http://averytohia.skyrock.com/3170207799-Optimizing-energy-use-zimbio.html As a greenhouse grower or manager, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities and allow the little items to get missed. When it comes to energy issues, these little items can really add up! Energy conservation has been a popular topic of conversation, but there are many aspects that are often overlooked by today’s growers. 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.

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2. As a greenhouse grower or manager, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day
activities and allow the little items to get missed.
When it comes to energy issues, these little items can really add up! Energy
conservation has been a popular topic of conversation, but there are many aspects
that are often overlooked by today’s growers.
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.

3. 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 man-door 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.

4. 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.
TOO HOT IN THE BOILER ROOM?
■ Boiler rooms are often described as the “hottest areas of the greenhouse.” This does not
have to be the case. In fact, if this is the situation, then there might be an insulation
issue.
Concerns are often centred on the efficiency of boilers and recovering wasted heat
through a flu-gas condenser. The colossal heat loss from pipes that are not insulated is not
recognized.
A greenhouse does not need a “hot” boiler room; the heat is required in the greenhouse. If
the boiler room is unusually warm, have a look around. Are there bare pipes radiating in
that area?