Propane Heating

[cb977]

I would have to agree with Jim on this one...I wouldn't be comfortable knowing that "something" was being pumped into a confined area and not being allowed a release. I don't have a full heating sytem in my room so I am unable to offer any other suggestions but I do know that if I did, it would be vented.

[Orchonubee]

Bradfo69 I'm curious as to your final decision. Please let me know. I have a small 8X8 shade building in E Cen Fl, which I close in during the winter and heat electrically. Thought of propane, but the cost has quadrupled in 4 years, and I found out they now tie their price to the price of oil. Anything to gouge the consumer!

[goodgollymissmolly]

Well, since propane comes from oil, it makes sense to me. Why exactly do you consider it gouging?

Do not ever use an unvented heater. If your greenhouse is even remotely sealed up, it's a death wish. I won't even use an unpowered vent but they do work. Just not to my standards for survival.

This is not a debatable issue.

Jim, Chemical Engineer, Lexington,KY

[Orchonubee]

Originally Posted by goodgollymissmolly

Well, since propane comes from oil, it makes sense to me. Why exactly do you consider it gouging?

I don't have precise comparison, but just a few years ago propane was far less expensive than gasoline. I was paying about $28 dollars to fill up a large cylinder six years ago. For a delivery on this Oct 4th it was $159.50 for a similar amount. I call this gouging, as propane as I understand it, is a byproduct of natural gas and oil processing. But since you asked the question there is no doubt that the gouge applies to oil too! Unconsciencable profits ususally are a good indicator of gouging!
Sorry for this post as we are talking of heating green houses, I just go carried away.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Orchonubee

I don't have precise comparison, but just a few years ago propane was far less expensive than gasoline. I was paying about $28 dollars to fill up a large cylinder six years ago. For a delivery on this Oct 4th it was $159.50 for a similar amount. I call this gouging, as propane as I understand it, is a byproduct of natural gas and oil processing. But since you asked the question there is no doubt that the gouge applies to oil too! Unconsciencable profits ususally are a good indicator of gouging!
Sorry for this post as we are talking of heating green houses, I just go carried away.

I wasn't even going to get involved with this post since I don't heat or use propane, for a greenhouse, except for gas grill, but I have to say that "sour gas" used, in some cases, to produce useful products, is "flamed away" here in Michigan where "we" produce lots of these products from very deep wells. Michiganders pay exorbitent prices compared to other non-oil-gas-producing states based on taxes, levies, etc. To say propane is cheap, or expensive, or anything else, is really dependent on the pricing structure for your particular state. I have lived in states (like Oregon) where hydro-electric energy was really cheap. I have lived in states like Texas where hydro-carbon-based energy was pretty cheap. I now live in a state where both forms are VERY expensive!

[kmcalpin]

So ANYWAY, I just had the Comfort Air guy come and check out the set up, there is no way he can put in a direct vent propane heater, because the propane heater which is already there is against a concrete wall. Apparently you need to make the vent directly behind the heater, it isn't like a dryer where you can put the vent far away from the appliance. So I would need to reroute everything . . .

So I'm back to square one. I think I'll have to do electric, does anyone have any recommendations? I am so frustrated right now I am about to consider selling all of my orchids. No just kidding but I think my husband wants me to!!! Is the hanging kind the best way to go??

[Ross]

Originally Posted by kmcalpin

So ANYWAY, I just had the Comfort Air guy come and check out the set up, there is no way he can put in a direct vent propane heater, because the propane heater which is already there is against a concrete wall. Apparently you need to make the vent directly behind the heater, it isn't like a dryer where you can put the vent far away from the appliance. So I would need to reroute everything . . .

So I'm back to square one. I think I'll have to do electric, does anyone have any recommendations? I am so frustrated right now I am about to consider selling all of my orchids. No just kidding but I think my husband wants me to!!! Is the hanging kind the best way to go??

Slowwww down! Is there anyway to set the new heater in a new location where it can be vented (the venting is 2-fold - fresh air in and exhaust out) There are lots of new guys on the block that use plastic (PVC) piping as vents and fresh air stacks. Maybe a different vendor? Just wondering.

Edit: anything here: Heaters for Small Greenhouses - Portable Forced Air Heater, Portable Electric Heater, 120V Electric

[kmcalpin]

rsfrid, thanks for that link, there might be some good stuff in there. Unfortunately we live in a really small community, I don't think that there are any other propane experts in town. I don't really get why the vent can't just jut out from the side of the heater and then go out but . . . I'm not a propane expert!

Again would love any insight into which electric heaters work well, good in humid environments like orchid greenhouses, etc.

thanks,
Kristin

K

[littlefrog]

How many sq feet are you heating and what is your lowest outside temperature? That makes a big difference. If you are going to do electric, that is not a bad option, you just need to size the system appropriately. I think there are some newish 'baseboard' style electric radiators, which are oil filled or some such fancy technology. Low profile, pretty efficient, and quiet.

I'd definitely go with an oil-filled electric heater of some sort, they give much more consistent heat and I don't think they dry out the air as much. I use a portable one in my daughter's bedroom which works really well (plus it doesn't get so hot that it could seriously burn skin).

Another option to consider, since your greenhouse is attached. What do you heat the rest of your house with? Gas? Maybe you could add a zone to your central heating system. Hot water radiators? Add a couple of those. It might be a lot easier to add onto an existing system than to build a new one.

[Gin]

Here is what has worked for me in 2 different greenhouses . First there is no natural gas in my area so it is propane or nothing . My heater is vented as the other one was , It is an older one with a mechanical thermostat it will come on without electric power of course the blower won't run . We have a generator so it is not a problem .
I have read if the greenhouse is tight the ones that are not vented sometimes do not have enough oxygen and the heater will not come on, a safe guard thing . Gin