How Do Greenhouse Fans Enhance Plant Growth?

A greenhouse fan is important for the temperature control necessary to maintain plant health. Since there is a limited amount of control for the temperature when there is a lot of sunlight, the heat can become excessive. This can harm the plants when there is a lot of sunlight. The greenhouse fan enables the temperature control by turning over the greenhouse air, getting rid of the hotter stale air, and replacing it with cooler fresh air from outside. This prevents temperature differences, or hot spots, from forming. For example, the air temperature of the greenhouse used to grow tomatoes and cucumbers should be maintained around twenty to thirty degrees Celsius. A greenhouse fan can be used to maintain that range when the outside temperature is forced to get hotter during summer days. During winter, the greenhouse fan can work with the heating system to control the warm air around the plants and prevent the warm air from getting colder around the plants.  

How Greenhouse Fan Improves Air Circulation for Plant Health  

A greenhouse fan is used in the control of air circulation because it is vital for the health of the plants.

Humidity in a greenhouse can lead to a buildup of moisture in the air, and can lead to fungal infections like powdery mildew and botrytis. Using a greenhouse fan, air can be kept in motion to lower moisture levels on the leaves and surfaces of plants. A drier environment inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria, which helps prevent diseases on the plants. Moreover, air circulation from greenhouse fans allows all plants to receive a sufficient supply of carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, which is the process of converting light energy into food, plants need carbon dioxide. When air is allowed to flow freely, the carbon dioxide is equally distributed throughout the greenhouse and all plants are able to receive this vital nutrient. This will ensure all plants are growing evenly and developing healthier foliage, flowers, and fruits.  

Promoting plant growth is also achieved through the control of humidity. Different humidity levels are required for different plants. For example, tropical plants like orchids need a humidity level of about 60% to 80% while desert plants, such as cacti, can thrive in a lower humidity of about 30% to 50%.

Fans in a greenhouse remove humid air and add in dry air from outside which helps in adjusting humidity. Whenever the humidity in a greenhouse is too high the humidity is expelled which dries up and reduces the greenhouse humidity. In dry conditions the greenhouse fans work alongside misting systems to help the mist circulate and increase the humidity which is needed. This is very important as the right humidity helps to avoid issues like leaf yellowing burnt leaf tips and stunted growth. This way greenhouse fans help ensure the plants are able to absorb water and nutrients effectively through their roots and leaves.  

Pollination and Fruit Production in a Greenhouse 

Pollination and fruit production in a greenhouse can also be helped by greenhouse fans. In the outside environment pollination occurs through wind and insects like bees. When a greenhouse is sealed there is no natural wind and insect activity for pollination and this can lead to poor fruit production. Greenhouse fans help to create a gentle wind which can help to remove pollen from the male parts of the flower and move it to the female parts for pollination.

Consider tomato greenhouses. A fan in a greenhouse can create a gentle breeze that shakes and releases the pollen on tomato flowers, helping fertilization. This results in a higher number of tomato fruits and increased yields. Furthermore, pollen-scented air attracted pollinators, boosting pollination and fertilization even more. ​

Selecting the Appropriate Size for Different Greenhouses ​

Determining the right greenhouse fan to use is essential to enhance the growth of plants. Depending on the size of the greenhouse, there will be a different type and size fan to use. A small portable fan works for small greenhouses under 50 square meters. These fans are also easy to set up and provide air circulation for small, limited spaces. For greenhouses that are in the range of 50 to 200 square meters, a wall or ceiling fan is needed, as these fans cover larger areas. For big commercial greenhouses that are larger than 200 square meters, more than one fan will be needed as well as a set of exhaust and intake fans.

These systems generate consistent airflow capable of managing large air volumes across the greenhouse. Considering the airflow rate, noise level, and energy efficiency also ensures the greenhouse fan meets your needs and those of the plants. ​  

Maintenance Tips for Greenhouse Fan to Ensure Long Term Performance  

Maintaining the greenhouse fan will keep it operating optimally, and properly scheduled cleaning is the first and most important step to maintenance. Cleaning the fan, airflow will be significantly reduced or wasted energy will be consumed, while the dust, dirt, and plant debris will accumulate on the fan’s blades and motor. We recommend cleaning the fan blades with a soft brush or cloth every month and wiping the motor housing to remove debris. Also check the fan’s belts and bearings. Fan run inefficiency will be caused by loose or worn belts, and excessive noise and motor failure will be caused by damaged bearings.  Check belts for tightness and wear every 3 months to be replaced when needed.

To keep the bearings well lubricated, and to maintain lubrication effectiveness, do this every six months. Subsequent maintenance also becomes easier when damage or wear on the fan electrical components/leads or switches is recorded. Finally, testing the greenhouse fan at regular intervals, to ensure all systems functioning properly, is essential to making timely repairs or adjustments.