environments. Growers who need an especially high
level of control should explore the option to auto-
mate. Automating active ventilation systems ensures
consistency, no matter the conditions outdoors.
While active ventilation systems are excellent for
ensuring tight control of a grow environment, they
do come with high monthly operating costs due to
their heavy reliance on electricity. Choosing the ap-
propriate system all comes down to a grower’s spe-
cific needs.
Passive and active ventilation systems come
with their own unique set of advantages and disad-
vantages. Passive ventilation works great in certain
parts of country and during certain times of the
THE ULTIMATE ODOR ELIMINATORS
The Ultimate
In-Duct Ozonator
by Corona Discharge
The Room Model Ozonator
by Ultraviolet
www.uvonair.com
TOLL FREE:
1.800.765.2098
FAX:
905.264.6508
361 Rowntree Dairy Road, Unit 4, Woodbridge ON L4L 8H1
year. Community gardens are a great example of
where passive ventilation makes sense. Growers
won’t hit the exact temperature they want every day
but they will save a substantial amount of money on
utilities. Growers with hard deadlines to hit abso-
lutely need active ventilation.
Passive and active ventilation equipment is not
too far off in initial purchase price. However, once
growers with passive systems begin to automate mo-
tors and other such equipment, the price differential
starts to even out. Eventually, an automated passive
system can become as costly as or even more costly
than an active system.
Essentially, if delivery schedules are lax, on-
site power supply is far and capital cost is limited,
passive ventilation is likely the best method. If
delivery schedules are stringent, on-site power
supply is nearby and an operation can accommodate
it in their budget, active ventilation makes more
sense. With these considerations in mind, growers
will be more readily equipped to choose a
ventilation system that works best with their budget,
location and application. GG
Jessica Batchelor is a content writer for GrowSpan
Greenhouse Structures GrowSpan.com. She has an interest
in horticulture and how it is affected by new technology.
Distributed by: Hydrofarm.com • SunlightSupply.com • BWGS.com
30
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
June 2018