8 Must-Know Answers Before Buying A Greenhouse Tubular Heater (Oct 2025 update)

If you want to protect your precious autumn gardening efforts, a greenhouse tubular heater is an absolute must-have! These heaters come in a variety of sizes, and choosing the right model can make all the difference in keeping your greenhouse cosy and thriving.

Imagine nurturing your plants year-round, regardless of the weather outside. A greenhouse creates an ideal environment for growth, but temperature fluctuations can put your hard work at risk. That’s where tubular greenhouse heaters step in, ensuring your plants stay warm and happy.

Ready to invest in your garden's future? To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled 8 essential questions to consider when shopping for tubular greenhouse heaters. Let’s dive in and discover the perfect heating solution for your green oasis!

1. Which Greenhouse Heater Is Best?

There are various ways to heat a greenhouse to keep your crops alive all year. The most common ones include:

● Fan heaters

● Hydro heaters

● Tubular heaters

 

Fan heaters

Fan heaters are also called hot air heaters as well. As the name suggests, this type of heater uses a fan to blow hot air into any environment. The heater has a coil that gets heated, generating hot air that the fan blows into the room for ample heating.

Hydro heaters

Hydro heaters, also known as boiler heaters, warm up any room using a piping system that passes hot water. The water heats in a boiler and passes through metal pipes. Heat in the water radiates through the installed pipes, warming up your greenhouse.

Tubular heaters

Tubular heaters are more modern and functional in any space. They consist of a cylindrical heater mounted on a surface with a cord that connects to the power outlet. The tubular surface generates heat which radiates throughout the room.

 

 

2. Are Tubular Heaters Any Good For Greenhouse?

Greenhouses provide an optimal environment for plants to thrive. The three main components maintaining this conducive environment are light, temperature and humidity. A well-insulated greenhouse protects your plants or seeds from the weather elements, ensuring they stay warm.

 

Yet, the fluctuating temperature inside the greenhouse can be detrimental to your plants, especially during the cold months. Any greenhouse requires a reliable heating solution to ensure plants thrive year-round. The heating solution chosen should be effective enough in minimising humidity in the greenhouse - preventing moisture damage to plants, walls, tools, and any structure in the greenhouse.

 

There is so much to gain from installing tubular heaters in your greenhouse.

Advantages of tubular greenhouse heaters

Cost-effective

Tubular heaters are cost-effective compared to conventional heaters like hydronic heaters and fan heaters. While boiler heaters require plenty of water and expensive piping and boiler installation, tubular heaters require very few components to get them running. They also surpass fan heaters for being more energy efficient.

 

Easy to install

It will cost a lot of money to install a hydro heater compared to a tubular heater. Tubular heaters for greenhouses only require mounting brackets to install the unit anywhere you want. Not only can you use it in a greenhouse, but you can also install the heater in your airing cupboard, shed, wardrobe, dog kennel, or a small bathroom.

 

Minimalistic design

The tubular heater has a compact design that is ideal for both small and large greenhouses. While fan heaters can be bulky and boiler heaters run unsightly pipes through your shed, a tubular heater is small enough to be tucked away and still provide ample heat. You can install one under shelves, in corners, or next to your tools in a greenhouse.

 

Uses less power

A fan heater requires enough power to heat the coil inside and to spin the fan as well. In an hour, this type of fan will use between 1000 watts and 2000 watts of power. A tubular heater, on the other hand, only uses between 55 watts and 240 watts of power an hour to provide heating.

 

 

Build quality

Also, tubular heaters have superior built quality. Modern tubular heaters are built from tough materials to withstand wear and tear. In addition, a high-quality electric tubular greenhouse heater will have a typical IP score of 44 or 55, which means it is highly resistant to water, dust, and other outside elements. It is the ideal heater to use in a humid greenhouse without risking damage to the unit.

 

Safe to use in a greenhouse

A tubular greenhouse heater is a safer choice compared to conventional heating solutions. It comes with a greenhouse tubular heater temp regulator that prevents the appliance from overheating. The inbuilt thermal cut out will always cut power to the unit to prevent overheating, meaning you and your family are safe when using the heater.

 

 

Low maintenance

Tubular greenhouse heaters are low maintenance compared to hydro and fan heaters. A hydro heater is the most expensive to maintain should the boiler become faulty over time. Also, leaks can develop in the piping system, which may need patching or replacing.

Fan heaters are prone to gathering dust, which needs cleaning for the appliance to work effectively.

Freezing Protection

One of the standout advantages of tubular greenhouse heaters is their ability to provide essential frost protection. As temperatures drop, these heaters maintain a consistent warmth that prevents plants from suffering frost damage. By ensuring that your greenhouse remains above freezing, you can protect sensitive plants and promote healthy growth year-round. This reliable heating solution not only safeguards your investments but also helps you extend your growing season, making it a must-have for any dedicated gardener!

3. What Type Of Heater Is Best For A Greenhouse?

There are a couple of things to consider when determining the best heater for a greenhouse;

● The size of the heater

● Cost of running the heater

● Construction material

● Heater position

 

4. What Size Tubular Heater Do I Need For A Greenhouse?

Tubular greenhouse heaters come in various sizes to suit different needs. If you are not sure what heater size is best for your greenhouse, here is how you can determine that.

 

An accurate way to determine the tubular greenhouse heater size is by considering;

● Size of the greenhouse

● Optimal internal temperature

 

The size of the greenhouse here refers to the total surface area that requires heating. The optimal internal temperature is the ideal greenhouse temperature for plant growth and survival.

