1. What is the Hoop House Heater Calculation?

The Hoop House Heater calculation determines the required heating capacity (in BTU/hr) needed to maintain a desired temperature in a hoop house or greenhouse based on its volume and the temperature difference between inside and outside.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( Volume \) — Interior volume of the hoop house (cubic feet)
• \( \Delta T \) — Temperature difference between desired inside temperature and outside temperature (°F)
• \( 0.133 \) — Constant factor for heat loss through single-layer polyethylene

Explanation: The equation accounts for the volume of air to be heated and the temperature difference that needs to be maintained.

3. Importance of BTU Calculation

Details: Proper BTU calculation ensures your heating system is appropriately sized - neither underpowered (leading to inability to maintain temperature) nor overpowered (leading to inefficient operation and higher costs).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Measure your hoop house dimensions accurately to calculate volume. For ΔT, use the difference between your desired minimum inside temperature and the expected lowest outside temperature.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is this calculation accurate for all hoop houses?
A: This provides a basic estimate. Actual needs may vary based on insulation, wind exposure, and other factors.

Q2: What if my hoop house has double-layer plastic?
A: For double-layer poly, you can reduce the BTU requirement by about 30-40%.

Q3: How do I calculate hoop house volume?
A: For a typical hoop house: Volume = length × width × average height (in feet).

Q4: Should I add a safety factor?
A: It's common to add 10-20% to the calculated BTU to account for extremely cold conditions.

Q5: Does this account for heat loss through the ground?
A: No, this simple formula doesn't account for ground heat loss, which is typically minimal compared to air heat loss.