Sanctuary Greenhouse FAQ

1. WHAT WILL IT COST TO HEAT MY SANCTUARY GREENHOUSE?

To answer that question, we'll need to know the fuel type, the location where the greenhouse will be, and the normal low temperatures for the year. Then we can calculate fuel consumption and figure estimated cost for the year.

Here is an estimate for each size of greenhouse based on a cold climate region such as Ohio. Different temperature differentials are used, figuring for both propane (LP), and natural gas.
(A 70 degree temperature differential means that if the temperature is - 20 degrees outside, the heater is working to raise the temperature to + 50 degrees inside. The heaters are sized with a 25% safety margin to allow for lower temperatures or higher winds.)

COLD CLIMATE ESTIMATE…

ASSUMING AN 70 DEGREE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL:

Please note that these are ONLY projections. Actual fuel consumption and can vary in each area of the country and is dependent on local weather conditions and local fuel costs.
In cold climates, it is highly recommended that insulation board be used around the perimeter of the greenhouse. If high winds occur frequently, a windbreak on the windward side of the greenhouse is recommended to reduce heat loss from the greenhouse.

2. WHAT WILL THE ELECTRICITY COSTS BE FOR MY GREENHOUSE?

This will vary with the size of the greenhouse, your location, and the local cost of electricity per KW (kilowatt-hour). Here are some estimates based typical Ohio weather conditions.

 - Assuming an electric cost of $ .10 per KW

Please note that these are ONLY projections. Actual electricity usage can vary in each area of the country and is dependent on local weather conditions and local electricity costs.

Using the above figures, divide the "Estimated Annual Cost" by 12 to get your average cost per month.

The above does not include the cost to operate the hydroponic growing package. This is for the heating and cooling only. The costs for the small hydroponic pumps should be very minimal.

3. TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL PANEL?

Our standard package will include an electrical panel that is designed for agriculture purposes, (ie., where no electrical inspection is required) In many areas, nothing more will be needed.

The standard panel includes an indoor rated breaker and relay box mounted on a white painted 2' x 4' plywood board, very similar to the panel in our commercial greenhouses. The electronic thermostats are wired into the panel and mounted on the board as well. All relays and breakers are pre-wired into the panel and marked clearly to allow you to connect the wiring from the equipment to the panel.

Some areas will require electrical inspection. As an option to the package we offer a panel that is contained in a Drip Proof panel box. This is an additional $ 385.

The Drip Proof Panel will also include all electrical components (breaker panel, relay panel), mounted in a 30" x 30" drip proof steel enclosure.

4. WHAT KIND OF ELECTRICAL SERVICE DO I NEED?

Each of our standard size greenhouses, 12' wide and 18' wide, are equipped with a 60 amp breaker panel box. You may want to bring 100 amp service to the greenhouse however, in the event you decide to add high intensity grow lights or other equipment at require that 60 amp service can be supplied.

Both panels are equipped with a 60 amp 230 volt, single-phase breaker panel. You will need it to be wired for 230 volt, single phase, as the evaporative cooling system requires 230 volts for proper operation.

You will need to hire a qualified electrician to install the electrical feed to the greenhouse. It is also recommended that the same electrician complete the interior wiring in the greenhouse.

A full set of wiring diagrams are supplied with the electrical panel. Electrical connections are easily hooked up to the clearly marked terminal strip located inside the relay box.

5. HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO HAVE MY SANCTUARY GREENHOUSE SHIPPED?

It depends on where you live and how you have the unit shipped.

One of the best options is to pick it up yourself, if you are close enough! Nearby or not, you could come to Ohio for the Grower Training Workshop, (which is included when you buy the complete Sanctuary package with the Hydroponic options package), and then take the unit home with you.

Depending on the size greenhouse you purchase, you may be able to fit it all onto a pickup truck, or a pickup and a small trailer.

You could also rent a U-Haul type of box van, (12' to 16' box), and depending on how far you are from Carefree Garden, the cost may be very reasonable. You can even check into flying to Ohio, and renting a one-way U-Haul to drive home with your greenhouse inside!

The other option is shipping common carrier. In most parts of the country, common carriers, (or motor freight companies), can take your greenhouse directly to your location, from Carefree Garden's factory. When that is possible, shipping costs are the most reasonable.

