streamlining your ventilation system
Air Conditioning
One of the most common devices used in a modern indoor
garden is an air conditioner. More specifically, a mini-
split air conditioning system. These types of air condi-
tioners are very efficient at removing excess heat and
maintaining optimal temperatures and humidity condi-
tions. Of all the devices used to control the atmospheric
conditions in an indoor garden, an air conditioner gives
growers the most control. There are many makes and
models of air conditioners on the market, so it can be a
little overwhelming for a new indoor horticulturist. When
shopping for an air conditioner for an indoor garden, a
grower needs to pay close attention to the machine’s BTU
rating. British thermal unit (BTU) is defined as the amount
of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of
water by one degree Fahrenheit. Don’t let the definition of
BTU confuse you. Instead, just think of BTUs as a way to
quantify heating or cooling equipment. In other words, a
grower can use a BTU rating to find the appropriate size
air conditioner for his or her garden.
Sizing Air Conditioning Equipment
for an Indoor Garden
The most
“ common
piece
of equipment in any
ventilation system is
a motorized fan.”
To adequately cool his or her indoor garden, a grower will
need to consider the five major factors that influence the
size of an air conditioner. Those factors are the dimensions
of the growing area, the lighting equipment, the ballasts
of the lighting equipment, the CO 2 equipment, and any
remaining electrical accessories used in the garden.
Room Dimensions
When sizing an air conditioning system for an indoor
garden, the first thing a grower should note is the size
of the space that needs to be cooled. Although the heat
created by the lighting system and other garden equip-
ment will need to be considered to determine the required
cooling load, the size of the space in cubic feet will deter-
mine the minimum BTU requirements for the air condition-
ing equipment. This minimum size can be determined by
using a general BTU chart for room size.
General BTU Chart for Room Size
Cubic Feet
BTUs
1 - 1,200......................................................... 5,000
1,200 - 1,600.................................................. 6,000
1,600 - 2,000.................................................. 7,000
2,000 - 2,400.................................................. 8,000
2,400 - 2,800.................................................. 10,000
2,800 - 3,200.................................................. 12,000
3,200 - 3,600.................................................. 14,000
3,600 - 4,000.................................................. 15,000
4,000 - 4,800.................................................. 18,000
4,800 - 5,600.................................................. 20,000
5,600 - 6,400.................................................. 22,000
6,400 - 7,200.................................................. 25,000
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