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For agricultural operations managers in the Fraser Valley, greenhouse climate control is more than a convenience—it’s a necessity. From Chilliwack to Abbotsford, the region’s dynamic weather patterns, high humidity levels, and seasonal temperature swings create constant pressure on crop production. Maintaining consistent environmental conditions is essential for yield and crop health, operational efficiency, and equipment longevity.
In this guide, we explore what it takes to stabilise temperature and humidity year-round in greenhouses and controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) facilities, and how Alpine Refrigeration supports farm operations across British Columbia with HVAC systems tailored for agricultural use.
Inconsistent climate conditions can cause diseases, promote rot due to uncontrolled humidity, and create stress that reduces yields. Fluctuating microclimates can attract pests, while inefficient system cycling often increases energy consumption. Crops such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and leafy greens are particularly sensitive to environmental changes. For those growing bedding plants, herbs, or high-value specialty crops, even slight relative humidity or air temperature variations can significantly affect crop quality and marketability.
Effective climate control ensures optimal transpiration rates, better nutrient uptake, and improved photosynthesis. In multi-zone greenhouses, the challenge increases with each additional compartment, requiring a more nuanced control approach that aligns with crop-specific requirements. These considerations must be embedded in every phase of system design—from layout and ducting to automation protocols and air distribution modelling.
The Fraser Valley presents specific challenges that demand a sophisticated climate control strategy. Greenhouse operators face a complex balancing act with high year-round humidity, prolonged cool and damp winters, and abrupt temperature shifts during spring and autumn. These local conditions frequently lead to condensation on plant surfaces and structural glazing, hampering air circulation in large greenhouse spans. Heating distribution can also become inefficient without a well-planned zoning approach.
Microclimates within greenhouses can vary drastically, particularly in larger operations. Uneven airflow, differential sun exposure, and crop density all contribute to these discrepancies. HVAC systems that lack precision or zoning capabilities may exacerbate the problem. These inconsistencies can lead to varied crop performance within the same environment, making consistent quality control difficult.
Alpine Refrigeration works directly with growers to ensure systems are appropriately sized and designed to perform under these regional constraints.
An effective greenhouse HVAC system relies on the integration of heating, ventilation, cooling, dehumidification, and control technology. It’s not about individual components—it’s about how they work together.
Heating is foundational. Many growers in the Fraser Valley use unit heaters for small to medium spaces or hydronic heating systems powered by gas-fired or electric boilers for more consistent and even distribution. Radiant heating remains a popular option, particularly in operations growing crops sensitive to root-zone temperatures.
Ventilation is equally important. Whether through mechanical systems or natural ventilation (roof and sidewall vents), airflow directly impacts both temperature regulation and humidity levels. In many cases, horizontal airflow fans (HAFs) are used to ensure even air distribution and prevent dead zones within the growing area.
Cooling is not just a summer issue. Even in spring or autumn, direct sunlight and sealed greenhouse structures can lead to overheating. Depending on the scale of your operation, evaporative cooling systems, fogging mechanisms, or reversible heat pumps may provide effective relief without compromising humidity targets. Dehumidification deserves special attention. Excess moisture not only compromises crop health but can also lead to costly structural problems. Passive approaches often fall short in this region, making active dehumidifiers or balanced ventilation-exchange systems a necessity.
Important
Integrated dehumidifiers and sensor-driven ventilation systems are essential tools for Fraser Valley growers managing sensitive crops in enclosed environments.
Climate control automation ties it all together. Temperature and humidity sensors, programmable thermostats, and smart controls now form the core of modern greenhouse operations. Automation reduces human error, optimises system efficiency, and provides more precise environmental stability, particularly when integrated with irrigation and shading systems.
Greenhouses in the Fraser Valley often experience elevated night-time humidity, affecting crop outcomes and leading to fungal risks. Solutions that combine calibrated ventilation with targeted dehumidification can effectively remove excess moisture while maintaining ideal growing temperatures. This upgrade can potentially improve yield quality and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.
Night-time humidity control often requires balancing thermal mass and removing moisture-laden air. Using heat recovery ventilators (HRVS) is becoming more common in this context. These systems exchange indoor air with filtered outdoor air while recovering heat energy, thus supporting dehumidification and energy conservation.
In some greenhouses, the strategic placement of low-level intake ducts and high-level exhaust fans can assist with stratified moisture removal, reducing condensation that typically collects on upper glazing and truss structures.
