Vent Opener for HFGH, 8x6

14 years ago

Does anyone have a good recomendation on an automatic vent opener for the HFGH. I ordered the one from HF but it doesn't open the vent all the way.

Anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.

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Comments (18)

gardenerwantabe
14 years ago
I would try a Bayliss heavy duty model.
agardenstateof_mind
14 years ago
Someone had a problem with a heavy-duty opener on their HFGH, not sure if it was the Bayliss, but it was too heavy for the frame. I can't find the thread just now.

Based on Dax's experience and recommendation, I ordered the Bayliss XL and it's doing the job. The only problem is that we had to adjust the lower roof panel slightly to install the opener, and now there's the tiniest little gap along the bottom edge of the vent when it's closed - (sigh) after all my weatherproofing ... oh well, I'll chalk it up to air exchange.

Diane
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roxy77
Original Author
14 years ago
Ok the Bayliss XL, got it. Thanks for the suggestions. If anyone has any other experience please let me know. i was so disappointed when I got the other one installed and it didn't work! So even with a vent opener I am having to manually open it!

Dianne do you have a picture of what you mean by adjusting the lower roof panel? We can't seem to do anything with this GH without pictures. If it werent for Dax's thread we'd have never gotten the dang thing put up.

:)
roxy77
Original Author
14 years ago
that one looks perfect, does anyone know of somewhere that sells it in the states?
roxy77
Original Author
14 years ago
Does anyone have any experience with the Univent opener? There is a guy on ebay selling them much cheaper than retail, does it work?

http://www.littlegreenhouse.com/accessory/vent2.shtml

Here is a link that might be useful: ebay link
agardenstateof_mind
14 years ago
The only thing I didn't like abou the Uni-Vent is that handle that sticks down - space is at a premium in these little greenhouses, and I figured I'd always be bumping into it.

Try superiorautovents dot com - that's from the link Dax gave me and where I got mine; it's a better price than other suppliers quoted.

I don't have a picture, but the part I'm talking about having to adjust is the aluminum horizontal on which the bottom of the vent window rests when closed, and which forms the top of the frame for the fixed glazing panel on the roof. (It's part #15.) We had to slide that down just a tad to attach the vent opener. Maybe we had that horizontal installed too high up in the first place.

One problem I didn't foresee is the vent opener and heater striking up a symbiotic relationship, ensuring job security for both. The heater is basically under the vent, so when the vent opens the cold air goes straight down to the thermostat, turning on the heater, which further warms the g'house ... and the cycle continues. Since I can't work out another spot for the heater, I guess the solution is a separate thermostat placed out of the draft.

Diane
roxy77
Original Author
14 years ago
Diane, thanks! On my way to superior autvents.com.

And I know exactly which part you are referring to! :) How could I forget part 15?

I will let you know what happens

Roxy
agardenstateof_mind
14 years ago
I mentioned it just in case you might have saved the instruction manual ... for what, I don't exactly know, since Dax's version is much better, but, what can I say ... maybe my screen name should have been OCDgardener ;-)

Di
clw1
14 years ago
I have one in my HFGH. My house is set up for starting bedding plants so I have shelves along each side so it doesn't get in the way for me. You can see my original installation in the pictures I posted a few weeks ago in the thread about my construction and north wall insulation here http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/strucs/msg121339449284.html?8
I had problems getting it adjusted so that it would open and close at a higher temp so I have since added an aluminum angle, attached a redwood 2x4 block to the aluminum angle and attached the univent to it. It works much better that way. I'll try to take a picture and post it this weekend.
wyndyacre
14 years ago
Would these automatic vent openers from Lee Valley work in your HFGH greenhouses?

Here is a link that might be useful: Lee Valley Heat Activated Window Opener
ninjabut
14 years ago
I mentioned it just in case you might have saved the instruction manual ... for what, I don't exactly know, since Dax's version is much better, but, what can I say ... maybe my screen name should have been

Di, how can I find "Dax's version" to erect the HFGH? I had something from this forum saved, but then my computer crashed and I lost everything!
agardenstateof_mind
14 years ago
It's in this forum, called Harbor Freight Greenhouse Assembly ... I'll attach a link. Don't forget to browse some of the other great advice and photos posted by others who have built these.

Good luck and enjoy your greenhouse!

Here is a link that might be useful: HFGH Assembly
milwdave
14 years ago
Speaking of conifers AKA Dax...where the heck is he hiding?

Dave
Milwaukee
agardenstateof_mind
14 years ago
I've missed him, too. A lot of people apparently had trouble logging on when iVillage made some kind of server change, and some went away completely over the new TOS, especially with respect to photographs ... I certainly hope that isn't the case with Dax.

Di
keithdp
14 years ago
Hi;
I have a 6x8 HFGH and I bought my opener at Lee Valley
I had to modify withy a piece of aluminum angle from the hardware but it works good and is adjustable.
Here is a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lee valley Opener
stanbill
14 years ago
Will someone please explain how to modify withy a piece of aluminum angle

Thanks in advance
stanbill
roxy77
Original Author
14 years ago
well I went with the Bayliss XL from Superior Auto Vents, and it got here in about two weeks.

I just installed it and it seems to be working well. I have the GH door closed now to experiment and see how much it will open, unfortunately the cloud cover just rolled in so I may not be able to see entirly. But it's open about 6 inches and it's 80 degrees in there (75 outside), so I am pleased.

Di, the first thing I did was move part 15 down. LOL!

Thank you all for your help. This place really is great!

Roxy
roxy77
Original Author
14 years ago
Di said: "now there's the tiniest little gap along the bottom edge of the vent when it's closed - (sigh) after all my weatherproofing ... oh well, I'll chalk it up to air exchange. "

I have the same problem now too, oh well. As you said, air exchange! LOL!

Vent Opener for HFGH, 8x6

Comments (18)

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