HVAC, Electrical and Automation for Indoor Cannabis Production

Hydroponic cannabis plants are heavily influenced by their environment. Therefore, indoor growing facilities have unique needs when it comes to building mechanics such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electrical, lighting, automation and more.

Temperature, humidity levels, moisture levels, lighting, CO2 levels and irrigation must all be taken into consideration when constructing an effective cannabis growing facility. The good news is that with the help of environmental controls, it is possible to create ideal conditions for indoor cannabis growth.

As growing cannabis commercially is now legal in British Columbia, working with a mechanical company near you who is able to help you with all of your cannabis growing facility needs is highly recommended for licensed cannabis producers. Here are a few reasons why hiring an HVAC, electrical and automation contractor with experience in integrated smart building systems is in your best interest.

Automating and integrating your indoor growing facility

It’s not just about controlling the individual elements in your environment — it’s about controlling how they all work together.

For example, the lighting needed for marijuana growth produces a significant amount of heat, and so the HVAC system must be prepared to cool the space to the appropriate temperature during lighting periods.

Working with a contractor who knows how to properly integrate and automate your building’s systems offers several benefits, from protecting your crop from diseases that thrive in poor conditions, to increasing your yield, to improving the quality of your product.

Working with a reputable company who can ensure that all of your systems are working together, and who can also monitor your building’s systems for issues and opportunities, is the best way to protect your investments and ensure your success as a cannabis grower.

Every grow operation is different

Because every building is different, so are its needs when it comes to heating and cooling, ventilation, humidity, CO2 levels, lighting, electrical needs, and so on.

What works for one indoor grow operation, may not work for yours. A knowledgeable contractor will perform an audit of your space to determine its specific needs, and be able to build or retrofit your space accordingly.

Health and safety when growing cannabis indoors

While some CO2 encourages healthy marijuana plant growth, too much is dangerous to not only the plants, but humans as well.

This is just one example of a potential safety hazard in grow operations. When working with plants and chemicals in a confined space, it’s important to take every precaution.

Work with a company who is aware of these hazards and who employs safety-trained and certified technicians. Many companies can also monitor your cannabis operation’s systems and receive alerts when something seems off. For added security, choose a contractor with 24/7 emergency services and who can also take care of your access and security systems.

Decrease energy usage in your grow operation

Growing cannabis indoors takes a lot of energy. Ensuring that your HVAC and electrical systems are working as efficiently as possible can decrease energy costs and your footprint on the environment.

This is another benefit of working with a company who can integrate and monitor your building’s systems, which allows them to spot opportunities to increase your grow operation’s energy efficiency and make adjustments as needed.

Kimco offers full-service automation and smart building solutions for indoor cannabis facilities in the Thompson Okanagan and Kootenay regions — proudly serving Kelowna, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton, Revelstoke, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Nelson, and elsewhere in the B.C. Interior. Click here or contact us to learn more about all our services for grow operations.

Kimco offers preventative maintenance programs to save you money and keep your systems in top shape! Our certified HVAC technicians are experienced in commercial, industrial and institutional heating and cooling systems, as well as DDC controls and automation. Click here for more information.