Automatic Greenhouse Window Opener, Univent

[@DannyTrandannyhaitran]

Thank you for the video, last night my greenhouse dropped to low temperatures and it made me think that the vent didn't close all the way so I'm adjusting it up but it's nice to see exactly how it operates! :D

[@lindarandall2123]

Thanks for the video. I purchased a different opener and it didn't work for my cold frame. You set up is very similar to mine and I can see the style you installed will work for me too. It's hard to tell from a picture of the product how it will actually function. Now I can buy with confidence.

[@frankhamburg8698]

thank you for the impressions for my next projekt. regards from Hamburg, Germany

[@sherrymason6833]

I am surprised it worked. If you read the instructions, you really want the body of the opener parellel with with window so the "clutch" mechanism doesn't break. Also the clip goes through the second hole in the clutch not the top hole. Plus that basil will not produce since it go exposed to that cold spell. It will become woody and perform poorly. Simply start over with fresh seed when the weather warms a bit. Good luck. Nice greenhouse.

[@fireballmalone1]

Sherry Mason Thanks for the comment. I had to modify it a bit to fit the window but it’s been working great all summer. I abandoned the idea of trying basil until I get an idea of what the temps will be over the winter. My idea for it this year is going to be leafy greens that like a bit colder weather. I am planning on documenting the weather to get an idea of what this can do over the coming years and what would do well. The basil I initially planted did come up and went crazy after I moved them outside. Appreciate it, ATB

[@homestead_diy]

We just finished (well still in progress) our Greenhouse we made from old windows and doors. We are in Texas, so the temperature swings are pretty big. It was in the 40's this morning, but it was already 90' when I went out there. I need to add some of these to help it cool off on days when it warms up.

[@fireballmalone1]

That’s a great idea to help keep the temperature from getting too high in the greenhouse. A small solar powered one chaise fan is a good idea too. I got a cheap one on Amazon and have it pointed towards the window and it seems to really help in the height of the summer. Cheers!

[@stanleyvo5198]

Thanks to introduce me this automatic window opener....I just order one like you too .

[@fireballmalone1]

Stanley Vo I appreciate the comment. It’s still working great. I hope your experience is a good one too. Let me know when you get it installed, I’d be interested in hearing how it works for you. ATB!

[@azdesertdog]

Nice visit. The homestead is looking great.

[@charlesdixon5730]

Thanks for the video. We purchased a used greenhouse and it has an auto vent opener. I wasnt sure how it worked but now i do. Im not sure if its working properly and i may need to purchase a new one.

[@dandavis8300]

Best explanation I've seen!

[@fireballmalone1]

Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful

[@laurenlaurino287]

Greenhouse is looking awesome!

[@fireballmalone1]

Lauren Laurino Thanks! I am considering building a bench in there to chill. It's super relaxing.

[@MrWookie21]

It's based on the same principle as the liquid dilatation sensor in sanitary hot water boilers to regulate the heat by controling the flame output. The fluid dilatation pressure is impressive.

[@eugenana6783]

Hi there! did you install a linear actuator for a window like that? Thanks!

[@doodle6166]

I am loving the bloopers you’re putting in at the end....and great drone footage!

[@fireballmalone1]

Dawn Owens Lol thanks. There seem to be a lot to choose from...I am planning on using the drone more as I get comfortable with it. Crashing it on day 2 of owning it kind of spooked me a bit. Thanks for always leaving nice comments!!!

[@paulabeattie8565]

Hi. So funny because I have 2 auto arm openers which are on my cold frames and this year I decided to get one for my hoop house. I opened KZbin to check some out and yours was the first one that came up! This year we bought a fan that is also triggered by heat and it runs on solar power - not sure if this is going to work but we'll see. We had the super cold snap, too fortunately my seedlings are still in the house because in Canada we can't trust the weather...yet. Not even with a hoop house :)

[@paulabeattie8565]

Sorry about your plants. If you pinch your basil plant regularly, it won't be spindly and it will fill out and be bushy. Pinch above a set of leaves and then the plant will fork out from there, keep doing it and the branches multiply. Btw. You are a dab hand at your drone footage.

