Automatic window openers

[Nicky]

Are they worth it? I'm getting to the point where my little greenhouse at home is full along with the window sills in the house and I still have stuff to start off indoors. I've got a greenhouse on my lottie but I won't have time to go down there twice a day to open and close the doors - I can go down inthe evenings to water. I'm concidering gettint two vents one for each side of the greenhouse. Would this keep the temperature down enough or should I just get up earlier and go twice every day?

[Pottypotter]

Same problem as me, just bought myself a max min thermometer and I was hoping it would be warm enough at night to take more seedlings down. I had left the window open because of the daytime temps but its far to cold at night still with the window open, so I will be looking forward to replies to your post.

[denise]

I have one on the top window in my 6X6 greenhouse and I find it very good. helps a lot to keep the temparture down. i also have lovre windows in the side but I open them manually, they get the air circulating through. i would say yes they are worth it. Had mine 4 years now you set it to the temprature you want it to open at by just turning the black handle thingy, its easy and it will come with instructions . You must protect it from the cold in winter I just wrap mine in bubble wrap and cardboard, making sure any wet can drain form the bottom and not freeze.
They cost £19.99 from an Argos Extra Store

[Splinter]

Hi Nicky

I just fitted one as its been so hot in there this week and don't always have the time to go down every morning before work.

It seems to work ok so far and was easy to fit (once I had drilled out the old seized bolts on the old closer). It keeps the temperature down well, but I think once summer comes I may need to go and open the door, or fit some side louvres to create some airflow.

My only problem so far is that a bird got in and the window closed down on it, thankfully I managed to get it out. I am thinking of trying to attach some netting on the window to stop this happening again.

Cheers

Splinter

[Alison]

I've got auto openers for a top window in the roof and a louvre in the opposite side. Had them about 8 years and use them every summer. Bit early for me to attach them normally but seeing as it's been so hot recently sorted them last week which meant that by the time I looked in the greenhouse about 11ish today there was a good air flow keeping the temperature down a bit. The bigger concern at the moment is the extent to which the temperature drops at night even after the windows have closed. It's still too cold for some plants (round here anyway) so be careful what you leave out there.

[nick the grief]

Both of my greenhouses have them fitted, I wouldn't be without them

[Alice]

At this time of year the automatic window opener is invaluable and does keep the temperature down to a satisfactory level. In very hot days in summer it's not enough and I do have to open the door. I wouldn't be without them - stopped many a plant from frying.

[stigoftheplot]

I only get up the plot every few days. My greenhouse has an autovent. Marvellous thing once fitted. You can adjust the temp on these so for summer just lower the temp at which it opens to save the heat building up too much. Mine survived last summer ok. I just open the door for extra air when I do get up there. I figure by summer when its hot you've only got the heat lovers in there anyway, everything else has already moved out.

[Peter]

Oh yes, very worthwhile.

Kays is cheaper than Argos though.

[wellie]

I wouldn't be without them. There's four in the roof of my big 16ft x 8ft greenhouse. On hot days, like now, I'll leave the double doors open, and both of the low-level 'louvre-vents' open too, and it can still reach temperatures to kill a plant.
I don't think that ventilation should be overlooked at all in the health and well-being of plants. Ventilate as much as possible......

[Nicky]

Hmmm... people are talking of air flow. I've got a 6 x 8 green house and it's only got the one window. I was looking on various sites yesterday at vents and stuff but couldn't find anyone selling and extra window so I could have two.
I could find lovres to fit in but they need more expensive opening bits.

[TPeers]

If you have problems with 'wildlife' get some metal netting - the sort that the americans use as 'screen doors' and make covers for the vents - it will prevent butterflies, wasps, cars, dogs, foxes and small children! from getting in. That way if you have an auto vent (wonderful thing!) you don't have to worry - also later in the season you can leave the greenhouse door open, but not have all the problems!

As an aside if you are putting in a high level vent, you should consider a low level vent to get air moving across the plants and reduce the risk of still air moulds such as botritis.

[srodders]

They cost £19.99 from an Argos Extra Store

£16.99 in Homebase when I was over a few weeks ago. They are invaluable. A low louvre and a top window both open is much better than 2 top windows open - it will be worth the extra expense.

[Protea]

I've been thinking about getting an auto-vent for all the reasons mentioned above - do they all fit any make of greenhouse? I'm liking the sound of the Homebase or Argos one but concerned they might not last very long, or not fir my model?

Anyone know?

[TPeers]

Maybe is the answer!

Generally if you have a common make of greenhouse the Agros and Homebase autovents should fit. However you might find that the holes in the greenhouse strut are not correct, at which oint you would have to drill new hole. While awkward, this is not difficult, do remember to use a drill bit appropriate to the job.