You've given your plants shelter from the winter by building a greenhouse. Now you need a greenhouse heater to take away the chill.
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A greenhouse shields seeds and plants from the elements while maintaining a warm environment. However, even a well-insulated greenhouse may require assistance when the temperature drops. Buying a greenhouse heater provides the additional warmth plants need.
“Factors that can determine if a heater is needed are climate, location and the species of plant,” says Sarah Boyce, franchise owner of Aire Serv of Bel Air, a heating and air conditioning company.
It’s important to choose wisely: Oversize the heater and your plants will bake, while undersizing it may result in paying for gas or electricity without the benefits.
“Plants that would not normally grow due to cold weather can thrive in a greenhouse using a heater. The heater in the greenhouse can also allow for year-round growing,” says Lori Johnson, President of The Grounds Guys, a landscaping and lawn care service. “Plant roots grow better in warm conditions. The warm conditions help with root growth and plant resiliency. A heater in a greenhouse can be used to temporarily store potted plants when frost is expected.”
Unless you’re growing tropical plants, your greenhouse heater doesn’t need to maintain the same temperature as your home. Nonetheless, setting a target temperature based on your specific crops is essential. This determination will guide you in selecting the appropriate type of heater and the required heat output. Keep reading for the best options on the market.
Designed for small greenhouses, the Bio Green Palma Greenhouse Heater puts out 5,200 BTU, enough to heat 120 square feet. This electric space heater has a built-in circulation fan and draws 1,500 watts of electricity on a 120-volt circuit. Lightweight and sturdy, this splash-proof unit features an auto-shutoff in case of overheating.
A detachable 0 to 90-degree thermostat can be removed from the heater housing and mounted at eye level. It also earns top marks from Amazon raters and reviewers, with many customers noting how easy it is to use. Another happy shopper, Dswift13, calls it the “best greenhouse heater ever” adding, “I’m so glad we found these heaters! Definitely worth the money!”
The Dr. Heater DR218 Infrared Heater is equipped with a single 1,500-watt setting, an adjustable thermostat and a temperature sensor for efficient cycling on and off to maintain a consistent temperature. With the capacity to warm an area of up to 150 square feet, this straightforward heater also features a fan-only mode for warmer days, ensuring air circulation around delicate flora.
Its stainless steel housing offers a sturdy build, yet it’s still lightweight and extremely portable, making it easy to direct radiant heat precisely where it’s needed for greenhouse plants. Additionally, the heater includes an automatic shut-off function to prevent overheating, providing both convenience and safety.
Hardwiring into a 240-volt circuit is a requirement for the Comfort Zone Ceiling-Mount Heater, but it delivers an impressive 17,065 BTU of heating power while drawing 5,000 watts of electricity. This unit, similar to this Mr. Heater Garage heater, hangs from the ceiling, which frees up valuable floor space. Its powerful fan-forced design effectively disperses heat throughout a large area, while movable vents enable precise heat direction.
The adjustable thermostat control provides settings of 3,000, 4,000 and 5,000 watts, allowing you to get just the right temperature for your space. For added safety, the greenhouse heater includes a built-in sensor that automatically shuts off the unit in case of overheating, and an indicator light ensures you know exactly when it is powered on.
Oil-filled radiator heaters are mostly used for warming up indoor spaces. However, they can provide enough ambient heat to protect plants from frost in a 120-square-foot greenhouse when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. The Pelonis Portable Space Heater features three power settings and uses electricity to heat its oil-filled radiator. It’s smart too, turning off when the oil is warm enough to spread the heat around, which saves energy. Unlike many oil heaters, this one has its own fan to keep warm air circulating throughout the space.
If your greenhouse is 250 square feet or smaller, the Vornado space heater may be just what you need to keep your space warm during the colder seasons. It features a digital display that shows the current room temperature and allows you to set your desired temperature. As a fan, it provides excellent directional heating and air circulation and comes with a handy remote control. One downside, it’s not splash-proof, so you’ll need to place it outside out of your working area.
With more than 30 years working in the building trades, I used my hands-on experience and first-hand knowledge to select the best greenhouse heaters on the market. I’ve contributed to constructing a city in the Oregon desert, co-established two landscaping companies and worked as a carpenter, plumber and furniture refinisher. Since 2010, I’ve been sharing my expertise through DIY articles and serving as an online consultant, including with Home Depot’s Pro Referral service. My practical insights have been published on platforms like Landlordology, Apartments.com and Hunker, establishing me as a trusted source for reliable home improvement advice.
We consulted Sarah Boyce and Lori Johnson to gain more insight on why greenhouse heaters are needed and what factors you need to consider before buying one. Boyce is a franchise owner of Aire Serv of Bel Air, a Neighborly company. They’re experts on heating and cooling spaces. Johnson is the President of The Grounds Guys, a Neighborly company. They are licensed professionals who specialize in creating and maintaining beautiful lawns.
We researched lots of different greenhouse heating options, taking into account size, fuel source, efficiency and safety features. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with these heaters, and if they stand up to the test.
The best type of heater for a greenhouse depends on factors such as the size, climate and specific plant requirements. Electric fan heaters are efficient for smaller spaces, providing even heat distribution. Oil-filled radiators offer steady warmth without drying the air and are suitable for medium-sized greenhouses. Propane or gas heaters are effective for larger structures, delivering powerful heating but requiring proper ventilation.
Electric heaters with built-in safety features are often considered the safest choice for greenhouse heating. They eliminate open flames, carbon monoxide emissions and the need for combustible fuels. Models with tip-over protection and overheating shut-off features enhance safety by automatically turning off the heater in case of accidental falls or excessive heating.
The ideal winter temperature for a greenhouse depends on the plants being cultivated, but a common recommendation is to maintain a minimum temperature of 45 to 50 degrees during the night to prevent frost damage. “The general daytime range is between 70 to 80 degrees,” says Johnson. Some cold-tolerant plants may thrive in slightly cooler conditions, while more delicate or tropical varieties may require higher heat.
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