Do You Have a Greenhouse Heating Dead Zone?
Follow these tips for recognizing and rectifying greenhouse heating dead zones before they eat away at your profits.

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

Avoid greenhouse heating dead zones to ensure your crops are healthy and uniform. Photo credit: iStock.

Are some plants in your greenhouse thriving while others are struggling? If so, a greenhouse heating dead zone could be to blame. Greenhouse heating dead zones are areas within the structure that aren't receiving adequate heat or heat consistent with the greenhouse's target temperature – and they're a relatively common problem. Causes of heating dead zones vary, but they're commonly a result of inadequate radiation, poor radiation placement and/or poor or limited air movement.

Symptoms of greenhouse heating dead zones:

• Areas in the greenhouse are not warming up like other parts of the house
  

• Crops in one area of the house are struggling while others are thriving
  

• Areas in the greenhouse remain consistently wet or damp

AT-RISK GREENHOUSES
Any greenhouse can have a heating dead zone, but there are factors that make some more prone to them than others. For example, greenhouses with limited air flow or jam-packed benches or crowded hanging basket areas are more susceptible to heating dead zones.

DEAD ZONE REMEDIES
One of the most important factors in preventing greenhouse heating dead zones is to make sure you have the right heating capacity for the size of your greenhouse. Also, be sure you have proper placement and distribution of heat radiation. If you're unsure, it's best to contact experienced greenhouse heating professionals who can help you determine how best to engineer your heating system. They will analyze your structure and growing practices to find the best heating solution for the health and quality of your crops.

You also should check your greenhouse glazing, walls, doors, fans and vents for any cracks or air leaks that could be allowing cold air in and reducing efficiency. Another tip is to make sure doors are kept closed. Consider weather-stripping doors, as well as vents and fan openings, for added efficiency.

One more solution is to incorporate perimeter heating into your greenhouse. To read about perimeter heating and its benefits, check out our article on perimeter heating systems.

Delta T Solutions has designed and manufactured customized heating solutions for greenhouse growers using hydronic (hot water radiant) heat for more than 20 years. To learn more about cost-effective in-ground bench and perimeter heating systems; high-efficiency boiler systems; and other systems that improve crop health, contact Delta T at 800-552-5058 or email mkovalycsik@deltatsolutions.com.