Whether you are large scale commercial greenhouse grower with a multi-acre production facility, or a homeowner with a backyard greenhouse; increasing the efficiency of your greenhouse equipment is a must. Many growers, large and small, set the fate of their crops in the hands of little grey boxes set to control all of those sophisticated environmental systems. I'm talking of course about thermostats. Thermostats are an excellent and inexpensive way to control the environmental systems you choose to populate your greenhouse with

. There is, however, a significant downside to using them, particularly in a commercial setting.

"It is hard to think of that innocent looking device hanging on your greenhouse wall as the culprit that may be robbing you of hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in wasted greenhouse energy. But yes, that in fact is most likely what is happening."

Those words were written by Tom Piini, president of Micro Grow Systems. Micro Grow is our supplier for electronic, microprocessor controlled greenhouse environmental controls.

Basic single and two-stage thermostats, while initially cost effective, are limited to single temperature set points. Sure, they will kick on and off at a certain temperature; but, there is no way to set them for different temperatures during the day and night, or for different periods of the day. Meanwhile, many plants do not require their night-time temperatures to be the same as during the day. Many times, setting a 75-80 degree daytime temperature and a 60-65 degree nighttime temperature is sufficient. T

hat is a 15-20 degree temperature differential that over the course of several years can result in substantial energy savings - if, of course, your controller allows you such ability. Sophisticated control systems are akin to a souped up version of the programmable thermostats many of us use in our homes to run furnaces and air conditioners. For instance, say that using a microprocessor system allows you to cut down on just one hour of cooling during the summer. In actuality you would probably gain more, but for the sake of argument one hour is easy. Let's say that between fans, shutters, and evaporative cooling your electrical and water costs are around $1 per hour (this figure does not necessarily represent your estimated actual costs, it is merely for illustration). Cost savings from that one hour can easily reach to a few hundred dollars. Now factor in winter heating, where the cost savings will be even more, and you approach a cost savings that is nearly equivalent to the price of the control system. All this in just one year.  A sophisticated, microprocessor operated control system can save you thousands over the life of the system. All to say, before you decide to "save a few bucks" and purchase a non-programmable thermostat to control your greenhouse equipment; considering a microprocessor control system for your greenhouse can help take the edge off of opening your monthly power bills! Not to mentio

n that with a microprocessor controlled system, most other environmental systems, including irrigation, shade, and circulation, can be integrated into the operation of the controller. These sophisticated controllers also have digital readouts that give up-to-date information on the environment in the greenhouse, making it a one-stop location. These controls certainly aren't for everyone, but when you are contemplating the operation of your greenhouse, be sure to factor in the true costs of all of your equipment. You may find that the pricier initial investment is well worth it in the long term.