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:
SIZE | PROPANE | NATURAL GAS | PROPANE | NATURAL GAS |
# gallons | # of cubic feet | annual cost | annual cost | |
12' X 12' | 465 GAL | 41,846 CU.FT. | $ 446 | $ 314 |
12' X 16' | 569 GAL | 51,220 CU.FT. | $ 546 | $ 384 |
12' X 20' | 673 GAL | 60,593 CU.FT. | $ 646 | $ 454 |
18' X 20' | 1,019 GAL | 91,725 CU.FT. | $ 978 | $ 688 |
18' X 24' | 1,172 GAL | 105,467 CU.FT. | $ 1,125 | $ 791 |
18' X 28' | 1,325 GAL | 119,210 CU.FT. | $ 1,272 | $ 894 |
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.
Size Unit: | KW / Year | Est. Annual Cost: | |
12' X 12' | 4500 KW | X $ .10 per KW = | $ 450 per year |
12' X 16' | 5200 KW | X $ .10 per KW = | $ 520 per year |
12' X 20' | 5400 KW | X $ .10 per KW = | $ 540 per year |
18' X 20' | 5500 KW | X $ .10 per KW = | $ 550 per year |
18' X 24' | 5700 KW | X $ .10 per KW = | $ 570 per year |
18' X 28' | 6000 KW | X $ .10 per KW = | $ 600 per year |
- 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…
Chicago | $ 350 | Miami | $ 690 |
Pittsburgh | $ 290 | Albany | $ 415 |
Los Angeles | $ 815 | Des Moines | $ 540 |
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!