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Univent Automatic Coldframe opener

September 2, 2012 7:46 am

I just got a Univent automatic opener that opens and close a cold frame lid. I’ve wanted one for a long time. This will save me time running out and opening it on a warm fall day (so my veggies don’t cook) and then running back and closing it when it gets cold later in the day (so they don’t freeze). It is a temperature sensitive opener designed to open windows in greenhouses or lids on cold frames. It can be adjusted to start opening between 60-75°F. It fully opens at 86-90°F up to 18″ and fully closes at 55°F.

Here is a little info from ACF Greenhouses on them- “How do automatic vent openers work? Vent openers do not require electricity. The opener has a metal cylinder containing a mineral which expands when heated. This pushes a piston that opens the vent. As the temperature cools, the mineral shrinks and a spring closes the vent and resets the piston. The opening and closing of the vent is gradual allowing just the right amount of air flow for cooling.”

You can get them from ACF Greenhouses or I got mine from Peaceful Valley. Now all I got to do is get my fall greens in!

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Posted by giant veggie gardener

Categories: COLD FRAME gardening, general

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5 Responses to “Univent Automatic Coldframe opener”

  1. We have these vents on our Growing Dome and they are amazing! Word to the wise: Periodically check that the adjustable nut/screw thingie is not loose. I lost one because it worked its way off the threaded post it was attached to.

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    By Bridget on September 2, 2012 at 7:53 am

    1. Thanks for the advice-appreciate it!

      Like

      By giant veggie gardener on September 2, 2012 at 9:05 pm

      1. After looking at your univent pic, it looks like your nut/screw thingie is larger, so you probably won’t lose it! LOL!

        Like

        By Bridget on September 3, 2012 at 8:56 pm

  2. Hi! Looks like a great set-up. How do you get into your cold frame when you just want to open the lid? Do you have to unhook the automatic opener somehow? Does it not damage the opener to force it open? Thanks!

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    By Cassie on March 15, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    1. It’s easy-just push a little button. No forcing.

      Like

      By giant veggie gardener on March 17, 2013 at 8:04 pm

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