Icelandic greenhouse in winter with lights and heating from geothermal energy | Pavel, via Adobe Stock
Greenhouse heating technology has come a long way — from simple heat retention to systems engineered for efficiency and sustainability. Today, heating equipment investments offer operators an opportunity to future-proof their greenhouse facility (and business) against fluctuating energy costs and environmental demands.
Let’s break down how greenhouse operators can adapt their systems not only to perform better today but to thrive tomorrow.
A Brief History of Greenhouse Heating
The roots of greenhouse heating innovation date back to the 1800s, when pioneers like Charles Lucien Bonaparte laid the groundwork with early hot water systems. Zipping along into the 20th century, coal and oil boilers were later supplanted largely by natural gas and electric heating.
As time has gone on, those methods have evolved with energy efficiency as perhaps the guiding principle. This evolution was gradual for a long time, but as technology in general has advanced into the 21st century, the evolution of heating tech is moving faster than ever before.
All right: Fast-forward to today, and we’re addressing how to maintain optimal temperatures in real-time and how to do so with minimized environmental impact and maximized efficiency.
To achieve precision and efficiency in greenhouse heating today, growers and operators must plan for the long haul. They must look ahead to the possibility of future advancements, much like how the past has shaped today’s market.
“Most of these greenhouse facilities have an economic life of decades,” says BioTherm Solutions owner Jim Rearden, highlighting the importance of big-picture thinking. “Whether it’s a renovation job or a new build, growers must look beyond the first two or three years of a project.”
Take a look at some of the recent advancements in heating tech, like fuel conversion technologies that condense various fuels (like natural gas, propane, or oil) into usable heat for warming the greenhouse environment. Without planning ahead for more nimble operations, growers and operators risk missing out on opportunities to streamline their facilities. More to the point, efficient heating design requires balancing these external factors with your plants’ actual day-to-day needs to ensure profitability and peak production.
Choosing Adaptable, High-Efficiency Systems
So, where do you begin when first setting out to design a greenhouse (or to renovate a greenhouse)? Today’s heating systems are a far cry from those earlier methods. For optimal greenhouse heating, modern growers have a variety of system options tailored to specific needs, whether for overhead, underfoot, perimeter, or snow and ice melting.
It’s important to consult with industry experts who understand the unique challenges of greenhouse environments. We recommend avoiding overly simplistic solutions, for the same reasons that Rearden suggests not limiting your technological flexibility. Instead, prioritize responsive systems that adapt to both the soil and ambient conditions to maintain consistent growing temperatures.
High-efficiency options, like condensing boilers, are designed to make the most out of every bit of fuel. Better yet, as Rearden says, materials like stainless steel and aluminum have become standard to resist corrosion and ensure longevity. These systems last, offering operators a heating solution with fewer replacements and better energy returns.
The key to future-proofing, Rearden says, is not relying on a single fuel source. Instead, by designing a water-based heating system (hydronics), operators can later switch to energy sources like solar or geothermal without major retrofits. (He advises operators to avoid committing to systems that depend solely on natural gas or propane, which could be impacted by future shifts toward decarbonization and electrification.)
“The industry is littered with million-square-foot facilities that were once dominant, but they got eaten up over time by energy costs and the lack of automation,” Rearden says. The key here is investing in adaptable, efficient systems that can be updated as the business — and technology — evolve.
Addressing Heat Transfer and Heat Loss and Targeted Gains
How does heat move? This is not a riddle; heat transfer is a major concept to understand when investing in the right heating equipment for your greenhouse needs.
Conduction involves direct heat transfer to plants via surfaces like benchtops. Convection circulates warm air, aiding in uniform temperature distribution. Radiation delivers heat through infrared waves, similar to sunlight. Each method plays a significant role in creating optimal growing conditions by ensuring precise temperature control at various plant levels, from soil to canopy.
But heat can be lost, too. Understanding and mitigating heat loss is one of the core elements of effective greenhouse heating.
As Rearden explains, his team “leverages computer models that allow us to see exactly how a greenhouse will perform 24/7, 365 days a year.” This technology enables his team to simulate and optimize each greenhouse’s environment based on its geographic location and climate conditions, ensuring that every structure is as efficient as possible.
“With these models, we can advise customers on incorporating natural venting for shoulder months, even as they prep for peak mechanical cooling needs during August heatwaves.”
The Long-Term Payoff: Financial and Environmental Stability
The shift to high-efficiency systems will cut energy bills and align a business with broader trends in sustainable agriculture. As regulations push for low-emission operations, investing in efficient systems now positions greenhouses to stay compliant and financially resilient in the long run.
As markets change, operators who made robust initial investments in efficiency and automation find themselves better equipped to weather volatility.
“You have a lot more runway to adapt and manage when you’ve invested well upfront,” says Rearden.
For additional information on greenhouse heating technology future-proofing and optimization, please read the original article found on the LLK Greenhouse Solutions website.
