Keep Crops Growing with Preventative Maintenance
June 4, 2023 
Photo: Modine Manufacturing
Commercial greenhouses are utilized worldwide to ensure consumers have access to fruits, vegetables, and flowers year-round. According to Markets and Markets, the global commercial greenhouse market was estimated to be valued at $35.5 billion in 2022. It is projected to reach $61.6 billion by 2027, recording a compound annual growth rate of roughly 12% during the forecast period.
But to sustain these greenhouses, facilities need climate control solutions that promote healthy growing conditions. While spring and summer allow for great growing conditions in many regions, heating units are needed to deliver year-round growth during the winter months. Without these solutions, many commercial greenhouses would fail to produce adequate fruits and vegetables for consumers once the temperatures drop.
With that said, facility managers need to keep their heating solutions top-of-mind during the summer months as well. This time allows commercial greenhouse owners to take the preventative measures necessary to ensure their heating solution will operate at maximum efficiency when the cold weather strikes.
Prepping for Winter
For many greenhouses, commercial unit heaters provide growers with a permanent heat source and helps create a controlled climate that promotes growth in the winter. But even the best unit heaters may not perform at peak levels if they are not serviced properly. The summer offers a great opportunity to have these units inspected to create little to no downtime during the winter months.
Choosing a certified technician to perform an inspection will help identify any underlying maintenance issue that could cause the unit to break down while also cleaning major components of the unit heater. When hiring a contractor to perform a preventive maintenance inspection, there are several things you can expect.
Tasks will include the technician making sure the motor shaft turns correctly and the venting systems are free from obstruction, making sure the thermostat is still in good functioning order, checking and adjusting the manifold gas pressure, checking gas connections, inspecting the burner tubes, and checking for any rust or corrosion on the unit. For high-efficiency units, an inspector will also check the condensate lines while also looking for any condensate leakage.
Checking for common failures should also be part of the technician’s inspection. For those in the commercial greenhouse space, that would include checking and cleaning the flame sensor. This safety component tells the control board whether the flame is on inside the unit. When the sensor is dirty, it can give false readings. By cleaning the sensor regularly, it will decrease the chances of a malfunction.
No Offseason in Alaska
While the summer gives most of the continental U.S. an opportunity to perform preventative maintenance measures, those in Alaska don’t get the same opportunity. For greenhouses and cannabis grow houses, maintaining a regular service schedule is key. With units that are in constant use, there is increased wear and tear on the motors. In addition, the increased moisture in the space can make the motors grimy. Having the unit maintained on a regular schedule will allow it to be cleaned properly while ensuring the motors don’t malfunction.
As it pertains to the greenhouse owner or facility managers, it’s important to be cognizant of the unit heater as well. Visually inspecting the unit can unearth some potential issues with the heating solution. You can usually tell if pests have chewed through wiring or if there is something disconnected. Also, listen for any odd noises. If you hear something unusual or see potential cracks in the unit, contact your certified technician to come and inspect it. Being proactive can help prevent minor issues from becoming major ones during your year-long growing season.
Keep the Crops Growing
The demand for greenhouse crops year-round continues to grow. To meet those demands, owners need to ensure they have a permanent, reliable heating solution during the winter months. Performing preventative maintenance during the summer allows the unit to be properly serviced during a time when it’s not in use. Whether it’s cleaning the burners or making sure the motors are in working order, this helps prevent breakdowns when the unit is needed the most. Developing a regular maintenance schedule should be part of your overall plan so your consumers have access to vegetables, fruits and flowers on demand. Be proactive to keep the crops growing.
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