Spring Enfinity Greenhouse | Modine Manufacturing
One of the highest priorities for any greenhouse is maintaining the ideal environment for plants to grow — sustaining the right levels of lighting, humidity, and temperature from season to season. A critical aspect of this is ensuring peak functionality of the greenhouse heating system, something that requires diligence and care even during seasons when heating units are offline.
In fact, it’s during the off-season that most heating system maintenance takes place. To keep heaters in good working order, greenhouse staff should be well-trained in shutting down their equipment, performing routine cleaning, and identifying signs that a unit is nearing the end of its useful life.
Seasonal Shutdowns for Greenhouse Heating Units
Once warm weather begins, it will be time to turn off the greenhouse heating system until autumn rolls in. This isn’t as simple as hitting an “off” button. Instead, it’s important to shut down the heating system properly and carefully, which can help extend its lifespan and ensure it turns on smoothly again come chilly weather.
For greenhouses with centralized heating, it’s best to first turn the system to its lowest thermostat setting, which should cause the heating cycle to end and the element to turn off. Only then is it wise to power down the system.
If space heaters are in use, it’s best to unplug the unit and wind up the power cord, verifying that the unit is no longer capable of drawing any electrical energy. Professionally installed electric units are often hardwired into an onsite breaker, meaning it’s best to shut down the breaker when the unit is not in use. Meanwhile, gas-powered heating units have safety concerns to think about; the best practice is to shut off the supply valve, making certain that no gas can reach the unit itself.
With any unit or space heaters, be sure they are unplugged and have a chance to cool down before moving them into storage. For unit heaters that are mounted, coverings can help keep away dust and debris while the unit is not in use.
What To Do During the Off-Season
During the season when greenhouse heating systems are not in use, it’s important to be diligent about routine maintenance. Simply cleaning and caring for a system when it’s offline can go a long way toward extending its lifespan, minimizing the need for major repairs once temperatures drop.
Essential steps for maintaining a greenhouse heating unit include:
A Basic Visual Inspection
Sometimes, potential issues will be readily apparent, and spotting them early can lead to proactive intervention. In particular, look for any obvious signs of wear and tear, corrosion, or loose components.
Cleaning is Important
This is true not just of the heater itself but of any connected ductwork. In many cases, it will be necessary to hire a professional duct cleaning company to ensure a thorough job. Removing dust and debris is a vital step for ensuring the unit’s ongoing efficiency.
Double-Check Heating Vents for Obstructions
Even a minor or partial obstruction can cause the entire system to lose some efficiency, which may mean higher heating bills for the greenhouse.
Knowing the Signs of Heater Failure
Sooner or later, every heating unit needs to be replaced — and to maintain a consistent climate in the greenhouse, it’s crucial to attend to this during the off-season when the unit is not in use.
When has a heating unit outlasted its useful life? There are several telltale signs to be aware of, including:
Unusually High Heating Bills
When utility costs spike, it’s usually due to one of two things — either the season is experiencing unusual extremes in temperature, or the unit is on its last legs.
Noisy Performance
A brand-new heating unit will typically run smoothly and quietly. Heaters that are growing louder and louder are usually experiencing considerable wear.
Inconsistency in Temperature
Does the unit seem to run hotter on some days than on others? This type of inefficiency is usually a sign of equipment failure.
Frequent Repair
Any heating appliance can present occasional repair needs, but if issues are growing more common, that’s a good sign that the time for replacement is near.
Age of Unit
The lifespan of a heating unit can vary greatly, with some lasting two decades or more. With that said, any time a unit passes the 15-year mark, it’s wise to at least start thinking about a timeline and plan for replacement.
Prioritizing Heater Maintenance, In Season and Out
Climate control is a foremost concern at any greenhouse — and to maintain the right conditions, it’s vital to care for heating equipment both when it’s in use and when it’s on standby. For greenhouse staff, that means knowing how to shut down heating systems when the season calls for it, and being attentive to cleaning, repair, and replacement needs.
