SPRING TIP - HOW TO REGULATE THE HEAT IN GREENHOUSES!
2026-06-07

We know that ESBE products are the heart of many efficient heating systems, but did you know they can also be the savior of this summer's crops? If you have a water-based heating system in your greenhouse, the climate can be precision-controlled with our controller CRA211. By regulating the water temperature, the plants are protected against rapid fluctuations between the scorching sun and cool nights.


To achieve the best possible function, we suggest combining the controller with ESBE’s 3-way rotary valve VRG131. It is a compact and robust valve in dezincification-resistant brass, designed to deliver precise mixing for a long time to come.
This is how you do the installation:
1. Mount the valve: Install the ESBE VRG131 into your heating system. It controls the flow to your heating coils or fan convectors.
2. Install the controller: Mount the CRA211 directly onto the VRG valve. They are tailor-made for each other, making the installation fast and stable.
3. Adapt the sensor: The CRA211 comes with a flow pipe sensor. To enable it to sense the air instead of a pipe, you can easily extend the cable (e.g., using a terminal block).
4. Create a measurement point: Attach the sensor to a larger piece of sheet metal inside the greenhouse. The metal sheet acts as a transmitter that conveys the current air temperature to the controller. Place it preferably in a central location but in the shade for the most accurate value.
5. Set the desired heat: Enter your target temperature on the controller. Now, the CRA211 will regulate the VRG valve automatically to keep the greenhouse air as warm as you want it.
Precision at the core – prerequisites for greener results
Success in the greenhouse is all about the balance between air and heat. While you manage the ventilation by opening doors and windows when the sun is blazing, ESBE technology ensures that the underlying temperature is always optimized. By using proven products like the VRG131 valve and the CRA211 controller, the heat supply in the system is automated. This creates a stable base heat that prevents tomatoes, cucumbers, and chilies from suffering stressful temperature drops during, for example, chilly spring nights. It is a reliable installation that reduces the need for manual adjustments and gives your plants the security to grow at their own pace – regardless of how the weather shifts outside the glass.
More innovative application areas:
● Frost protection: Keep the garage or storage room at a precise minimum level to protect machinery and paint.
● Winter storage: Give citrus and olive trees the steady, cool temperature they need to survive the winter in the orangery.
● Drying rooms: Create a gentle and energy-efficient drying environment for laundry and equipment.
● Technical sheds and substations: Protect sensitive electronics against condensation and extreme temperature fluctuations. The solution maintains a narrow temperature range, which is crucial for operational reliability in unmanned locations.
● Animal husbandry and hatcheries: Ensure the well-being of the animals with a stable temperature. The CRA211 reacts quickly to cold air from open doors and provides a soft, even heat supply via the VRG131.
The common denominator for all these tips is the fact that the CRA211 is extremely proficient at maintaining a set value over time, and that the VRG131 is a valve that does not jam but delivers an exact flow. It transforms a standard heating system into a custom-adapted climate solution.


Good luck with your installation, and we hope for a great harvest this autumn!
Related link:
Install ESBE controller - CRA >

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