[@fireballmalone1]

Paula Beattie that is awesome advice thank you! I have a small solar fan but it runs when there's light not based on temp. What fan did you get? I'd love to hear how it works. I planted a ton of seed after this video yesterday. This year I'm planning a bunch of cold frames on I can grow much longer into the winter. Hoop houses are on the list too! So much to do lol. Happy to hear your seedlings have such a good caretaker. Good luck with everything and thanks for the comment and advice. Cheers!

[@joyceherbert3983]

Thanks for the info on the installation of the vent, just an FYI if it's 90 degrees out u might have a problem screwing the rod in.

[@fireballmalone1]

Joyce Herbert So far it’s been working really well without any issues. It’s been fully opened on the hottest days but didn’t seem to pose any problems...yet, lol.

[@MrBeaubonomm]

Yep, I bought the same from amazon. Worked perfectly for the first week. Then the thread between top of cylinder and the ring got worn out, so was not working any more. So I put longer screws to squeeze the cylinder top and prevent slipping. Yeah, it worked fine... for 2 more days! That's when the bottom of the cylinder popped out, so the unit can just be put in the garbage after less than 2 weeks. I just ordered another one NOT from amazon. btw the windows weights about 1 pound. Warranty? amazon don't give a dam.

[@edg.2676]

nice job, thank you!

[@ourfamilyoutdoors7331]

Very good video

[@donzilia]

Hi there, thanks for the helpful vid. I want to install one of these in a cold frame which means I need to easily detach part of the device without having to unscrew every time, so that the polycarb lid can be opened completely to take plants in and out. Can you do that with your Univent? I don’t know whether utilising the “grab” part you didn’t use will offer that functionality? Thanks, Johnny

[@fireballmalone1]

This is a really great idea! If I were to use this in a cold, which I may have to try now, I think I might attach the part that connects to the lid to a wood block and then glue Velcro to the block and to the polycarbonate lid. It should stay attached well to lift and close with temp changes, and allow for the lid to opened all the way to access the goodies under it. If you try this please let me know if it works

[@donzilia]

@@fireballmalone1 Cheers for the swift response and yes, attaching it like that is an option. I’ve seen it done with an extending metal bar, but your wood and velcro option sounds nifty. My vent (same as yours) has just arrived so I’ll be building the CF as soon as the British weather allows. I’ll let you know what solution works for me.

[@dammit7045]

Would you be so kind to show how you actually installed the window and managed to keep it from leaking. I watched the videos of the window build but the actual instal is a little iffy.

[@fhagerber4079]

Hi Nice video

[@fireballmalone1]

Thanks!

[@jilljankovits4220]

Any updates on your greenhouse? Getting ready to make one and wondering how long it will extend my growing season. Zone 5a. Love all your videos... thanks for sharing!

[@billsbenz9065]

Great job! Really enjoy these

[@fireballmalone1]

Bill Wagner thank you. I enjoy making these videos the most. Playing in the yard while being productive is hard to beat!

[@doodle6166]

I cannot believe that Anthonie beat us Lauren! 😂😂😂

[@fireballmalone1]

Dawn Owens He's quick on the draw!!

[@corsobaldinotti8270]

I appreciate the video, do you know if it's possible to install one of these also on normal greenhouse windows (not on the roof but on the wall)? It's an home made wood frame pretty light weight window. Thanks

[@fireballmalone1]

If the window opens in a similar fashion it should be just fine. The trigger for part that expands is heat. When it warms up, it opens. If you can match it to the mechanics of how the window opens it should work great. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

[@corsobaldinotti8270]

@@fireballmalone1 thanks brother! I'll let you know.. greetings from Italy

[@BSC419.]

What do you do if it's warm but raining and don't want the plants and stuff to get wet

[@chulagemignani1654]

How do you know how many vents you need? I’m building a 8x10 greenhouse and trying to figure out how many to install.

[@fireballmalone1]

It will really depend on a few factors. What plants do you have in the greenhouse and what are their heat requirements. And how hot does it get without a vent. An 8x10 should do well with a single vent. I used an inexpensive temperature gauge to see the heat fluctuations after in installed the vent and it stays hot but I have tomatoes and peppers plants waiting rotation. They love heat so I never installed a second. I use a cheap solar camping fan if I need the temp to drop a little more especially around the middle of June to wind of august. I just point it out the vented window. I hope this is helpful, good luck

[@john17831]

Is that a Wranglerstar shirt? Thanks for your contributions! Great video!

