December 30, 2004

Gas Greenhouse Heaters – How to Control and Monitor Ethylene Emissions

Gas greenhouse heaters are a very popular way of heating greenhouses and many people prefer this type of heater over electric or oil heaters. This is mainly because they are much more affordable than electricity, which can be an extremely expensive way to heat a green house (especially during the winter months.)

On the other hand, although a gas greenhouse heater is more affordable, it does cause some serious concerns to many people due to the possibility of ethylene emissions being produced in the greenhouse. Thus, here are some helpful tips on how to reduce the risk of your greenhouse being destroyed from dangerous chemical production.

When a gas greenhouse heaters is used to warm greenhouses, products of combustion are released into the greenhouse atmosphere. This is due to several things, but much of the emissions are produced because of the deterioration of the heater as well as structural damage to the ventilation system. You see, when propane heaters and their respective ventilation systems are new, they work together to circulate air and suppress toxic fumes.

However over time, if the heater is exposed to the elements, or not maintained adequately, rusting, cracking and clogging of air intakes can occur, which leads to gas leaks and harmful concentrations of ethylene. Once ethylene is released into a green house’s atmosphere, the plants inside of it will start to become unhealthy and will eventually die. Not only that, the fumes and emissions are harmful to your health.

How to Determine if you have an Ethylene Leak

Continual inspection of any heating unit is extremely important. Whether you’re using oil, gas, coal or electricity to heat your greenhouse, you must always ensure that your warmer is working, as it should be. When using gas for heating a greenhouse, you can check for cracks and leaks by painting soapy water on the joints of your heater and looking for the formation of bubbles.

You could also add indicator plants, such as tomatoes to your green house and observe them for drooping and flower abscission, which are all symptoms that ethylene is present. Most importantly, if you suspect that you might have an ethylene leak, get a specialist to check it out, as it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Green houses are a wonderful hobby for any garden enthusiast, however their maintenance and care are very important for their success. As such, the heating unit you choose for your greenhouse must be maintained and tested regularly to ensure that you and your plants are safe.

When using a gas heater (a very popular and effective way to heat a greenhouse), you should be aware of the possibility of ethylene emissions. You should know how to test for them and treat them if they are present and keep in mind that they can be harmful to the health of your plants.

About The Author:
Erin McMillan is a talented and successful freelance writer. Her various writings provide relevant information and wonderfully researched resources for gardeners and garden enthusiasts wanting to learn more about gardening and gardening products. Erin loves sharing knowledge and education through her numerous writings and educational articles.

By: Erin McMillan
http//www.a1-best-garden-supplies.com