Greenhouse Heating Calculator
Calculate heating/cooling requirements, surface area, and monthly heating costs for your greenhouse.
Enter the overall length of your greenhouse in feet.
Enter the overall width of your greenhouse in feet.
Enter the vertical height of your greenhouse in feet.
Select the insulation material used and its quality.
Enter the temperature you want to maintain inside the greenhouse.
Select whether you are calculating for heating or cooling.
Select the type of heating system you are using.
Enter the cost per unit (per therm for gas/propane or per kWh for electric).
Enter the length of the greenhouse structure.
Enter the width of the greenhouse structure.
Enter the vertical height from the base to the peak of the gable.
Enter the roof pitch in degrees (leave blank if unknown).
Enter the length of your lean-to greenhouse.
Enter the width of your lean-to greenhouse.
Enter the height to the top of the lean-to roof.
Enter the roof angle in degrees (if applicable).
Use the BTU/hr value calculated above.
Enter the fuel cost per unit (per therm for gas/propane or per kWh for electric).
Enter the number of days in a month during which heating is used.
Created by James S. Lockwood
With a background in botany and ecological sciences, James specializes in creating practical tools and resources to help gardeners, farmers, and plant enthusiasts optimize their green spaces.
Welcome to the Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator, your all-in-one tool to determine how much heating or cooling your greenhouse requires. Whether you’re growing crops year-round or preparing for winter, understanding your greenhouse’s BTU (British Thermal Units) needs, surface area, and estimated heating cost is crucial for maintaining the perfect climate while keeping energy costs under control.
Table of Contents
Why Use This Greenhouse Heating Calculator?
🔹 Accurate BTU Calculation: Estimate the total BTU/hr required to heat or cool your greenhouse efficiently.
🔹 Surface Area Analysis: Get a breakdown of your greenhouse’s walls, roof, and total square footage based on your structure type.
🔹 Fuel Cost Estimator: Calculate your monthly heating cost based on fuel type, cost per unit, and the number of heating days.
🔹 Custom Insulation Selection: Choose from common insulation types or enter your own R-value for a more precise calculation.
🔹 System Sizing Recommendation: Find out whether you need a small, medium, or large heating system.
How to Use the Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator?
This calculator consists of four powerful sections to help greenhouse owners estimate energy needs and heating expenses.
🔥 Greenhouse Heating Calculator
The BTU (British Thermal Units) Calculator helps determine how much energy you need to heat or cool your greenhouse. The calculation considers:
✔ Greenhouse Size – Enter the length, width, and height to calculate total volume.
✔ Insulation Type – Select from fiberglass batts (R-13), foam board (R-6), reflective insulation (R-4), or enter a custom R-value.
✔ Desired Temperature – Set your ideal temperature inside the greenhouse.
✔ Heating System Type – Choose from natural gas, propane, or electric heating options.
✔ Fuel Cost – Enter the cost per therm (gas/propane) or cost per kWh (electricity).
🚀 Result: Get the total BTU/hr required and a recommended system size (small, medium, or large).
Use this section to calculate the total exterior surface area of a traditional gable-end greenhouse.
✔ Enter greenhouse dimensions – Length, width, and height to the peak of the gable.
✔ Roof Pitch (Optional) – If known, this helps refine roof calculations.
📊 Result: Get a breakdown of surface area by walls and roof to estimate heat loss more accurately.
🏠 Square Surface Area Calculator – Lean-To Greenhouse
If you have a lean-to greenhouse, this section estimates the total square footage of exposed surfaces.
✔ Enter greenhouse length, width, and height (to the top of the lean-to roof).
✔ Roof Angle (Optional) – If known, helps adjust calculations.
📊 Result: Provides total surface area and component breakdown for better insulation planning.
💰 Monthly Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator
Once you know your total BTU requirement, estimate your monthly heating costs based on:
✔ Total BTU/hr Required – Use the result from the BTU Calculator.
✔ Fuel Cost – Enter cost per therm (gas/propane) or cost per kWh (electricity).
✔ Heating Days per Month – How many days per month do you need heating?
💰 Result: Get an estimated monthly cost for keeping your greenhouse at the desired temperature.
How This Greenhouse heating Calculator Helps Greenhouse Owners?
✅ Save Money on Heating & Cooling Costs – Know your fuel costs in advance and optimize insulation to reduce expenses.
✅ Prevent Crop Damage – Ensure your plants stay at the right temperature all year round.
✅ Size Your Heating or Cooling System Correctly – Avoid undersized or oversized systems, saving money on energy bills.
✅ Plan for Efficiency – Get a clear breakdown of where heat is lost (walls, roof, etc.) and adjust accordingly.
Whether you’re a hobby gardener or a commercial grower, the Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator helps you make smarter heating and cooling decisions. Try it now and optimize your greenhouse climate today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is BTU, and why is it important for greenhouse heating?
BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures heat energy. Knowing your BTU/hr requirement ensures that you select a properly sized heating system to maintain a stable temperature inside your greenhouse.
2. What is the R-value in insulation?
The R-value indicates the effectiveness of insulation. A higher R-value means better heat retention, which reduces heating costs.
3. How can I reduce my greenhouse heating cost?
- Improve insulation (use higher R-value materials).
- Seal air leaks around doors, vents, and seams.
- Use energy-efficient heaters.
- Consider thermal mass storage (water barrels, stone flooring, etc.).
<pdata-start=”5246″ data-end=”5315″>4. Is this calculator suitable for commercial greenhouses?
Yes! The Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator is scalable for small backyard greenhouses or large commercial structures.
Disclaimer for Greenhouse Heating Calculator
The Greenhouse Heating Cost Calculator is provided for informational and estimation purposes only. The results generated by this tool are based on user-inputted values and simplified calculations that may not account for all variables, including local climate conditions, greenhouse construction materials, air circulation, and seasonal fluctuations.
While we strive to provide accurate and useful estimations, this calculator does not guarantee precise BTU requirements, heating costs, or energy savings. For an exact assessment, we recommend consulting with an HVAC professional or greenhouse heating specialist.
By using this calculator, you acknowledge that all estimates are provided “as-is” without warranties of any kind and that we are not liable for any decisions or actions taken based on the results of this tool. Always verify your heating system requirements with a qualified professional before making purchasing decisions.
Discover Crop & Farming Calculators