How to Disconnect Greenhouse Automatic Openers
Automatic openers (also known as auto vents) are one of the most useful inventions for greenhouses. We recommend them as a must-have accessory, as they automatically regulate temperature and can be fitted to the roof vents of most greenhouse brands thanks to their universal fittings. If you’re unsure about how these little miracle workers function – see How Do Greenhouse Automatic Vent Openers Work?
Many gardeners choose to disconnect their automatic openers during the colder months, particularly when stormy or extreme weather is forecast. Personally, I’m a mix of the two, in that I disconnect for bad weather, but reconnect them afterwards. Winter greenhouses still need some form of ventilation, but I don’t use a heater and I only grow produce that can stand a winter temperature greenhouse (lettuce and the like).
However, if you’re using a heater to continue growing through the winter, keeping the vents closed, will help you stabilise the temperature, reducing the workload on your heater and lowering heating costs. This ensures your greenhouse stays warm without unnecessary heat loss.
We do see a lot of posts online from people who say that there’s no need to disconnect auto openers during storms and that they ‘will be fine’. These people have mostly just been lucky – or their greenhouse is in a sheltered garden. But there are generally two types of greenhouse owners – those who disconnect their auto openers and sleep soundly through a storm, and those who risk it, unable to sleep and spending the night checking their greenhouse every few minutes. We strongly recommend disconnecting your automatic openers before severe weather – it’s a really simple precaution that can help protect your greenhouse from avoidable damage.
How to Disconnect Auto Roof Vents
The video below demonstrates how to safely disconnect automatic roof vent openers in preparation for storms or high winds. The auto opener in the video is a Bayliss XL, but the principle is the same for all. Tip – those pins that are taken out – keep them safe! We recommend tying a piece of brightly coloured string onto them, because if you drop them, they’re really hard to find again!
