Greenhouse Energy Curtains
Energy curtains have been noted as a quick payback in the energy savings market. Most growers make sure that they are taking full advantage of their impact by tweaking their climate control system from season to season and keeping it in good operational order. But how many growers measure the effectiveness of the curtain itself as it ages?Manufacturers suggest that the maximum lifetime of an energy curtain is eight to 10 years, and UV degradation can occur after as little as five years. It is common to retain curtains far past this limit as long as they are not showing major signs of damage such as shredding or ripping.
Is this the best way to cut costs or would it be wiser to replace that energy curtain according to the manufacturer’s suggestions? It is best to keep records of the date of installation of all energy curtains with a date of replacement predetermined. If energy curtains are allowed to remain in place after their efficiency is compromised, energy will be wasted.
Any Energy Being Wasted?
At home we are often reminded of energy wasted when lights or appliances are kept running unnecessarily. Why can this not be a concern at the greenhouse? How many times are offices or computer rooms left empty with lights on, air conditioning running, etc.? A grower can be preoccupied in the greenhouse for hours before visiting his office.It is often overlooked that energy is wasted when electrically powered items are on unnecessarily. A 5,000 BTU window unit air conditioner, for example, can cost upwards of $50 per month in electricity; if there are multiple offices with such cooling units, this can become quite an expense. Be aware of electrical costs and conserve accordingly.
Another problem often overlooked is the heat loss that occurs when doors are left open unnecessarily. How often does someone pass through a mandoor and leave it open for an extended period? Whether it’s in the greenhouse or the warehouse, cold air will infiltrate that area and extra energy is needed to warm it again.
Prevention for this common occurrence is to install door-closing springs on every man-door to avoid them being left open. Take this a step further and make sure that latches catch properly so that the wind cannot fling a door open and the door is properly weatherstripped to eliminate drafts.
Check Overhead Doors
Overhead doors can also be a source of wasted energy. If the weatherstripping is worn or they do not close tightly, there will be cold air penetrating, especially on the windy Winter days. Take the time to check each overhead door for issues before the cold weather sets in.A good measure is to educate the staff on how important it is during the Winter season to open overhead doors only as long as necessary, have a procedure and post it beside the door as a reminder. It’s unfortunate, but entranceways into the greenhouse are a common cause of energy waste. Scheduling a maintenance person to check each door in the facility for inadequacies annually before the cold weather arrives will conserve a surprising amount of energy.
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