Horti

Greenhouse construction

Looking for a greenhouse construction company from the Netherlands? VB is a leading greenhouse construction company and active in the USA.

Read more
Contact us
Contact us
Greenhouses USA

Greenhouse heating systems for the USA

Over a century ago, the first heating systems allowed Dutch growers to extend their growing season. Today, VB designs and installs heating systems for commercial greenhouses across the United States.

Greenhouse Heating Systems

Heating system specialists for commercial greenhouses in the USA

Heating systems remain an essential component in commercial greenhouses worldwide. When controlling the greenhouse climate, factors like day and night temperatures, as well as relative and absolute humidity levels, play a vital role. Many greenhouse crops require a difference between day and night temperatures to ensure optimal fruit set, and in most cases the average 24-hour temperature needs to exceed 18 degrees Celsius. To achieve these conditions, a reliable greenhouse heating system is crucial.

Modern greenhouse heating systems are designed to maintain the maximum temperature differential (Delta T), and several options are available, such as solar heating, geothermal heating, electric heating, and more.

VB builds on over half a century of experience in heating systems, and in designing and installing heat networks for industry and horticulture. We are at the forefront of the latest applications and technologies, and carry out the entire project for you with care and dedication. With a rich history of executing numerous projects across the United States, our team excels in overseeing comprehensive projects, managing everything from the initial stages to the final installation.

Traditionally, a greenhouse is heated using a central boiler (or electric heater), which distributes heated water through pipes installed in the greenhouse. This radiant heating system operates similarly to a household central heating system. With automated pump and valve systems, the flow and temperature of the water can be precisely controlled. Heated greenhouses create ideal conditions for delicate plants, regardless of sunny or cloudy days.

Serving U.S. growers 

VB offers American farmers and growers the most advanced commercial greenhouse solutions in the world. A heating system performs best as part of a complete energy and climate system. Check out our related solutions below.

Want to see some results

We've successfully completed beautiful commercial greenhouse projects in the US, including complete heating systems. Are you interested in these projects? Take a look below.

VB's projects in the U.S.

Dutch heating expertise, built for American growers

Over a century ago, the first heating systems allowed Dutch growers to extend their growing season. That heritage is where VB comes from. Today, VB has over half a century of experience in heating systems and heat networks for industry and horticulture, and sustainability is maximised by using waste heat and geothermal energy.

VB is the market leader in designing and building entire above-ground installations for exploiting geothermal energy: VB installed 80% of all existing geothermal energy sources in the Netherlands. That same energy expertise, from heat networks to thermal storage, is what VB brings to greenhouse projects in the United States.

Tube rail systems and bench heating

One of the most common heating systems in commercial greenhouses is the multifunctional tube rail system. Particularly for vegetable crops, this system offers significant logistical advantages, as the pipes also serve as transport rails.

For crops like lettuce, herbs, potted plants, and cannabis, the system can be integrated into bench supports. The heating pipes are installed under the benches, providing the same heating effect but without the logistical benefits of the tube rail.

Monorail heating systems

Monorail systems are typically used in greenhouses where the tube rail system offers fewer logistical advantages. These heating pipes are suspended below the roof structure, delivering heat from above and beneath the screens. During design, structural loads must be accounted for. Monorails also provide the ability to suspend carts above crops for tasks such as harvesting, maintenance, and crop care.

Grow tube and snowmelt systems

A common hot-water circuit in vegetable greenhouses is the grow tube system, where single pipes are placed at the crop level to regulate the ripening process.

In colder climates, the tube rail system is often supplemented with snowmelt circuits, preventing snow buildup on the greenhouse roof without disturbing the internal climate by opening screens. By incorporating a snow load reduction factor in structural design, the greenhouse can be made lighter, reducing capital costs and minimizing heat loss.

High-tech solutions realised worldwide

Nanne Bentvelzen

Partner with VB today

Are you interested in a reliable heating system for your commercial greenhouse? Let VB take care of your heating needs from start to finish. You'll get to work with some of the foremost leading experts in the global industry to come up with the best heating solution for your climate, crop, and energy strategy.

U.S. Mailing Address: 5784 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901 USA

Greenhouse Heating Systems FAQ's

Why does a commercial greenhouse need a heating system? 

When controlling the greenhouse climate, factors like day and night temperatures, as well as relative and absolute humidity levels, play a vital role. Many greenhouse crops require a difference between day and night temperatures to ensure optimal fruit set, and in most cases the average 24-hour temperature needs to exceed 18 degrees Celsius. A reliable heating system maintains the maximum temperature differential (Delta T) and creates ideal conditions for delicate plants, regardless of sunny or cloudy days.

How is a commercial greenhouse heated? 

Traditionally, a greenhouse is heated using a central boiler (or electric heater), which distributes heated water through pipes installed in the greenhouse. This radiant heating system operates similarly to a household central heating system. With automated pump and valve systems, the flow and temperature of the water can be precisely controlled. Options include solar heating, geothermal heating, electric heating, and more.

What types of greenhouse heating systems does VB install?

  • Tube rail systems: multifunctional pipes that also serve as transport rails, especially for vegetable crops
  • Bench heating: heating pipes under bench supports, for crops like lettuce, herbs, potted plants, and cannabis
  • Monorail systems: pipes suspended below the roof structure, delivering heat from above and beneath the screens
  • Grow tube systems: single pipes at crop level to regulate the ripening process
  • Snowmelt circuits: supplemental circuits for colder climates that prevent snow buildup on the roof

Which heating system suits my crop? 

For vegetable crops, the tube rail system offers significant logistical advantages, as the pipes also serve as transport rails. For lettuce, herbs and potted plants, bench heating provides the same heating effect. Grow tubes regulate the ripening process at crop level, and monorails add the ability to suspend carts above crops for harvesting, maintenance, and crop care.

What about snow in colder climates?

In colder climates, the tube rail system is often supplemented with snowmelt circuits, preventing snow buildup on the greenhouse roof without disturbing the internal climate by opening screens. By incorporating a snow load reduction factor in structural design, the greenhouse can be made lighter, reducing capital costs and minimizing heat loss.

Gecertificeerd volgens VCA** | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 (VB Geo Projects b.v.) | CO2-prestatieladder Certified according to VCA** | ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 (VB Geo Projects b.v.) | CO2 Performance Ladder