Greenhouse Winter Heating Calculator

Will the 1500W heater keep my greenhouse warm?

Palram GP 08 15 · 1500 W · 110–120 V · 15 A circuit

Greenhouse

Size

Temperature to hold

Most people only need frost-free
5 °C

Location

Pick the closest
How these numbers are worked out

Estimates only. These are calculated engineering estimates, not measured performance data and not a manufacturer specification. Canada Greenhouse Kits makes no representation, warranty or guarantee that any greenhouse will reach or hold a given temperature, or that your energy use or cost will match these figures.

Your actual consumption will often be higher. The lower figure assumes a sheltered, well-sealed greenhouse. It excludes wind and site exposure, air leakage beyond 1.5 air changes per hour, gaps or an unsealed base, doors and vents being opened, heat lost to the ground, aged or damaged glazing, and thermostat placement and cycling losses. The upper figure adds 40 percent to allow for these. An exposed, windy or draughty site can exceed even the upper figure.

The calculation. Glazed surface area × the glazing’s published heat-loss rate, plus air leakage, divided by 1500 W and capped at 24 hours a day. Dimensions come from published Palram-Canopia specifications; Bella’s eave height is estimated. No solar gain or thermal mass is credited.

Weather is a 30-year average, not a forecast. Temperatures are Environment Canada climate normals. Any individual winter, cold snap or local microclimate will differ, sometimes greatly.

Electricity prices change. Rates are the published marginal energy charge at the time this page was built and exclude taxes, fixed monthly service charges, delivery variations, tier changes and differences between rate plans. Check your own bill and utility for current pricing.

Use at your own risk. This is not professional engineering, electrical or horticultural advice. Have a licensed electrician confirm your supply before installing any heater. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Canada Greenhouse Kits accepts no liability for any loss or damage, including higher-than-expected energy costs, plant or crop loss, or equipment damage, arising from reliance on this calculator.

Your result

Winter electricityDecember to February, typical range
Power used
Heaters neededOn a typical January night
Holds target down toOutside, with one unit

What this takes

    Estimates only, not a guarantee. Real consumption is often higher than shown — see How these numbers are worked out.