Radiant Heating Systems for Your Greenhouse

While cooling systems are essential for regulating greenhouse temperatures in the summer, greenhouse heating systems are also oftentimes needed in the winter. Maintaining a comfortable temperature year-round is crucial for the health of your plants. One effective method of heating your greenhouse is through radiant heating, also known as hydronic heating. Radiant heating uses boiling water controlled by valves to assist hot water to travel through metal pipes and emit heat into the greenhouse.

What are the benefits of radiant heating?

Radiant heating can increase crop production and result in healthier plants. It will also help you save an estimated 20 to 30 percent in energy costs through increased efficiencies. From one heat source, hot water can be consistently controlled to steer various flow rates and temperature. One of the main advantages is the water can be reused so you don’t have to worry about waste.

Is radiant heating cost-effective?

With advancements in technology, radiant heating has become more affordable. At the end of the day it will all come down to your supplier, the material you select and the amount of heat you need. The goal of radiant and hydronic heating is to distribute heat evenly throughout your greenhouse, ensuring that every plant is exposed to the same temperature and climate. Having an efficient heating solution will help with overall costs and help prevent losses in crop production. 

What heating system factors should you consider?

The idea is to get the most out of the tools to ensure the temperature and climate is catering to your growing environment’s needs. Hot water is an efficient method to transport heat into your greenhouse over a greater distance using insulated pipes.

The bare pipes can be made up of materials like steel, black iron, copper and aluminum.

Locate your pipes around the perimeter of your greenhouse structure and under benches, in the rows of cut flowers or vegetable crops, and at gutter height as well. This will allow for uniform heat distribution to create an ideal temperature year-round.

Year-round production + controlled temperature = profit!

Having the ability to control the environment means you can grow season-to-season crops, leading to a higher demand and increased revenue.

Radiant heating methods

One of the most popular applications is placing pipes under concrete slabs on benches for greenhouse radiant floor heating. This method will help to distribute even heat right at the root level and has been a proven success. Another option is using tubing in the soil of raised beds or under grow tables.

Are you ready to explore greenhouse heating systems so you can make year-round profit? Contact Bluelab today.