Avoid common greenhouse heating problems

by Michael Kovalycsik, National Sales & Marketing Director, Delta T Solutions:

Proper heating is one of the most important components of a successful greenhouse business. That's why a problem with a heating system can mean disaster for growers. Here's a look at some of the most common greenhouse heating problems and ways to avoid them.

IMPROPER MAINTENANCE

One of the best ways to ensure a healthy lifespan for your heating system is to perform proper maintenance. Often, growers get so busy during peak season, maintenance gets pushed to the back burner. "In my experience talking to growers who have had heating unit failures, they'll sometimes admit that it's been two or three years since they actually looked at the unit," says Paul Thomas, professor of floriculture at the University of Georgia. He recommends inspecting heating systems yearly at minimum, but preferably twice a year. He suggests inspecting the following:

    Wiring. Animals are known for chewing wiring, so growers should always check for that as well as any corrosion.

    The heating unit itself. Always inspect the ignition source, whether it's gas or electric.

    Pipes. If it's a gas system, the entire system, from the source of the gas all the way to the point of combustion, needs to be checked for leaks or any signs of corrosion. Consider painting pipes white or silver so corrosion shows up almost immediately.

DROPPING THE TEMPERATURE

When natural gas costs get high like they were a few years ago, growers tend to look for every possible way to reduce heating expenses, including lowering the night temperature in greenhouses. "There is a common myth that reducing the greenhouse temperature is not really going to affect crop quality," Thomas says. "The research that we have suggests that's a really bad thing to do."

He recommends keeping the temperature at what the crop requires to be of the highest quality. "It's more important to sell the crop with quality and maintain your reputation so you stay in business," he says.

NOT BUDGETING FOR A NEW SYSTEM

You know your greenhouse heating system is on its last legs, but you're hoping to get one more year out of it. Sound familiar? "People tend to use these (greenhouse unit) heaters until they fall apart, and that's a recipe for disaster," says Thomas. If a heater breaks in the middle of a crop, a grower can easily lose tens of thousands of dollars in product.

Thomas recommends all growers build the cost of a heating system replacement into their business plans. "There is a lifespan for these heaters," he says. "Whatever the manufacturer says is the standard lifespan – whether it's five years or 10 years – you need to believe that."

While budgeting for a new greenhouse heating system can seem daunting, it’s important to consider the immediate and long-term benefits of a new system. For example, hydronic radiant floor and bench heating systems like those offered by Delta T Solutions are highly efficient, compared to unit heaters. Unlike forced-air heating systems, which lose a significant amount of heat in the air, hydronic floor and bench heat warms the plants at the soil level. As a result, the plants get warmth where they need it most, reducing energy use and resulting in healthier plants. Plants also germinate faster when heated at the soil level, which results in quicker turns for a faster return on investment.