Greenhouses are essential for both research and growing plants. They're like plant hotels, where everything needs to be perfect for their green guests. Whether a greenhouse uses the latest technology or is an older building, good maintenance can make a huge difference.

A well-cared-for greenhouse saves energy, which means lower bills. Additionally, it makes the workplace safer. It means fewer accidents and hospital bills. On top of that, plants grow better and faster with things running smoothly. That leads to better profits and more success in research

Simply put, all these systems keep plants alive! When they break down, it's not just a minor inconvenience. It could spell disaster for growing plants and any research activities happening inside the greenhouse.

So, what's the solution? It is as simple as creating and following operations and maintenance (O&M) plans! These plans help keep track of all the vital equipment that's dependent upon for keeping the greenhouse running smoothly all year round. They also recommend activities that help extend the life of each component and protect your investments. In a nutshell, proactive maintenance is your best friend in ensuring a thriving and productive greenhouse environment!

Vermont, for instance, has over 500 nurseries and greenhouses. Can you imagine? Each of them must deal with sticky summers and icy winters to stay open all year round. But here's the thing – Vermont is feeling the heat, quite literally! Due to climate change, it's getting warmer and more humid. It means greenhouses and all their tech inside have to handle even wilder swings in temperature and humidity.

So, what does this all boil down to? Keeping the building systems in tip-top shape isn't just important; it's mission-critical! The changing climate throws new challenges at the greenhouses, but with proper maintenance, they can continue to thrive, regardless of whether it's a hot summer day or a chilly winter night.

Knowing those information, here's a simple breakdown of the five main types of maintenance you should focus on for your warehouse.

Want to boost your greenhouse maintenance without breaking the bank? Here are some easy, wallet-friendly tips to keep everything running smoothly:

Daily Walkthroughs: Start with a simple daily walk through your greenhouse. Keep an eye out and make observations. It will add an extra layer of information on top of what your automation systems and sensors tell you.

Check and Calibrate: Regularly check the accuracy of your thermostats and humidistats. A little calibration can go a long way in improving plant conditions and saving energy.

Conduct Preventative Maintenance and Checklists: Routine is essential! Regular preventative maintenance and using start-up checklists help keep your greenhouse safe and efficient.

Double Up on Maintenance: When you're working on one system, why not check another? For instance, if you're cleaning the pads, look at the louvers too.

Recommission Your Systems: It's a good idea to check how your equipment performs under different conditions. Recommission your systems to ensure they're responding well to various scenarios.

Establish an O&M Plan: Whether you're going it alone or working with external partners, having a clear Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan and protocols is essential.

In short, a smart maintenance plan can lead to healthier plants and a healthier bottom line. Remember, whether it's a plant or a business, it's all about the right conditions for growth!

Taking a proactive approach to maintaining your greenhouse is essential to protect both your technology investments and the productivity of your crops. Remember that greenhouse equipment must work in extreme and changing conditions. They face intense sunlight, wind, rain, snow, and hail – whatever the local weather throws at them! And inside, it's a whole different story – the warm and humid conditions can cause metal to rust and mess up cooling pads.