Greenhouse Heating Systems Guide: Cabinet Heaters, Jet Heaters & Floor Heating

Introduction

Choosing and buying a greenhouse heating system is one of the most critical decisions a greenhouse owner must make to guarantee the health of their crops. Imagine a cold winter night where the greenhouse temperature drops only a few degrees; that’s enough to destroy months of hard work and capital. Therefore, the discussion is not just about the greenhouse heating system price, but about the security of your investment.

If you intend to launch or upgrade your equipment and are looking for the best option for buying a greenhouse heating system, you should know that each available method—from jet heaters to floor heating—has its own specific advantages and disadvantages. In this article from the Gol Afrouz website, as a specialized reference for selling greenhouse heating equipment, we examine everything you need for a smart choice.

Why Does Choosing a Greenhouse Heating System Affect Profitability?

At first glance, you might think the ultimate goal is simply to raise the ambient temperature. However, in modern agriculture, a greenhouse heating system has a duty beyond producing heat. Humidity management, uniform temperature distribution, and preventing thermal shock to the plant all depend on the quality of the system you install. Research has shown that temperature fluctuations caused by an inefficient greenhouse heating system can reduce the yield of crops like cucumbers and tomatoes by up to 30%.

Furthermore, a large portion of a production unit's operational costs is related to fuel. If you are not careful when buying a greenhouse heating system and choose a low-efficiency device, in the long run, you will pay several times the greenhouse heating system price in gas and electricity bills. Therefore, a standard greenhouse heating system must have three key features:

• Optimal fuel consumption

• Uniform heat distribution throughout the hall

• Low maintenance and repair costs

Next, to help you make the best decision for buying a greenhouse heating system, we will examine the various types of heating systems for greenhouses.

Types of Greenhouse Heating Systems: A Technical Review for a Secure Purchase

The market for selling greenhouse heating equipment in Iran is very diverse, and this variety can sometimes confuse buyers. Generally, heating equipment is divided into three main categories: Hot Air (Cabinet) Heaters, Jet Heaters, and Floor Heating systems. A precise understanding of these items will help you know exactly what you are paying for when inquiring about the greenhouse heating system price.

1. Cabinet Heaters: A Classic Choice

Cabinet heaters, or hot air furnaces, have been recognized as a reliable greenhouse heating system for years. These devices operate with gas or diesel burners and send hot air into the hall through vents or plastic (polyethylene) ducts. If you are looking for a low-risk greenhouse heating system with a long lifespan, this is the option on the table.

Advantages of Cabinet Heaters:

• High Safety: Due to the chimney and separate combustion chamber, toxic gases do not enter the greenhouse.

• Easy Installation: They have a lower installation cost compared to the greenhouse floor heating cost.

• Fuel Versatility: They can operate with both gas and diesel.

However, it should be noted that the price of a cabinet greenhouse heater is slightly higher than jet heaters and occupies more space. Nevertheless, for greenhouses sensitive to Carbon Dioxide, this type of greenhouse heating system is the best option.

2. Greenhouse Jet Heaters

Jet Heaters, also known as "rocket heaters," are among the most popular options in the greenhouse heating equipment market. The reason for this popularity is the very high thermal efficiency (nearly 99% in flue-less models) and the greenhouse jet heater price, which ends up being cheaper than other systems.

If your priority in buying a greenhouse heating system is heating the environment quickly, the jet heater is unrivaled. But the important point is that jet heaters are produced in both flued and flue-less types. Using a flue-less model in greenhouses with poor ventilation can cause a buildup of pollutant gases. Therefore, if you intend to buy a jet heater type greenhouse heating system, be sure to pay attention to the hall's ventilation and the type of plant cultivated. For example, ornamental flowers are highly sensitive to pollutants from flue-less jet heaters.

3. Floor Heating System

It can be said that the most modern and principled method for cold climates is using a greenhouse heating system via the floor heating method. In this method, hot water pipes are embedded in the cultivation bed or the floor of the hall, transferring heat directly to the plant's roots.

Why is the Greenhouse Floor Heating Cost Economically Justified? While the initial greenhouse floor heating cost may seem heavy compared to buying a heater, its benefits are amazing. Scientific research shows that Root Zone Heating can increase plant growth by up to 20%, even if the ambient air temperature is lower than usual.

If you intend to buy a greenhouse heating system with an eye on exports and mass production, floor heating is the best option. By keeping the plant foliage dry, this system significantly reduces fungal diseases, thereby lowering your pesticide costs. However, for a precise inquiry into the greenhouse floor heating cost, you need to calculate the pipe footage, boiler type, and pumps, which our experts at Gol Afrouz can consult you on.

Technical and Cost Comparison: Which System is More Cost-Effective for You?

So far, we have become familiar with the types of greenhouse heating systems. But the main question is: given the budget and conditions, which one should we buy? Let’s have a head-to-head comparison to make the buying a greenhouse heating system process clearer for you. When talking about the greenhouse heating system price, you shouldn't just look at the price tag on the device, because installation, fuel consumption, and depreciation are all involved in the final cost.

• Initial Cost: The greenhouse jet heater price requires the lowest initial capital. This is followed by cabinet heaters, and finally, floor heating, which has the highest cost.

• Fuel Consumption: Floor heating and radiant types have the lowest energy waste. Flue-less jet heaters also have high fuel efficiency but offer lower air quality.

• Product Quality: If you are looking to produce luxury and export-quality products, our suggestion is buying a greenhouse heating system that is either floor heating or a combination of floor + heater.

It is not surprising to say that many professional greenhouse owners use hybrid systems—using floor heating to provide the base temperature and a secondary system like a jet heater for extremely freezing days.

Factors Influencing the Greenhouse Heating System Price

When you visit the market for buying a greenhouse heating system or check websites for selling greenhouse heating equipment, you will encounter different price ranges. Several factors influence the greenhouse heating system price, the most important of which include:

• Thermal Capacity (kcal): The larger the greenhouse, the higher the capacity required, which naturally increases the greenhouse heating system price.

• Furnace and Heat Exchanger Material: In cabinet heaters, using 304 or 310 stainless steel directly affects the lifespan and the greenhouse heater price. Steel furnaces are cheaper but puncture sooner.

• Burner and Fan Brand: Peripheral parts, such as the type of blower/suction fan and the burner brand (e.g., Iran Radiator), are effective in determining the greenhouse heating system price.

• Warranty and After-Sales Service: Always buy a greenhouse heating system from groups that provide installation services and valid warranties.