Even the most carefully engineered HVAC systems can underperform without regular maintenance. In agricultural environments, systems endure high levels of dust, humidity, and variable operating conditions, so preventive care is vital.
Regular maintenance includes replacing filters, cleaning ducts, calibrating sensors, inspecting fan belts, and confirming system responsiveness before key growing seasons. For greenhouses in the Fraser Valley, Alpine Refrigeration recommends biannual service visits—once before spring and again post-harvest—with added quarterly checks for high-demand operations.
Proactive maintenance also provides early detection of issues like refrigerant leaks, sensor drift, or declining air flow from worn components. These issues may not present immediate failure, but over time, they reduce system performance and increase operational costs. Maintenance records are not only valuable for internal diagnostics but may also be required to satisfy compliance or rebate conditions tied to energy efficiency programs.
Did You Know?
A clogged filter or poorly calibrated thermostat can result in as much as a 25 percent drop in system efficiency, raising operating costs significantly during peak seasons.
Many greenhouse systems in the region were not originally designed for high-precision agriculture. Retrofitting is often the most economical way to bring an older system up to modern standards.
Upgrades might include dehumidification add-ons, improved thermostats, or smart controllers with mobile app integration. Full replacement becomes necessary when systems exceed 15 years of age, fail to maintain temperature differentials across zones, or continue to generate high energy bills despite past interventions.
Before making a decision, it’s helpful to conduct a full HVAC audit, reviewing factors such as system load balance, equipment age, control capabilities, and operating efficiency under typical peak-season conditions. The findings can then guide whether targeted improvements are sufficient or if a full replacement is more cost-effective over the long term.
British Columbia offers several incentive programs that support HVAC upgrades for agricultural operations. Growers may qualify for rebates through BC Hydro and FortisBC for installing heat pumps or upgrading electrical infrastructure. National initiatives such as the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program and retrofit funding from Natural Resources Canada can also defray costs.
Documentation and timing are key when applying for such incentives. Many programs require pre-approval before installation begins and may request data on previous energy consumption and projected savings. Working with a contractor experienced in agricultural systems can improve your likelihood of approval and maximise rebate amounts.
Alpine Refrigeration assists in navigating these programs, including documentation and application support.
Agricultural operations require HVAC partners who understand more than just system specifications. Downtime in a greenhouse is not merely inconvenient—it can mean crop loss, damaged infrastructure, and revenue shortfalls. That’s why working with a team trained specifically for agricultural environments is critical.
Alpine Refrigeration has extensive experience with dairy barns, greenhouse vegetable operations, and processing sheds throughout the Fraser Valley. Technicians are available for 24/7 emergency response and provide scheduled maintenance tailored to the demands of agricultural clients. From custom retrofits to new installations, Alpine delivers reliable, agriculture-specific service.
A qualified service partner doesn’t just install and repair systems—they also help optimise them. Alpine provides operational insights, identifies airflow bottlenecks, and offers ongoing recommendations to ensure HVAC systems continue to support your production goals as they evolve.
Greenhouse climate control in the Fraser Valley is both a science and an art. Managing temperature and humidity isn’t just about installing new equipment—it’s about choosing systems that fit the crop, the structure, and the season. With Alpine Refrigeration’s experience and locally tuned approach, agricultural operations managers gain not just stability, but peace of mind.
Whether you’re growing tomatoes in glass houses or operating year-round herb cultivation, effective HVAC planning and upkeep can directly impact profitability, sustainability, and daily workflow. In an increasingly competitive agricultural market, these operational efficiencies translate to long-term resilience and consistent product quality.
That depends on the crop. Most Fraser Valley vegetables thrive between 18°C and 24°C. Alpine technicians can help determine the right range for your setup.
We recommend service twice a year—early spring and after harvest. For large or complex operations, more frequent checks may be needed.
No. Greenhouse environments require commercial-grade units capable of handling large volumes and higher humidity.
Use active dehumidification or controlled ventilation with heat recovery. Passive venting is often ineffective in the Fraser Valley’s damp winters.
Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency response and prioritised service for agricultural operations across the Fraser Valley.
Any time of day, any day of the year, Alpine Refrigeration is working for you.
Gas – LGA0103126
Refrigeration – LBP0001017
Boiler – LBP0204397
