How to use air conditioning in indoor cultivation. Best practices
Indoor growing has gained immense popularity due to its ability to provide complete control over the environment. An important factor in maintaining optimal conditions for plants indoors is temperature. So if you want to ensure your plants thrive, you need to manage the climate inside your grow room, and the best way to do that is with air conditioning.
In this blog, we discuss best practices on how to use air conditioning in indoor growing, focusing on how to maintain ideal temperatures while managing humidity and energy consumption. We will also discuss the advantages of using inverter split air conditioning systems, which are gaining popularity in indoor growing environments.
Why temperature control is essential for indoor growing
Temperature control plays a key role in plant health. The right temperature range can lead to robust growth, while extremes can stress plants, slow growth, or even cause damage. In indoor growing, where external weather conditions do not dictate the environment, air conditioning becomes the solution to maintaining consistency.
Indoor plants typically thrive in temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) during the day, with a slight decrease at night. However, it's important to remember that not all plants prefer the exact same conditions. Adjusting the temperature to meet your crops' specific needs will have a direct impact on their growth cycle and yield.
Air conditioning helps you maintain this delicate balance. Without a proper cooling system, the heat generated by grow lights and other equipment can raise the room temperature above what is ideal.
Choosing the best air conditioning system for your grow room
The first step is to choose the best air conditioning system. While technically any air conditioning unit can be used, certain types work better in grow rooms, especially inverter split air conditioning systems. Here are the reasons why they are such a popular choice:
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Energy efficiency: Inverter air conditioners use variable speed compressors, meaning they adjust their power output based on current cooling needs. This can save you significant amounts on electricity bills, which is a huge benefit considering how energy-intensive indoor growing can be.
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Precise temperature control: Inverter split air conditioning systems allow a constant temperature to be maintained with high precision. Since temperature fluctuations can be stressful for plants, this precision is crucial.
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Low noise: Unlike traditional air conditioning units, inverter split systems are designed to operate quietly. Since grow rooms already have the hum of fans and other equipment, the quieter the air conditioning unit, the better.
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Zone cooling: Inverter split systems can be set to cool specific areas of your grow room, ensuring that no part of the room is too hot or cold.
Best practices for using air conditioning in indoor cultivation
1. Monitor and adjust temperatures regularly
Air conditioning in your grow room is not something you can “set and forget.” Temperatures will need to be monitored consistently, especially as plants go through different stages of growth. As a general rule, try to keep daytime temperatures between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) and nighttime temperatures a little lower.
Using indoor air conditioning along with a reliable thermostat will help you maintain these optimal temperatures.
2. Control humidity levels
Temperature and humidity go hand in hand. Air conditioners naturally dehumidify the air as they cool, which is great for preventing mold growth. However, if the humidity drops too low, your plants could become stressed, which can lead to problems like wilting leaves. Consider using a humidifier alongside your air conditioner to maintain the perfect balance.
Plants at different stages of growth have different humidity needs. Seedlings and young plants thrive in higher humidity (around 65-70%), while mature plants prefer lower levels (40-50%). Regularly checking humidity levels and adjusting your system accordingly is key to healthy growth.
3. Correctly position the air conditioner
Proper placement of your air conditioning unit is essential for even temperature distribution. You don't want one side of your room to be freezing cold while the other is too hot. Position your split inverter air conditioning unit so that it distributes cool air evenly throughout the grow room.
Consider airflow patterns and make sure fresh air can circulate freely around the room, passing through the plants. Place oscillating fans strategically to keep the air moving, preventing hot or cold spots.
4. Sealing your grow room
In order for your air conditioner to work effectively, your grow room must be properly sealed. Gaps or leaks in windows, doors, or walls can allow outside air to enter, disrupting the controlled environment you’ve worked hard to create. A well-sealed grow room ensures that your air conditioner can operate efficiently without having to work overtime.
Also, consider insulating your grow room. This will help keep the temperature stable and reduce the workload on your air conditioning unit.
5. Plan airflow and ventilation
Even though your air conditioner will help cool the room, it's still important to maintain good ventilation. Stagnant air can cause temperature and humidity imbalances, and it's not good for plant health. Make sure your grow room is equipped with exhaust fans and intake grilles to allow fresh air in.
Indoor air conditioning, especially inverter split systems, can circulate air effectively, but proper ventilation ensures your plants receive fresh air, which is essential for photosynthesis and respiration.
6. Maintain your air conditioning unit regularly
Regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit is crucial. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on filters, coils, and vents, reducing the efficiency of your system. This can result in poor temperature control and higher energy costs. Make it a habit: clean or replace filters every month and schedule professional maintenance at least once a year to keep your system running smoothly.
Why inverter split air conditioning is the best option for indoor growing
Inverter split air conditioning systems are highly efficient, precise and adaptable to grow rooms of different sizes. They use less energy because they don’t constantly switch on and off like traditional units. Instead, they adjust the cooling power as needed, meaning your grow room stays at a constant temperature without wasting electricity.
These systems are also quieter, which is ideal in an environment where you already deal with noise from fans, lights, and other equipment. And since many grow rooms are located in spaces where noise reduction is a priority (such as apartments or small buildings), an inverter split system can make all the difference.
Finally, inverter split air conditioning systems offer the added benefit of being customizable. You can set different temperatures in different zones, ensuring that all of your plants, no matter where they are in the grow room, receive the cooling they need.
Conclusion
Using air conditioning in indoor cultivation is essential to maintain optimal conditions that promote healthy plant growth. By investing in an inverter split air conditioning system, you can control temperature, manage humidity, and reduce energy costs in your grow room. Remember to regularly monitor and adjust temperatures, place your unit strategically and maintain good airflow. A well-maintained air conditioning unit can make the difference between an average yield and a thriving crop.
If you're ready to take your indoor growing setup to the next level, consider upgrading your air conditioning system to ensure a stable and productive environment for your plants. Discover our entire range of split inverter air conditioning units and other essential tools for indoor growing at Growshoplowcost.
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