"Whether the common consumer realizes it or not, greenhouses are an important staple to the everyday life of the average American. For some, it's the desire for vegetables and fruits year-round. For others, it's buying flowers to celebrate a special occasion. Neither of these would be possible if greenhouses didn't exist. In fact, according to Business Wire, the commercial greenhouse market is expected to grow at more than 8% compound annual growth rate from 2022 to 2027", says Jamie Tuinstra, product manager at Modine, a global company with more than 100 years of experience in thermal heating, headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin (USA), with operations in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
"While spring and summer can provide optimal growing conditions, it is also important for flowers and vegetables to be grown in the winter to keep up with consumer demands. This makes having a reliable heating source for your greenhouse vital. Even more important than having the heating unit is guaranteeing it is operational when the winter months roll around."
According to Tuinstra, with the cold months beginning to wrap up, greenhouse owners should take the time to make sure their units are in the best possible condition. "This will help guarantee there are no surprises when it's time to turn the unit back on when colder weather strikes."
In most cases, he explains, general maintenance is all that's required at the end of the heating season. This will help identify and solve any possible issue. Some general steps include:
- Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks or rusting.
- Check the vent pipe for any rusting or blockages. This can include clearing out any bird nests that may have been built inside the vent pipe.
- Cleaning the burners on the heating unit.
- For high-efficiency units, check the water traps and condensate lines for any dirt or debris.
"In addition to inspecting the unit, it's also important to be cognizant of the most common repairs for heating solutions. One of the most common issues that keep growers up at night is the flame sensor. This safety component is responsible for telling the control board that the flame is on within the unit. This sensor will get dirty over time, so it's paramount to clean it after each heating season."
The fan motors should also be a focal point at the end of the heating season, he continues. "With the heating unit running a substantial amount during the winter combined with the increased moisture in the space, the fan motors can get grimy and sustain wear and tear throughout the cold months. Be sure to clean these regularly to help decrease the chances of malfunction."
"By taking the time to inspect and clean the components of your heating solution, you are minimizing maintenance and repair time when it's time to start your unit. Don't be caught off guard when the 2023 winter season strikes in December. Be proactive and inspect your unit once the cold weather comes to an end."
Modine provides systems and solutions that improve air quality and conserve natural resources. More than 11,000 employees are at work in every corner of the globe, delivering the solutions their customers need, where they need them. "Our Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies segments support our purpose by improving air quality, reducing energy and water consumption, lowering harmful emissions, and enabling cleaner running vehicles and environmentally-friendly refrigerants."
For more information:
Modine
www.modine.com