 

Small greenhouses will benefit from a 1ft or 2ft tubular heater. If your greenhouse is adequately warm, you can still install these small heaters near your tools or under cabinets to keep tools dry and prevent the growth of mould on shelves and cupboards.

 

If you want to heat a larger greenhouse, a 3ft or 4ft tubular heater will provide ample heat at a fraction of the cost of using conventional heating methods.

5. How Much Does It Cost To Run A Tubular Greenhouse Heater?

According to the current standard electricity tariff UK (1 October to 31 December 2025), the average cost of electricity is 26.35p per kWh consumed.

 

A 1ft tubular heater consumes 55 watts of power in an hour. When converted, that's 0.055 kWh, meaning your energy bill will be 1.4 pence per hour. You can leave the electric tubular greenhouse heater running for 24 hours, and it will only cost you 34 pence of power consumed.

 

 

A boiler heater consumes, on average, 24kW per hour. It would cost you 632 pence (26.35p/kWh x 24).
A fan heater uses between 1000w and 2400w of power an hour, translating to 26p to 63p in hourly charges.

In contrast, running a tubular greenhouse heater all day is significantly cheaper compared to conventional heating solutions. Some models operate for as little as 1p per hour, making them an economical choice for maintaining the right temperature and humidity in your greenhouse. Additionally, the cost of operating a dehumidifier alongside a tubular heater is far less than that of a fan or boiler heater.

 

6. Can You Leave A Tubular Heater On All The Time?

The answer is yes. A tubular greenhouse heater runs on less power compared to conventional heaters. Even with a 4ft tubular heater installed and running full-time, you will still enjoy huge savings on energy bills every month. Pay attention to the tips we mentioned below (7th answer) to ensure that your tubular greenhouse heater does not use a lot of power to keep your space warm.

 

 

7. How Can I Maximise The Efficiency Of My Tubular Greenhouse Heater?

To get the most out of your tubular greenhouse heater, consider these practical tips:
✅ Insulate Your Greenhouse: Make sure your greenhouse is well-insulated to prevent heat loss. Seal any gaps or crevices in the walls and windows to keep the warmth in.
✅ Utilise Sunlight: The UK still gets pockets of sunshine during the winter months. Turn off the heater when it shines to allow your greenhouse to warm up naturally.
✅ Manage Humidity: Use a dehumidifier in conjunction with your heater to control moisture levels and prevent damage to plants and tools.

✅ Switch off your fan vents. Fan vents suck out the bad air from your greenhouse, but they will also remove hot air, making the room cooler. This can cause the heater to work twice as hard to maintain an optimal internal temperature.
✅ Choose the Right Size Heater: Ensure that your heater is appropriately sized for your greenhouse. A smaller heater can suffice for a compact space, reducing energy usage.
✅ Regular Maintenance: Keep your heater clean and in good working condition. Regularly check for dust buildup or any obstructions that could affect performance.

By following these tips, you can enhance the performance of your tubular heater, maintain an ideal environment for your plants, and save on energy costs!

8. What Is The Best Position For A Tubular Greenhouse Heater?

You can install tubular greenhouse heaters on the floor or walls. Mount your tube heater only horizontally. When wall mounting, ensure the heater has a floor clearance of about 25 mm to ensure it works correctly. Also, install the mounting brackets slightly inwards from the ends of the tubular heater for the best fit.

 

Install the heater in an area with ample air circulation. Never install a tube heater close to flammable materials or in tight spaces that could cause overheating. Also, consider installing the heater closer to a power source for easier cable management.

 

Discover Morris Tube Heater Models!

At Morris, we’re thrilled to offer you two amazing ranges of tube heaters designed to meet all your heating needs!

1. Eco Heat Range

Our Eco Heat Range is the perfect choice for those seeking a cost-effective heating solution. These traditional tube heaters are popular for their reliable performance and energy efficiency, making them ideal for any space—be it a wardrobe, greenhouse, or a small bathroom. With various sizes available, you can find the perfect fit for your heating needs!

"I installed the Eco Heat Range in my greenhouse, and I couldn't be happier! It's affordable, efficient, and keeps my plants warm all winter long. Highly recommend!" — Tom W. Glasgow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

But wait, there’s more! For even greater savings, grab our fantastic sets that include the heater, a protective guard, and either a timer or a thermostat! This amazing combination not only boosts safety but also helps you maximise efficiency, ensuring you enjoy optimal warmth without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to elevate your heating game!

2. Thermostat Heat Range

For those who want even lower power consumption and a slim design, our Thermostat Heat Range is the way to go. Featuring built-in thermostats for easy temperature control, these heaters blend seamlessly into any environment. Whether you're heating a shed, conservatory or caravan, you’ll enjoy efficient warmth in style.

"I love how energy-efficient these heaters are. They keep my greenhouse cosy without using too much power. A must-have for serious gardeners!" — Mark R. Colchester ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Explore our Morris tube heater models today and find the perfect heating solution for your space!

Conclusion

A tubular greenhouse heater is a worthy investment for your greenhouse. This helps maintain optimal greenhouse temperatures and keeps humidity at bay. When buying a tubular heater, ensure it is the right size for your greenhouse, which will help you save on running costs. Tubular heaters have low power consumption, which allows you to maintain an optimal temperature in your greenhouse year-round without breaking the bank.

 

 

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