Assuming a residential delivery on a typical common carrier, for an 18' X 28' unit, polycarbonate covered, with hydroponic option package, the estimated freight cost would look something like this for a few locations across the U.S…

If you are in a more remote, or hard to reach area, your shipping costs may be higher. If you would like an exact freight quote, just let us know and we'll figure one for you. We'll even guarantee that the rate will not exceed our quote if you request that it be pre-paid.

NOTE: The above prices are only estimates. Be sure to confirm the rate for your area, if desired.

6. WHAT ADDITIONAL ITEMS WILL I NEED TO CONSTRUCT MY GREENHOUSE?

We've got a complete list of those items, for the particular size greenhouse you're interested in. Just let us know the size, and we'll email or fax it to you immediately!

7. ARE THERE GOOD BLUEPRINTS TO HELP ME CONSTRUCT MY GREENHOUSE?

Yes! We've got complete blueprints, done on AutoCAD by our in house, PE (Professional Engineer). In addition to the prints there is a Construction Guide, with text and pictures to help you get your Sanctuary greenhouse up in a short period of time.

8. WILL I NEED A PERMIT TO BUILD MY SANCTUARY GREENHOUSE?

That depends on your area. Sometimes, no permit is required for greenhouses, especially in "agricultural" states like Ohio. But you still may need a permit for the utility connections, such as gas and electric. It is a good idea to check with your local zoning people to see if a permit is required. We have a preliminary packet that we can send you to take to your zoning board so they'll be able to see the type of structure it is, and to tell you if you'll need a permit.

9. HOW MUCH DOWN PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO GET THE PRINTS FOR ZONING PURPOSES?

For the prints and information to help you get your zoning questions answered, no down payment is required. If you wish a complete set of prints, so that you can get your site prepared, etc., a 20% deposit is required on the order. Should your zoning board request a stamped set of prints, there may be additional charges from a local architect or engineer.

10. HOW MUCH DOWN PAYMENT IS REQUIRED TO INITIATE THE ORDER?

When you are ready to place a firm order, we require a 50% deposit to begin the process and schedule your unit for manufacturing. The balance is due prior to shipment.

11. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO HAVE MY GREENHOUSE READY TO SHIP?

It will generally take one to two weeks to have your unit ready to go. If you're in a big hurry, we can ship the ground stakes and prints via UPS and get them to you in a couple of days so that you can get started on the ground preparation. Then, once the unit arrives, you'll have a head start on it.

12. WHAT IF I WANT A DIFFERENT SIZE GREENHOUSE THAN THOSE OFFERED?

We'll be happy to quote on whatever size you want! They come in length increments of 4' and you can make them as long as you want. We generally recommend not making them any shorter than they are wide. This is due to the air movement, heating, and cooling systems design.

13. CAN I GET A CUSTOMIZED HYDROPONIC PACKAGE?

Yes again! We'll be happy to work with you on designing the system that best suits your needs. For example, if you prefer to have the entire greenhouse setup with the Dutch growing system, we can do that! Just let us know and we'll do our best to build your greenhouse and growing system to suit you!

14. HOW WILL MY GREENHOUSE BE SHIPPED?

Generally, we ship with motor freight companies like Yellow Freight, Carolina, ABF, etc. If you know of a freight company that delivers into your area, let us know and we'll try to use them. Some freight companies give better discounts than others do, and we always try to find the least expensive method of shipping for you.

Another option is to pick up the unit yourself, here in Seville. There are several benefits to this. First of all, there is far less chance of something getting lost or damaged in transit, as can sometimes happen with motor freight companies. Secondly, you'll get the unit more quickly, so you can begin installation sooner.

A third, and perhaps most important benefit, if you are purchasing the entire package and if you are planning to attend the two day Grower Training Workshop, you can arrange your pickup to coincide with the Workshop. Since you're coming for the Workshop anyway, why not tie the two together and utilize the time most efficiently!

If you do decide to pick it up yourself, you'll need at minimum a pickup truck with a long bed, and possibly a trailer, depending on the size of unit you are ordering. Contact our shipping department and they'll let you know for sure what you need.

Please let us know if there are any further questions that you need answers to!