Cooling systems are essential during warmer months, but in many regions, greenhouse heating is just as important in winter. Maintaining a stable temperature year-round supports plant health, consistent growth, and predictable production.
One effective way to heat a greenhouse is through radiant heating, also known as hydronic heating. Radiant systems use hot water circulated through metal pipes to emit heat evenly into the growing environment.
What are the benefits of radiant heating?
Radiant heating provides consistent, uniform warmth across the greenhouse. This helps reduce cold spots and temperature swings that can stress plants.
Because heat is distributed using water rather than forced air, radiant systems are highly efficient. Many growers report energy savings of 20–30% compared to less efficient heating methods. A single heat source can be used to control multiple zones by adjusting flow rates and water temperature. Water is recirculated through the system, reducing waste and improving overall efficiency.
Is radiant heating cost-effective?
Advances in materials and system design have made radiant heating more accessible for commercial growers. Overall cost depends on system design, materials, supplier choice, and the amount of heat required.
The key advantage of radiant heating is even heat distribution. When plants are exposed to consistent temperatures, growth becomes more predictable and crop losses are reduced. Over time, this stability can offset higher upfront costs through improved efficiency and reduced operational issues.
What factors should you consider when designing a radiant heating system?
The goal of any heating system is to deliver the right amount of heat, evenly, where it’s needed most. Hot water is an efficient way to transport heat across long distances using insulated pipes.
Heating pipes are commonly made from materials such as steel, black iron, copper, or aluminium. Placement plays a major role in system performance. Pipes are often installed:
- around the greenhouse perimeter
- beneath benches
- along rows of cut flowers or vegetable crops
- at gutter height
This layout helps distribute heat evenly and maintain stable temperatures throughout the growing space.
Radiant heating and year-round production
Consistent temperature control allows growers to extend production seasons and grow crops year-round. This flexibility can support higher market demand, steadier output, and improved profitability.
Radiant heating methods
One common approach is installing pipes beneath concrete slabs or benches to create radiant floor heating. This delivers heat directly to the root zone, where it’s most effective, and has been widely adopted in commercial greenhouses.
Another option is running tubing through the soil of raised beds or beneath grow tables. Both methods aim to provide steady, even heat without creating temperature fluctuations in the air above the crop.
Related greenhouse climate topics
You may also find these guides useful:
Stable heating matters as much as cooling.
Heating systems that create uneven temperatures can lead to plant stress, condensation, and inconsistent growth. Bluelab helps growers monitor temperature across the growing environment, so heating performance can be assessed and adjusted before issues affect crop health.
Contact Bluelab to discuss monitoring and measurement options for your grow environment.
