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Martin Meuldijk
Specialist Crop Rotation | December 26, 2018 | 2 min. reading time 

• Surface area of the greenhouse
• Delta T
• Type of greenhouse
• Fuel

The choice of a particular type of hot-air heater depends on a number of factors. First, the area of the greenhouse is an important factor in choosing hot-air heaters. The larger the greenhouse, the more capacity is needed to heat the greenhouse. The type of stove is selected depending on the greenhouse bay length, the number of bays and capacity of the heater.

The delta T is the difference between the desired temperature in the greenhouse and the minimum outside temperature. This temperature difference is important to determine how many degrees you have to heat the greenhouse. It is also important to know whether there is an energy screen in the greenhouse, because this has an effect on the delta T. Because a screen has an insulating effect, the required heat capacity can remain somewhat limited and therefore fewer heaters are required.

  

The type of greenhouse also determines the type and number of hot-air heaters required. A foil greenhouse or even a double foil greenhouse is better insulated than a glass greenhouse, which also influences the required heat capacity.

Finally, the choice of the type of hot-air heater also depends on the fuel. The hot-air heaters are available on natural gas, propane, petroleum and diesel. However, we strongly advise against using diesel for some crops. This can be harmful to a crop. So let yourself be well advised on this subject.

In addition to the option of heating the greenhouse, the heaters also offer the advantage that CO2 can be dosed with them. However, in situations where relatively many hot-air heaters are installed in the greenhouse, it can happen that the heaters burn for long periods in cold weather. To prevent the CO2 level in the greenhouse from rising too high, facade fans are often installed. At a maximum CO2 level, the facade fans are activated and the CO2 level remains acceptable. An additional outside air intake on the stove can also ensure that the stove burns on fresh outside air instead of on greenhouse air.

Installation, maintenance and repair of the stoves and accessories must only be carried out by recognized installation companies. Never do this yourself!

Make sure you clean hot-air heaters regularly and make them dust-free. We also recommend starting the heaters periodically, even during periods when they are not being used. That way you will not be faced with surprises in the
winter period.

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How to choose the right assimilation lamps?
Sunlight is vital for plant growth, but in horticulture, where natural light may be insufficient, growers turn to assimilation lamps for promoting plant growth.

Available types of greenhouse heating systems
There are different ways to heat a greenhouse. The types of greenhouse heating are: central heating, cogeneration system, hot air heating and electric heating.

What is the importance of a low return temperature?
A heating system always has two pipes: through one pipe the hot water is pumped into the greenhouse and through the other the cooled water (return water) is pumped back to the boiler or other heat generator