Parafin or Electric?

It cost a fortune last year to heat the greenhouse, I use a fan heater (electric) but I was wondering about a parafin heater anyone know if the cost is much different?

just to add the greenhouse is glass & 10 x 6
Helen

[ 12. January 2006, 11:36 AM: Message edited by: Gardening Newbie ]

 

You could try some bubblewrap 'well' clipped to the frame that will help with insulation and electric usage I would be more concerned about safety using liquid fuel/ bubble wrap combi. I dont usually heat mine until end Feb/March.If you are growing very early plants thats different.

 

i`ve just been given an old gas fire (i`m told small gas bottles are about 12 quid but last ages.)i was gonna go for parfin but was told by an old hand that the fumes killed off his tomatoes so i didn`t bother.anyone else had this problem?this is my first year with heated greenhouse so can`t say from experience.

 

a proper paraffin greenhouse heater wont kill plant unless it runs out of fuel and or the wick is not trimmed. ie they need attention daily
i m not to sure about portable domestic style gas fires...... they will give out carbon monoxide, and i m not sure you can trun em down low enuff, i ve never seen any1 use them in a greenhouse,, they would rust up pretty quickly

 

I used to use a paraffin heater years ago, and I always had trouble with the leaves of my tomatos going limp and shriveling. It didn't seem to affect anything else though, and it was while they were at the seedling stage.Once the plants got bigger they were unaffected.
Dont think a domestic gas heater is really suitable for greenhouse use, electric is by far the best, I think.

 

Personally I dont like the moisture that paraffin provides, there's far too much dampness around naturally in the winter, without creating more in the greenhouse by burning paraffin.
As for Co2, I know they say plants like it, but I dont think its in short supply.

 

I agree with Pete paraffin is moisture making. A thermostically controlled bar or fan is easier and It will come on if required without having to go into greenhouse to turn on or off.

 

If thats how you like it Marley, then thats OK.

One other point that does come to mind, I believe with paraffin and also gas you need to keep some ventillation open while they are burning. With electric however you can shut out all draughts entirely if you want to.
Another reason for not using a domestic gas heater, perhaps?

 

Keep pottering and puddling :D :D