Greenhouse Energy Curtains Explained

When it comes to installing energy curtains (also known as thermal blankets) in a greenhouse, everyone is focused on saving energy. Energy savings should undoubtedly be a significant consideration in any greenhouse grower’s decision to acquire energy curtains. Winter horticulture in northern climates adds high heating costs to even the most particular greenhouse business. A well-designed and professionally placed energy curtain can save up to 50% and even more on winter heating expenditures in some circumstances. As a result, when appropriately employed in hot summer weather, energy curtains can reduce the amount of electricity required for fan venting while also maintaining higher nighttime temperatures as the sunsets.

What Are Greenhouse Energy Curtains?

Greenhouse energy curtains are designed to reduce heat loss and help maintain consistent temperatures in greenhouses. They are made of various materials, including polyethylene, PVC, or fiberglass, and can be hung from the ceiling or walls. Curtains can also be combined with other thermal management strategies, such as insulating blankets or reflective sheets.

Read More: Low Carbon Economy Challenge – Show Me the Green

In the winter, greenhouse energy curtains help keep heat in by creating an additional insulation layer. In the summer, they can be used to block out direct sunlight and reduce overheating. By regulating temperature extremes, curtains can extend the growing season and improve crop yields.

Why Should we Use Greenhouse Energy Curtains?

However, there are five more factors to consider when evaluating the utility of an energy curtain in your greenhouse.

1. Greenhouse Energy Curtains Assist in Humidity Control

When used in conjunction with roof vents, an energy curtain can assist manage humidity in the greenhouse by allowing new cool air in a while, providing a physical barrier to keep cold air from falling on the crop. It’s critical to learn how to manage the curtains as part of your overall environmental control. If the curtain needs to be closed, but the humidity is too high, open the curtains a gap and open the windows to help lessen the humidity.

2. Summer Shading Can be Achieved with Energy Curtains

Growers can shade when the plants need it, thanks to the versatility of energy curtains. You have another tool for establishing the optimal growth environment for your crop by using your greenhouse curtain system to alter light levels and temperature. Don’t overlook this part of environmental management when working with your greenhouse design team to plan out the greenhouse curtain system and configure your zones according to the variances your crops may require.

3. By Decreasing Daytime Temperature Variations, Energy Curtains Generate Healthier Plants

Getting rid of the peaks and valleys in the temperature range of a winter day will almost surely enhance the bottom line in terms of heating expenditures. That’s only the start. Temperature swings during the day may cause your boilers to work less efficiently than intended, lowering boiler efficiency and impacting maintenance costs and boiler lifespan. The sudden temperature variations would stress your plants. You can smooth out the peaks and valleys and provide a smoother temperature transition for healthy plants by adequately timing the opening and closing of an energy curtain with environmental controls that measure outside and indoor temperatures against desired growing temperatures.

4. You Can be Eligible for a Government Rebate if you Use Energy Curtains

Energy conservation is high on government agendas in many parts of the United States, Canada, and Europe. Get engaged with your local chamber of commerce and your regional, state, and provincial governments to learn about rebates and tax breaks for energy-efficient modifications. If money is available to help you enhance your firm, knowing your options will enable you to make informed selections.

5. Energy Prices Are Unlikely to Fall, so Energy Savings Will Likely Rise

It’s good to factor in the future when calculating the return on investment for an energy curtain or any other capital project. Consider the trends in your energy expenses over the previous five years. What has happened to your price? What has been your average usage? If you experienced a mild winter and could drastically reduce your heating costs, consider that the future will bring both.

Thermal energy curtains are just one of the options offered to modern commercial gardeners for creating the optimal growth environment for their crops. Shade or blackout (light deprivation) curtain alternatives, double and triple hung curtain solutions, and truss to truss vs. gutter operation can all be explored with a GGS greenhouse professional.

Do Energy-Efficient Curtains Work?

There’s no denying that energy-efficient curtains can help reduce your monthly energy bill. But how much they’ll save you depends on several factors, including the type of curtains you choose, the size of your windows, and how well they’re installed. Energy-efficient curtains are made with unique materials that reflect heat into your home in the winter and keep cool air from escaping in the summer. They can also be lined with insulating materials to boost their energy-saving abilities further. 

