The temperature inside your grow room is vital for healthy plant growth. You can use greenhouse heaters to raise the room temperature during the winter season, while summer calls for installing air conditioners to beat the heat produced by grow lights.

Which air conditioner is suitable for my grow room? 

The type of air conditioner depends on the grow room size and the climate you live in. Large rooms and hotter climates require more cooling, and the air conditioner’s type would change accordingly. If you are looking to cut down on energy costs, mini-splits can offer just that the AC’s offer 30% cost savings as they require no ductwork. 

You can find commercial-grade air conditioners for commercial growing and portable air conditioners for hobbyists at Groindoor.com. 

You can increase cooling efficiency in your grow room by coupling temperature controllers with your air conditioners. Other than that, you can also buy multi-function grow room controllers to pair with your air conditioning unit. 

Not sure how you can size your AC unit? Our guide to sizing air conditioners can equip you with all the knowledge you need. 

The optimal temperature for plants

Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors for plant growth. The ideal temperature varies according to the stage in which the plants are. Let’s look at the temperature requirements for the growth phase:  

 1.  Seed and clone stage: the ideal temperature is 75-80^oF.  

 2.Veg stage: the plants do not require as much heat, and temperatures should range between 70-75^oF.  

3.Flowering stage: The ideal temperature is  between 68-73oF. 

These temperature changes are a simulation of the outdoor growing season.  

You can use an air conditioner to keep temperatures under 80^oF. To further simulate outdoor temperatures, you should regulate the temperature during day and night. It is ideal for keeping your lights-off period temperature 5-10 degrees lower than when they are on.  

What happens to plants when the temperature is too high? 

Plant growth slows down if the temperature in the grow room is too high. It also reduces the smell and potency of the buds during harvest. Furthermore, too much heat can lead to powdery mildew, spider mite infestations, nutrient burn, and root rot. 

The ideal root zone temperature for hydroponic systems is 65-70^oF. When the temperature rises beyond this, it causes heat stress in the plants, depriving them of oxygen, ultimately slowing or halting growth. You can tackle this problem using hydroponic water chillers. 

Can I keep my grow room cool without an AC? 

You can tackle heat inside the grow room or grow tent without employing an air conditioner. Your best bet against fighting the heat in such a case is using fans and blowers, and lights with a low heat signature, such as fluorescent grow lights. 

Need help?  

Go to our learning center to find out more about controlling heat in the grow room. 

Our expert growers can help you create an environment that can maximize plant yield. Just give us a call at  866-GRO-INDR .