Circulation Fans
Circulation fans are one of the most important accessories for a greenhouse. Circulation fans have several different functions all of which help the plants. The main goal of a circulating fan is to create an even flow of air throughout the greenhouse, in addition there are many other benefits of circulation fans.
- Removes air stratification. When the air within a greenhouse stratifies, consequently it becomes stagnant. The air moves in one direction and does not promote healthy growth for the plants. The fan circulates air in the greenhouse.
- Helps to control air temperature. As the air moves within the greenhouse, the temperature is adjusted. There are no “temperature spots” when the air is moving. The ambient temperature of the air and room will reach the hot and cold corners of the greenhouse, therefore creating a healthy growing environment.
- Promotes air quality. This is perhaps the best function of a circulation fan. The air moves with a circulating fan which cuts down on the growth of fungus. Stagnant air allows fungus and disease to grow. Properly moving air is like providing fresh air which cuts down on disease outbreaks within the greenhouse environment.
- Dries the leaves of the plants which also minimizes disease. Flowers, such as orchids, cannot have water on their leaves, so a circulation fan is a must in this type of greenhouse. As the air moves, carbon dioxide moves as well, helping to promote new growth on the plants.
Attributes of Circulation Fans
- Baked-on white epoxy fan guard.
- Moisture-resistant variable speed motor.
- Fan holes are larger than traditional basket fans and provide double the circulation of traditional models.
- Heavy-duty statically balanced blades.
- Low noise levels
- Rigid motor mount provides for easy installation.
- The fan’s heavy-duty bearing motors are maintenance-free and highly energy efficient.
Most vendors recommend that the set of circulation fans be placed facing one another on opposite ends of the greenhouse. Also, if a structure is over 60 feet long, it is recommended that circulation fans are installed in the same pattern, but for adequate circulation, the greenhouse should be divided and an additional set of circulation fans should be inserted.
Hooded Fans
Remove unwanted moisture, odor, and fumes with high performance hooded fans from Solar Innovations®. Hooded cooling fans are installed near the ridge of a structure. This placement allows the fans to remove the hottest air at the ridge first and then continue to cool the remaining space. The unit is operated by a manual control or thermostat. Hooded fans are available in standard Bronze, White, and Sandstone, and include a wall mounted thermostat. (Typically used in sunroom applications.)
Intake Louvers and Exhaust Fans
Intake Louvers and Exhaust Fans work hand-in-hand. Often times called shutter fans, these accessories help to promote a healthy greenhouse atmosphere. These units have two main functions: to cool a greenhouse and to exchange air.
The intake louver is placed in the lower half of a greenhouse wall; the louver opens to let fresh air into the greenhouse. The incoming air is used to cool the greenhouse temperature and to promote the circulation of fresh, clean air.
Heat naturally rises, and the air eventually stagnates at the greenhouse’s ridge. This is when exhaust fans come into play. After the greenhouse reaches a certain temperature, the exhaust fan pulls hot air out of the greenhouse and circulates fresh air back into the environment.
Manual Speed
All of the circulation fans offered by Solar Innovations® include a manual speed control to adjust the air flow from 20% to 100% of the fan’s output or to turn the fan off completely. The controls are encased in a water-resistant electrical enclosure with approved connectors to withstand the high moisture greenhouse environment. The fans come with a solid mount for attaching. The mount allows the fan to circulate so it does not get entangled in chains as a suspended system often does.
For an additional cost, we also offer one of the finest and most reliable automatic single staged thermostats. It has a wide temperature range with a narrow operating differential. The automatic thermostat is enclosed in a code-approved, moisture-resistant housing.