If you’re looking for ways to save on your energy bill, energy-efficient curtains are a great place to start. Not only can they help reduce your monthly energy costs, but they also add an extra layer of insulation to your home, making it more comfortable year-round. When shopping for energy-efficient curtains, look for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure that they meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines.

What Is the Difference Between Blackout and Thermal Curtains?

Blackout curtains are designed to block all light, while thermal curtains can insulate against heat and cold. Blackout curtains are typically made of heavier materials like denim or velvet, while thermal curtains are usually made of lighter materials like polyester or cotton. Both curtains can help you save on your energy bill, but thermal curtains are better at insulating against heat and cold, making them the more energy-efficient choice. 

Is it Worth Buying Thermal Curtains?

If you live in a climate that experiences extreme temperatures, then thermal curtains are worth considering. These curtains help insulate your home by trapping heat in during the winter and keeping cool air in during the summer, and it can lead to significant savings on your energy bills. In addition, thermal curtains can also help to reduce noise levels and provide privacy.

What Are the Best Thermal Curtains?

1. If you are looking for thermal curtains that will keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, look for curtains made of thick, heavyweight fabric. Heavyweight fabrics such as denim, canvas, or corduroy are good choices.

2. Look for thermal curtains with a lining. A lining will help keep the heat in during the winter and the cool air during the summer.

3. Choose a color that will help to absorb or reflect heat. Dark colors tend to absorb heat, while light colors reflect it.

4. If you also want your thermal curtains to block light, look for blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are lined with a thick fabric that blocks all light, making them ideal for bedrooms and media rooms.

5. Consider thermal curtains with grommets or tabs. These styles are easy to hang and open and close.

6. If you have pets or children, look for thermal curtains that are machine washable. Machine washable curtains are easier to keep clean and are less likely to stain.

7. When shopping for thermal curtains, look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the curtains meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines.

Do Thermal Curtains Cause Condensation?

Condensation can occur when there is a difference in temperature between the inside and outside of your home. If the temperature inside your home is warmer than the temperature outside, condensation can form on your windows. Thermal curtains can help to prevent condensation by insulating your windows and keeping the inside of your home warm.

How Do you Install Thermal Curtains?

There are a few different ways to install thermal curtains, depending on your window type. You can install them with hooks or sew them onto a rod if you have a standard window. If you have a sliding glass door, you can install them with a Velcro strip. And if you have an unconventional window, you can always get creative and develop your installation method!

Installing thermal curtains is a relatively straightforward process. However, if you have never done it before, you may want to ask a friend or family member for help. Once you have your curtains, follow the instructions that came with them. If you need any additional supplies, such as hooks or a rod, you can usually find these at your local hardware store.

The following steps must be followed to install thermal curtains:

1. Decide where you want to hang your curtains. Please measure the width of your window and make sure that you have enough fabric to cover it.

2. Cut your fabric to size, if necessary. If you are using hooks to hang your curtains, you will also need to cut a strip of fabric for the hook to go through.

3. Hem the edges of your fabric, if desired. It will help to prevent fraying and make your curtains look neater.

4. Attach hooks or a rod to your window. If you are using hooks, thread the strip of fabric through the hooks and hang them on your curtain rod. If you are sewing your curtains onto a rod, make sure that you leave enough fabric at the top to allow proper hanging.

5. Hang your curtains and enjoy!

How Do you make Cheap Thermal Curtains?

There are a few different ways that you can make cheap thermal curtains. One way is to buy a regular curtain and add a lining. Another way is to use a heavy fabric such as denim, canvas, or corduroy. And finally, you can also look for blackout curtains, which are usually lined with a thick fabric that blocks light. Whichever method you choose, add insulation to your windows to help keep heat in during the winter and cool air in during the summer.

Conclusion

Greenhouse energy curtains are a relatively new technology that has the potential to revolutionize how we cool and heat our homes. They work by using light to create thermal energy, which can then be used to heat or cool a home. While these curtains have not yet been widely adopted, they offer an exciting alternative to traditional heating and cooling methods.