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Greenhouse Heaters

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About Our Greenhouse Heaters 🌡️

Keeping your plants thriving through British winters requires reliable frost protection. Our greenhouse heaters range from compact 1.8kW electric models to powerful 2.7kW thermostatically controlled units, all designed for the unique challenges of greenhouse environments. You'll find electric greenhouse heaters with push-button simplicity, high-quality LPG and natural gas options for off-grid locations, and traditional paraffin heaters for budget-conscious growers.

Every heater ships with free UK delivery and a 1-year warranty, arriving within 5 days. Whether you need a tubular heater for gentle background warmth or a thermostatic fan heater to circulate air and prevent mould, stainless steel construction across our range withstands the damp conditions that corrode cheaper alternatives. Prices start from affordable entry-level frost protection scaling up to commercial-grade heating systems.


Choosing Your Greenhouse Heater

Start by measuring your space. A 6x4ft greenhouse needs roughly 2kW for frost protection (maintaining 2°C minimum), while an 8x6ft structure requires 2.5kW. For tropical growing at 15°C+, double these figures.

Running Costs at a Glance:

  • Electric Fan Heaters: Approx. 55p/hour. Fast response, best for circulation.
  • Tubular Heaters: 3p-15p/hour. Low cost, best for background warmth.
  • Gas/Propane: Approx. 22p/hour. Powerful, best for off-grid use.

Check our Greenhouse Accessories for compatible thermostats that cut fuel consumption by 30-40% through automatic cycling. Pair heaters with Greenhouse Staging positioned to avoid blocking warm air circulation.

🔥 Heater Sizing Reference
Size Frost (2°C) Warmth (15°C)
6ft x 4ft 2kW 3.5kW
8ft x 6ft 2.5kW 4.5kW
10ft x 8ft 3kW 6kW
12ft x 8ft 3.5kW 7kW

Key Features Comparison

Feature Electric Fan ⚡ Tubular 〰️ Gas/Paraffin 🔥
Heat Output 1.8 - 2.7kW 60 - 240W 2 - 4kW
Running Cost High (49-73p/hr) Low (3-15p/hr) Medium (22-44p/hr)
Installation Plug & Play Wall-mounted Floor standing
Thermostat Built-in Separate purchase Built-in (gas)
Disease Control Excellent (Active Fan) Fair (Convection) Fair (Convection)
IP Rating IP55 (Splashproof) IP55 N/A (Vent required)

Frequently Asked Questions about Greenhouse Heaters

  • What size heater do I need for my greenhouse?

    You need approximately 1kW per 100 square feet for frost protection (maintaining 2°C). An 8x6ft greenhouse (48 sq ft) requires a 2.5kW heater for basic frost defence, or 4.5kW if you're growing heat-loving plants at 15°C+. Measure your greenhouse length × width, then use the sizing reference table above.

  • How much does it cost to run a greenhouse heater in the UK?

    A 2kW electric fan heater costs roughly 54p per hour at 27p/kWh, running £3.89 daily if left on continuously. Tubular heaters use 60-240W, costing just 3p–15p hourly for gentle background heat. Gas heaters average 22p per hour for propane, making them cheaper than electric fans but costlier than tubes.

  • Can I leave my greenhouse heater on overnight safely?

    Yes, heaters with IP55 ratings and built-in thermostats are designed for unattended operation. Electric models automatically cycle on/off to maintain temperature, preventing both freezing and energy waste. Always ensure adequate clearance from plants and flammable materials—position heaters at least 30cm from walls and staging.

  • Do gas heaters need ventilation in greenhouses?

    Absolutely. Gas and paraffin heaters produce water vapour and carbon dioxide, requiring open roof vents or louvres to prevent dangerous fume buildup. This isn't a drawback—plants benefit from the CO2 enrichment. Electric heaters need no ventilation but won't add atmospheric moisture like combustion heaters do.

  • What does IP55 rating mean for greenhouse heaters?

    IP55 certification means the heater withstands water jets from any direction, protecting internal electrics from irrigation splashes and condensation drips. The first digit (5) indicates dust protection; the second (5) confirms water resistance. Non-rated heaters corrode within months in greenhouse humidity.

  • Which heater type prevents mould and botrytis best?

    Fan heaters actively circulate air, disrupting the still, damp conditions where fungal spores germinate. Tubular and gas heaters rely on passive convection, creating cold spots near glazing where condensation pools. For disease-prone crops like tomatoes, invest in a thermostatically controlled fan heater.

  • Can I use a greenhouse heater with raised beds?

    Yes, but position heaters to blow warm air across the top of soil rather than directly at root zones. Place fan heaters at staging height or wall-mount tubular heaters above Raised Beds and Planters for efficient heat distribution.

Why Buy Greenhouse Heaters from Greenhouse Stores?

Every heater in our collection is CE certified and built for British growing conditions. Free UK mainland delivery gets your heater to you within 5 days, and our 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects. Need help calculating the right size or choosing between fuel types? Call our greenhouse heating specialists on 0800 098 8877 or email sales@greenhousestores.co.uk for personalized advice.