[@fireballmalone1]

Good eye! It sure is! ATB

[@MelaniesSongs]

I just got my window opener but it opens at 10 C which is about 50°F which is too early. How do I adjust that?

[@JPDW3072]

How about the condensation that has formed in your windows, can it be prevented?

[@fireballmalone1]

From what I have found the best way to avoid or deter moisture build up is to do double pane or better. I am planning on adding a second layer and a better seal this spring. It hasn’t seemed to be ok much of an issue as far as production but I’m sure it reduces the amount and/or quality of light getting in.

[@frapple1]

Great vid. The only question to ask is there’s 2 holes on the piston, what one does the Jesus clip go on? Thanks

[@MrRoddersf1]

Is there a way to shut the mechanism off? It's just that it gets really windy here in spring and I need to leave the vent open or I lose lots of glazing!

[@fireballmalone1]

Not on the opener itself, but you could make it detachable so it could be disconnected from the arm temporarily. You could add a type of kickstand like arm to prop it open if needed. Unfortunately, I don't think it can do both without some interaction from someone though. I hope this helps, atb

[@kimeeegngarden4887]

I believe it is designed to easily disconnect from the "Sill Bracket" by squeezing the arms together...right??? I'm about to install my opener on a wooden cold frame lid, so I can't imagine how else I would get access to my plants. **PS** thanks a bunch for sharing this video. The instructions that came with my opener were pretty lame and I really appreciate seeing the mechanism from all angles. I'm not installing the opener in the typical way, so I needed to see exactly how it moves as it opens and closes.

[@ruben_balea]

@@kimeeegngarden4887 Yes, the instructions don't say anything but a few sellers explain that on their listings

[@signu127]

im building my own gh now and put the roof truss 16" on center. any idea how to make my own vents so i can add some auto openers. the roof is polycarb material. thanks

[@fireballmalone1]

That is awesome you are building your own GH! One thing I wish I would have done, and may add this year is a temperature activated fan with vent that is on hinges that will open when the fan engages so it can pull the hot air out of the greenhouse. I am not sure if this is an actual product but I am going to look into it and am now inspired by your question. I am not sure if this is something that would work for your application, but if I find something cool, I will share what I find. The venting with this automatic vent opener definitely helps, but I did have to change it the following year, and again this year for some reason. They don't like the cold I guess. Good luck on your build, Cheers!

[@signu127]

@@fireballmalone1 yea I heard you have to take the actual piston out for the winter. Its wax that expands and depending on where you live if it gets really cold it ruins the wax inside.

[@signu127]

@@fireballmalone1 I spoke to someone today at Charlie's greenhouse supplies that mentioned a fan. I have 7 small windows but maybe a fan higher up will force the heat out just as good as vents. I emailed her asking if any fans were temp controlled with auto on/off. Should hear back from her tomorrow

[@fireballmalone1]

@@signu127 That is really great to know! Thank you for the feedback, I will definitely do that this year, and save some cash in the process.

[@fireballmalone1]

@@signu127 In my attic I installed a solar fan that has thermostat that kicks in at about 85 degrees, but it is a little big; at least for my greenhouse. But it may work for yours. It's call Rand Solar Powered Attic Gable Fan. Here's a link if you want to check it out. Nothing in it for me other than helping out a fellow green thumb. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0040QVXGK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@seanquigley8630]

Who do I have to contact to get a digital thermometer in the mail? US department of agriculture?

[@ourv9603]

WalMart has a 1500 watt electric heater for $16 !

[@Unitoolsmfg]

Great to see your video and also our company is making the greenhouse automatic window opener , any helps please contact me for free 😊😊😊

[@eugenana6783]

Hi there! did you install a linear actuator for a window like that? Thanks!

[@ourv9603]

I had to go away for a week & one day my greenhouse hit 100.9F. !

[@julienb3790]

Do you think high winds could be a problem with this design or will it hold with in areas with very high wind?

[@georgewhitehouse8630]

I am still pretty sure that you can use some of your twin wall for your shed

[@redwood1957]

Is there a way of turning off the opener ? How does it work on hot rain days could your house ket drenched? Thank you

[@sherrymason6833]

There is a "easy clip" at the bottom, simply push the bottom "arms" together and it pops out of their corresponding holes.

