A greenhouse can extend the growing season for a gardener for a few months each year. Adding a heating system will allow them to continue to grow all year round. Can you heat a greenhouse with a pellet stove?
Pellet stoves are capable of heating a greenhouse and maintaining the proper temperature in the building. They do require a few precautions during installation, but with proper maintenance, they will continue to run on a renewable resource.
Below we will look at what would be needed to install a pellet stove in your greenhouse.
How Pellet Stoves Work as a Heat Source
Pellet stoves do require an electrical connection to power the mechanical components of the stove. It can deliver pellets or fuel from the hopper to the combustion chamber with a screw auger.
It removes the waste from the combustion chamber and allows fresh air in to continue to fuel the fire.
The flow will create a vacuum in the fuel chamber which will combine the fresh air and fuel pellets and cause a real fire to provide the heating source.
A thermostat will be used to start and maintain the combustion process to provide heat to the space. A blower motor will provide warm air out of the stove after passing through a heat exchanger.
Advantages of Using a Pellet Stove to Heat a Greenhouse
Using a pellet stove instead of other heating sources can provide a few advantages over other heating sources.
First, pellets are made from the remains of a renewable resource so there will rarely be a shortage of this resource available to heat your greenhouse. Pellet stoves are capable of heating the entire greenhouse with a single stove.
Pellet stoves operate automatically. They will be able to drop pellets into the hopper and start up whenever the thermostat falls below a specified temperature.
The fire is enclosed inside of them, and the air delivered is warmed through a heat exchanger. This gives the pellet stove an advantage over a wood stove in terms of safety and maintenance.
Pellets can be added to the hopper of the pellet stove and it will continue to run automatically.
Many pellet stoves are capable of holding an entire fifty-pound bag of pellets at a single time and can provide heat to the greenhouse for hours or days at a time without additional help.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pellet Stove for a Greenhouse
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the correct pellet stove to heat your greenhouse. These factors include the size of your greenhouse, the area your greenhouse is located, the construction of the greenhouse, the outdoor temperatures during the season, and the temperature the greenhouse will need to maintain.
After you have considered all of these factors, you can choose the proper pellet stove to heat your greenhouse.
You should keep in mind that the plants in your greenhouse do not need to be at the same temperature as your home. You should pick a pellet stove that is capable of heating your greenhouse properly and avoid overheating your greenhouse.
To check the current price and availability of Pellet Stoves, click here to view the selection on Amazon.
Steps for Installing a Pellet Stove in a Greenhouse
Pellet stoves do require a permeate installation and a dedicated vent pipe to expel the waste gasses from the stove. The location of the stove should be carefully considered to ensure the proper placement of the stove and allow the pellet stove the ability to provide heat to the entire greenhouse.
After the location is chosen there are a few steps when installing the pellet stove in your greenhouse. The first issue is the pellet stove will require a fire-resistant pad to sit on.
These hearth pads will prevent the risk of fire from any sparks, embers, or heat radiating off of your pellet stove when it is operating. They can be made of cement, stone, or even metal.
The pellet stove will also require an electrical connection. The electrical connection is necessary to operate the screw auger as well as the fan for the blower to push the air across the heat exchanger.
Some pellet stoves can continue to operate without electricity, but will only provide radiant heat to the greenhouse.
Pellet stoves will also require a dedicated vent pipe. The vent pipe will need to be routed out of the ceiling or wall of your greenhouse. The size of the pipe may vary depending on the pellet stove but will usually run between three and four inches in diameter.
The vent piping has a vent thimble attached to the outside of the piping. This thimble is a sleeve for the piping that will prevent the hot piping from touching any material which may result in a fire.
Tips for Maintaining and Operating a Pellet Stove in a Greenhouse
There are maintenance requirements needed for a pellet stove. Below we will look at the maintenance considerations when operating a pellet stove.
Yearly Maintenance
At least once a year, typically after the pellet stove is through operating for the season, it should be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.
This can be done by the homeowner, or a professional can be contracted to perform the maintenance needed for the pellet stove each year.
The vents should be inspected each year to ensure there are no leaks, as well as all parts of the pellet stove are in operational condition.
Operating Maintenance
During the season your stove will require maintenance also. The burn chamber should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it is free from ash.
There is typically an ash collection chamber that will need to be emptied periodically throughout the season. The viewing glass can be cleaned with a soft cloth after the pellet stove has completely cooled.
Final Thoughts
Pellet stoves are a viable option to heat a greenhouse. They can operate independently and provide heat to the greenhouse when needed. They do require a permanent insta
llation and periodic maintenance throughout the winter months to remain operational.
