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Show THE SERIOUS GARDNER By Ben Freestone GREENHOUSES FOR ENERGY SAVINGS Within this decade greenhouses attached to private homes or integrated in-tegrated into them as passive solar systems will probably become relatively commonplace. Certainly, energy savings can be achieved and the living space can be appreciably enhanced and enlarges without the costs usually associated with the average home addition because the heat gain more than off-sets the heat loss in relation to the cost of materials used. Also, the interior and exterior finishing is somewhat less costly. The do-it-yourselfer who has only a fair amount of experience in carpentry can do most or all of the labor. If you are planning a greenhouse for your new home or for an existing one, here are some basic considerations. Be snre to locate your greenhouse on the South side of the hoase to take maximum advantage of the low winter sun. At this latitude the greenhouse should be solid roofed with, perhaps, some skylights, but they should represent no more than 20 percent of the total roof area this will prevent over-accumulation of solar heat in summer when the sun moves to a more overhead position. You'll need a fan to move air out of the greenhouse on hot summer days and another fan to move accumulated warm air into the main house on cold days and nights. The North wall and the floors of your greenhouse should be made of a dark'-colored, dark'-colored, heat retaining material such as colored concrete, rock or hrick. The dark color attracts and holds heat for longer periods. An adequate drainage system will provide an outlet for excess water, and infra-red heat lamps can provide emergency heat for the plants Inside in times of severe cold when nil accumulated heat has been used up. Finally, select a plan that is Rulwtantive and well though out. There are many hooks available on greenhouse construction con-struction at local bookstores. |