[@sherrymason6833]

The way he installed the opener I doubt he will get the full extension this opener offers.

[@huynhcindy512]

HI, CAN IT BE OPEN INWARD AND FOR WINDOW THAT OPEN FROM THE TOP?

[@fireballmalone1]

Cindy Huynh I think in order for it open inward the univent would have to be outside and the temp wouldn’t be based on the inside of the greenhouse.

[@huynhcindy512]

fireballmalone1 thank you

[@cprpottsville]

Very helpful Thank you

[@fireballmalone1]

cprpottsville Thanks! Glad it was helpful

[@stephencarlsbad]

Doesn't it stay open and let all of the warm air out if you try to warm the greenhouse at night? And it will stay partly open if its not completely cold in your greenhouse.

[@shandiparedes865]

Hello, I’m currently trying to install this, however after putting the piston in the clutch the whole device is locked and won’t let me open or shut it. Did you run into this problem / do you know what I’m doing wrong? Thank you.

[@waccoofly]

put it in the fridge for 30min then push it manually to the stop end. Check the manual installation. www.baylissautovents.co.uk/bayliss-autovents/

[@waccoofly]

Hi. mine opens about 15cm whereas it's only 22°C and the screw is fully clockwise turned. What is the solution ?

[@gannibal1943]

Hi, how tightly presses the wings?

[@JuiceBanger1]

Lost me at 66. Off to google temperature conversion to Celsius.

[@fireballmalone1]

JuiceBanger1 my bad. I should consider that more. Cheers

[@Steve-Z68]

That clip for the piston is called a Jesus clip. When it springs back and if you lose it... You say Jesus where did that thing go? Old school mechanic term

[@fireballmalone1]

LMAO! I am currently working on a 73 Super Beetle, I get the joke!!! Awesome, I needed that!

[@abecoulter18]

You won't get much sun on that solar panel mounted like that

[@fireballmalone1]

Abe Coulter Surprisingly enough, it did really well like that. It’s facing south east so it catches the sun first thing in the morning and there are trees above and behind so facing upwards would limit the exposure. I ran the pump a few times a day and the battery always maintained a full charge. I was even able to plug my phone in and listen to music without it causing an issue. Thanks for the comment, we shall see how it holds up in the upcoming seasons. Cheers

[@abecoulter18]

@@fireballmalone1 I found a little spray head to 1 keep it clean. Dust build-up reduces the collection of energy 2 keeps it cool. Gives it a longer life.

[@fireballmalone1]

Abe Coulter that’s a great idea! I’ve gone up there once to wipe it down but it didn’t seem too bad. I think the winter may change that but we’ll see. I hooked a fan up to the controller recently to make sure the battery is getting a good charge and seems to be doing ok. I ran the battery down pretty low and hooked it back up and after a day it was fully charged. I think I got lucky with the trees and setup. I’d be interested in the spray you’re talking about. Cheers.

[@abecoulter18]

@@fireballmalone1 I used a 20litre plastic water tote. Took the tap spigot off and put a hose with a pump. And a little garden spray head. Or if you mount tank higher you could use gravity

[@romeliapolly2520]

Woodglut plans are amazing!

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

I just found your channel while looking at greenhouse builds. I like your greenhouse build and it inspires ideas for me because I have a similar portable storage unit that I'm wanting to make a lean-to type greenhouse. I'm in northwest Florida and I'm wondering where in the country you are located, from the greenhouse build videos I'm guessing someplace in the New England area of the USA. I'm in USDA zone 8b, what is your USDA zone? I subscribed and gonna check out other videos for chicken coop and that sort of stuff. I noticed you haven't uploaded a video in about a year, I hope you are just busy and still gonna make more videos.

[@AliIsmaeltyphoon]

Will NOT work in countries where winter is 20°C and summer 35°C. Tested.

[@johansikken9924]

Waardeloze handleiding. Begrijp niet dat Welkoop zo'n produkt verkoopt. Service vanuit de winkel van Welkoop Leeuwarden is ook nulkommanul.

[@Papa2t3hsmurf]

First

[@fireballmalone1]

Papa2t3hsmurf boom

[@fireballmalone1]

Papa2t3hsmurf Thanks! I hope you coop build is going well

[@reddevil820222]

Where can you set the C°of F° to which it opens or closes?