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Ventilation
Use a ventilation system to automatically protect your greenhouse plants
from withering heat build-up. No need to daily open and close vents, trying
to out-guess the weatherman! Let a thermostatically controlled system
do all the work. The thermostat turns the system on at the temperature
you select. The fan expels hot air and fresh, cool air is drawn in through
the shutters. A fan speed control enables you to adjust the amount of
air flow to suit the seasons. A motorized shutter is wide open when on
and held closed when off. Select one of our ventilation systems
or build your own system from components. Caution:
A fan system alone cannot completely cool a greenhouse. Shading is also
required. Additional cooling is possible with a misting system or evaporative
cooler.
Shading
Install shading to shield the greenhouse or sunroom between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m. Severe western exposure may require shading until 7 p.m. Shading
should cover the roof and at least the upper half of the south wall. The
amount of shading needed varies depending on your local climate, greenhouse
design, and light requirements of your particular plants. Use the least
amount of shading necessary, because excessive shading can slow plant
growth or cause plants to "reach" for more light.
Misting
Ventilation and shading will prevent the greenhouse from seriously overheating,
but it is evaporation of moisture inside the greenhouse that will actually
maintain a comfortable temperature. Evaporating water soaks up heat like
a sponge, because heat is used when water changes from a liquid to a gaseous
form. Good air circulation from fans increases evaporation. The amount
of moisture necessary to cool the greenhouse will vary considerably depending
on the amount of ventilation and shading provided, your local climate,
and daily weather changes.
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