greenhouse heating and the dangers?

[workhorse]

I do feel that people should be aware that Paraffin and gas heaters used in greenhouses can hold dangers with regard to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Any type of heater used in a confined space must have adequate ventilation to be safe.
It is advisable to avoid using or purchasing old heaters, as these could be defective, and may not meet the current regulations.
Be aware that Carbon Monoxide is a killer, and carries no smell. Heaters must be cleaned and check on a regular basis, and should never be used in a sealed area, especially when your working in there.
Symptoms to watch out for:
Headache, confusion, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, grey-blue skin colouration.

[markwcel]

maybe a carbon monoxide detector would be advisable...not just for around gas fires....

[workhorse]

The important thing is to make sure that the heaters are serviced and in good working order.
You should also ensure that their is adequate ventilation.

James

[Digger Don]

I thought that if an appliance was burning with a nice blue flame it was perfectly safe, if the flame is yellow and possibly flickery then it indicates lack of oxygen and probably is producing carbon monoxide.
Or is this all wrong?

[Madasafish]

Yellow flames are standard in some paraffin heaters.

If my greenhouse was 100% draught free I'd worry. But it ain't so I don't.

[SMS6]

Thanks for starting this thread workhorse, I was only this morning considering getting a heater, following the disappointment that awaited me when I popped down to the greenhouse yesterday.

I did a bit of searching around on google to see what was possible - electric is out because the green house is too far from the house. My partner has an old paraffin heater some where in the garage and he suggested we use that BUT that's just it, it is an old one and I'm not convinced how safe it would be. There have been tales on here of blackened glass from faulty wicks.

So what's left? Propane Gas (is that like you use for camping cookers etc?) is that safer? My green house has an automatic roof vent and side vent. Do you need to have the gas bottle inside or outside the greenhouse?

Are there any other options? Solar power? Wind power?

[workhorse]

You're quite correct Digger Don, but as I have said before, it all comes down to making sure things are maintained correctly.

Reply to SMS6 - Propane gas heaters would normally have the gas bottle stood outside for safety, an should be installed as per the manufacturers instructions. As for the roof vents. these would normally be closed during the winter months, but ventilation is important, firstly to ensure the burners burn correctly, and also to reduce the chances of dam related problem with plants.

but please don't take my comments as anything other than advice.

Most modern day heaters are fine, and will give many years of trouble free service. Just follow the manufacturers instructions where maintenance is concerned and you'll be fine.

[SMS6]

thanks again - so how would you ensure the ventilation? Surely leaving the vents or a roof window open would counter act having the heater?

[lettucegrow!]

Surely you're greenhouse has little gaps at the corners and a draught getting in somewhere .No greenhouse is totally sealed.The heat from a paraffin just keeps the temp. about right for a cool greenhouse,as long as the wicks are burnt low and trimmed they shouldn't blacken the glass. Best to light wicks turn them down and re-check after about 10mins to make sure flame isn't too high (hands and knees and peer through whole on front of chimney bit of burner)Follow instructions etc. etc.!!!!

[SarzWix]

thanks again - so how would you ensure the ventilation? Surely leaving the vents or a roof window open would counter act having the heater?

You could put an automatic opener on one of the roof vents? Then when the greenhouse warms up during the day it'll open up & circulate some clean air?
I've been looking at a gas heater for my lottie greenhouse, the only problem for me would be standing the gas bottle outside - how do you get the pipe through?! (My greenhouse is covered in plastic similar to a polytunnel)

[SMS6]

I have auto vents on a roof window and also an auto louvre vent in the back of the greenhouse already so that should be okay.

I was wondering about getting the pipe from outside to in too. I was wondering about digging a hole down and under.

[SarzWix]

I didn't realise that the bottle had to be outside anyway , I think I'll ask the man at the Calor place I'm buying the heater from (Calor Gas National Dealers. - click on greenhouse heaters, good price on a 4kw one, & they deliver UK). If it does have to be outside, I'll have to cut a hole in the plastic & then put greenhouse tape round it to seal it!

[Norm]

Loads of people have had a greenhouse full of soot for one reason or another. One of my neighbours left the plastic parafin container on top of the heater one night. The container melted and the greenhouse with it's polycarb panes went up like a torch. However, I have never known, and neither has RoSPA, of an incident where someone died of Carbon Monoxide poisoning in a greenhouse. I think this one may be just a tad of over exageration

[workhorse]

I understand what Norm is saying, but all I'm pointing out are the dangers of certain greenhouse heaters if they are not looked after. and do remember, greenhouses are a cosy place to relax, and possibly have a doze in that comfy old seat some have in the greenhouse.
It is always better to be safe than sorry.

[DAVIESFOZZIE]

I am sorry but i think that this is overkill no-one has ever died in a greenhouse from carbon monoxide poisening the reason is that you do not spend enough time in there or fall asleep and there is plenty of moving air because of it being sited usually at the end of the garden and not being air tight. I use a parafin heater and the fumes given off are beneficial to plants because of the carbon given off. Also this usually kills insects but not spiders as there are quite a few in my greenhouse.