factors.

Maximum even heat distribution

The method of operation of the heater lies in the ability of infrared rays to influence the surface of objects. The range of heating power is almost not affected by the distance from the source of study, air exchange and the presence of heat loss. If you correctly calculate the power and distribute the emitters, you can get even heating of the earth and accelerated plant growth.

No drafts

One of the main causes of drafts is considered to be an incorrectly calculated heating system. When heating large areas, forced air circulation is often created. Warm air flows up, and cold air flows down. In a greenhouse, it is extremely difficult to get places with low thermal insulation. Windows and doors allow cold air currents to pass through, so drafts are obtained, to which floras are sensitive.

Infrared heating of a polycarbonate greenhouse solves this problem by installing emitters in front of a door or window. Thus, a thermal barrier is created and heat losses are compensated, preventing the occurrence of drafts.

We recommend: Pros of heating the garage with an infrared heater

Economy, convenience and safety

Heating emitters greenhouses made of polycarbonate or glass does not require high costs. Installation can be done by yourself. If you use a thermostat, then the cost of electricity or gas will decrease by 40%. Today, heating a greenhouse with an infrared heater is considered one of the most rationally beneficial solutions. Devices have several levels of protection. Electric heaters have a waterproof housing, which completely eliminates electric shock.

Classification

Infrared heating devices differ in the sources of energy released, types of heating elements, mounting methods of installation and some other characteristics.

You will be interested to know how to make greenhouse heating on wood.

Energy source

Today, there are 3 sources of thermal energy released by heaters, according to which devices are divided into:

• electrical;
• gas;
• diesel.

Heating element type

Heating elements in gas infrared heaters are:

• metal in the form of grids, heated to high temperatures;
• ceramic in the form of tiles, which have great strength and the ability to quickly heat up to a high temperature and quickly cool down;
• metal in the form of tubes, giving a lower temperature.

We advise you to learn how to remove condensate in the greenhouse.

According to the type of heating elements, gas infrared heaters are divided into:

• light, which, causing a visible glow, heat up metal grids or ceramic tiles to temperatures above +600 ° C;

• dark, heating metal tubes to temperatures below +600°C.

The form

Light heaters, as a rule, have a round or rectangular shape and are not equipped with a smoke exhauster. Dark versions of these devices have an elongated shape and are equipped with a smoke exhauster that drives combustion products through a tubular heating element.

Learn how to make automatic watering in the greenhouse with your own hands.

Mounting method

As mentioned above, depending on the method of installation inside the greenhouse, heating devices are divided into mobile and stationary. Since gas heaters are tied to a gas supply source, they are usually made stationary and mounted on the ceiling, on walls, near the baseboard, or hung from the ceiling.

Usually skirting heaters are mounted under the windows, which allows them not only to serve as a heating device in the greenhouse, but also to level the flow of cold air into the room from outside. Suspended devices are fixed under the ceiling by means of special brackets and anchor bolts. Together with ceiling devices, they are most preferred for the full heating of the soil in the greenhouse.

Heating temperature

Gas heaters are heated to temperatures from +400°C to over +1000°C. The required temperature directly depends on the area and height of the greenhouse. At the same time, in infrared sources, the heat flow is mainly (over 60%), in contrast to the convector, formed from electromagnetic radiation produced by heating elements incandescent from gas combustion.

We recommend reading how to make a ventilation system in a polycarbonate greenhouse.

Radiation range

Wien's law explains the dependence of the heating temperature of the irradiated surface on the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.The higher the temperature, the shorter the electromagnetic waves. In this regard, the radiation range is divided into:

• longwave;
• medium wave;
• shortwave.

Thus, shortwave radiation is used for large industrial greenhouses.

Important! The profitability of gas heaters is due to the lower price of gas compared to electricity. The 50 liter gas cylinder is capable of fueling the heaters throughout the winter months.