Nick, After two winters using an Empire 35 heater in the same climate as yours, I am very happy with my decision to use this direct vent heater in a newly constructed greenhouse. There has been no problem with the pilot light. The traditional style wood greenhouse is 400+ sq. ft. with a 12 ft. high ridge and a twin-wall polycarbonate cover on the roof, both sides, both ends and resting on a 30" high concrete block foundation. The minimum night temperature is set for 60 degrees F. In my previous greenhouse, I used a Modine hanging heater. While there was never a pilot light problem with the Modine, efficiency was lower and there were periodic problems with sepal wilt due to combustion gases (ethylene). The sepal wilt has been eliminated with the Empire heater and allowed the greenhouse to be built as tightly as possible for heating efficiency on very cold nights. With the old Modine heater, I did not have an emergency backup electrical source and kerosene heating was necessary for ice storms or other power outage problems. This saved the plants but many flowers were ruined by sepal wilt. While there is a possibility that any heater can fail, at least the Empire keeps heating and the thermostat keeps functioning with or without electric power. The heating supplier said the small auxiliary blower was unnecessary, but I did add one as I felt it would give better heat distribution and the slightly increased efficiency would probably offset the cost of electricity to run the blower. Of course, the heater continues to operate as a convection heater without the blower if there is a power interruption. Thus far, there have no problems with the Empire. I know of two people who have used the Empire in their greenhouses based on my experience with it. I purchased the heater from the local Public Service Gas Co. showroom as they had it in stock. Lower prices from online vendors were mostly offset by shipping charges. I did have the installation done by my own independent heating and AC contractor. Good luck with your new greenhouse.
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