In the video “HEAT your Greenhouse (15 Ways)” by Wineberry Hill, you will learn various techniques for keeping your greenhouse warm during the winter months. From building a winter passive solar greenhouse to using water as thermal mass, these tips can be applied to any greenhouse design. By implementing DIY methods such as thick walls made of plywood and professional grade insulation, you can effectively heat your greenhouse without spending money or energy.
Wineberry Hill’s video covers 15 innovative ways to heat your greenhouse, including a ground air heat transfer system for geothermal heating and cooling, a terracotta heater for additional warmth, and a foyer airlock to prevent heat loss when entering or exiting. By utilizing these techniques and maximizing sunlight exposure, you can ensure your greenhouse remains warm and functional even in the coldest winter months.
Thick Walls for Thermal Mass
When it comes to keeping your greenhouse warm, thick walls can play a crucial role in providing thermal mass. By using plywood and pallet wood for your wall structure, you can create a sturdy and insulated barrier that helps retain heat. Plywood, being three-quarters of an inch thick, adds a substantial amount of thermal mass to your greenhouse. Additionally, cladding the walls with pallet wood adds another layer of insulation, contributing to the overall heat retention capability of your greenhouse. The thickness and composition of the walls help trap heat inside the greenhouse, creating a stable and warm environment for your plants.
Insulation Techniques
To further enhance the insulation of your greenhouse, utilizing styrofoam can be extremely beneficial. By inserting styrofoam pieces into the walls during construction, you can effectively insulate the structure and prevent heat loss. Finding styrofoam through platforms like Facebook or Craigslist can be a cost-effective way to improve the insulation of your greenhouse walls. Additionally, incorporating professional-grade weed barrier on the interior walls of your greenhouse adds another layer of insulation. The dark color of the weed barrier helps in collecting solar energy, contributing to the overall warmth of the greenhouse.
Sealing Windows and Doors
Properly sealing windows and doors is essential to prevent heat loss in your greenhouse. By using heavy weather stripping on windows and doors, you can eliminate air leaks and create a more airtight environment. Another effective technique is to insulate windows and roof panels with clear plastic. By creating wooden frames and stretching clear greenhouse plastic over them, you can establish an insulating air gap in front of the windows and panels. This method not only helps retain heat but also seals the greenhouse from external air circulation.
Raised Bed with Insulation
Creating a raised bed with gabion baskets and styrofoam insulation can significantly contribute to heat retention in your greenhouse. The stone-filled gabion baskets act as thermal mass and help collect and release heat over time. Insulating the bed with styrofoam ensures that heat is stored efficiently in the soil. By adding layers of heavy-grade weed barrier inside and outside the bed, you can further enhance the heat retention capabilities of the raised bed. The combination of these elements creates a warm and stable environment for your plants.
Ground Air Heat Transfer System
Implementing a geothermal heating and cooling system in your greenhouse can provide sustainable and effective temperature control. By installing perforated pipes underground, you can access the stable temperature below the surface of the ground. This system allows you to regulate the temperature inside the greenhouse by utilizing the natural geothermal energy. Insulating the surrounding area and incorporating fans and control systems enhance the efficiency of the ground air heat transfer system.
Drop Ceiling for Heat Retention
Installing a drop ceiling made of R6 insulation foam can help reduce air volume within the greenhouse and retain heat. By creating a barrier between the heated air and the volume of the greenhouse, the drop ceiling prevents heat loss and maintains a warm environment. This method is especially useful during colder months when heating efficiency is crucial for plant growth.
Water as Thermal Mass
Utilizing water bottles and barrels as thermal mass in your greenhouse can be an effective way to store heat. Black one-gallon water bottles placed strategically within the greenhouse can collect and store heat, releasing it slowly overnight. Additionally, incorporating water barrels that are part of the watering system for the greenhouse adds a significant amount of thermal mass. With over 100 gallons of water available for heat storage, you can ensure a stable and warm environment for your plants.
Terracotta Heater
Adding a terracotta heater to your greenhouse can provide additional warmth during colder periods. Whether it’s a wood stove, gas or electric heater, or a DIY terracotta heater, supplementing your heating system with this method can help maintain optimal temperatures for plant growth. The terracotta heater design can efficiently radiate heat and contribute to the overall warmth of the greenhouse.
Foyer for Airlock
Creating a foyer as an airlock in your greenhouse can help prevent heat loss when entering or exiting the structure. By insulating the walls and using dark colors to collect and store heat, the foyer acts as a buffer zone to maintain the warmth inside the greenhouse. This concept of an airlock helps conserve energy and ensures that the greenhouse remains at an optimal temperature for plant growth.
Optimal Location and Orientation
Selecting the optimal location and orientation for your greenhouse is crucial in maximizing sunlight exposure and minimizing shade for winter warmth. By strategically placing the greenhouse to receive ample sunlight throughout the day, you can harness solar energy to heat the structure naturally. Additionally, positioning the greenhouse to avoid shading from nearby structures or trees ensures that it remains warm during the colder months. Consider the sunlight patterns and environmental factors when determining the location and orientation of your greenhouse for optimal heat retention.
By implementing these comprehensive techniques and strategies, you can effectively heat your greenhouse during the winter months without compromising energy efficiency. From thick walls for thermal mass to utilizing water as a heat storage medium, each method contributes to creating a warm and stable environment for your plants. Experiment with different approaches and tailor them to your specific greenhouse design to achieve optimal heating results. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can enjoy a thriving greenhouse throughout the coldest months of the year.
