Considerations For Eliminating Grow Room Odors

May 1

One of the most difficult aspects that plague cannabis cultivators is controlling odor for many cultivators; this can especially be the case as the plants mature and reach flowering stages. With the right technology, however, you can control the odor of your cannabis crop and keep your grow operation discreet.

Evidence of Improper Setup: The most common problems with improper setup are improper ventilation, poor air circulation, and too many lights. These issues will cause mold growth, which will lead to a bad smell.
Legal Penalties: In most municipalities, keeping odors to a certain level is required by law. If you're unsure of the specific legal requirements in your area, you may want to consult a grow room design consultant versed in these matters.
Neighbor Complaints: If your grow room is near residentially zoned areas, you may deal with complaints from neighbors who don't like the smell. While some people will complain regardless of what's going on around them, others may take issue if they see something suspicious happening at your home.

There are many different ways to control odor, from unique ventilation systems to sprays and gels. Some methods include activated carbon filters, humidifiers, fans, air scrubbers, and dehumidifiers.

But, with all the available choices on the market, what is the best way to address grow room odors?

Carbon filters

Carbon filters are a viable solution when it comes to cannabis odor mitigation. They are effective at eliminating the odor, but they also last a very long time. As a result, these filters are a popular choice for indoor grow rooms.

The best way to control cannabis odor is by using a carbon filter system, which removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. It also helps prevent mold growth because it keeps moisture levels down.

A carbon filter works by using activated carbon as a material to trap impurities in the air. The carbon particles bind to pollutants when they pass through, and then they are trapped inside the filter. As a result, carbon holds the odor and other airborne impurities. Activated carbon filters are often installed in exhaust systems to remove the smell from the air in the most efficient way possible.

CFD Modeling

A CFD analysis can help you optimize your grow space to mitigate any unwanted odors. By predicting the distribution of temperature, humidity, and CO2, you can make sure that the airflow is sufficient to keep the space odor-free. Additionally, proper ventilation and air conditioning can help keep the humidity low and CO2 levels in check.

Grow Room Ozone Generators

Ozone generators can remove contaminants from the air. They work by passing oxygen through a chamber where ozone is created. This process is called ozonation. The most common ozone generator uses ultraviolet light to break down organic compounds into smaller molecules that the water can then absorb into the air.

Ozone generators produce a high concentration of oxygen used to kill bacteria and fungi. Ozone generators are typically placed at the end of each row of plants to ensure all the air has passed through the plant canopy before it reaches the soil.

One issue with ozonation is that the process requires high amounts of electricity, which can be dangerous if not correctly installed and maintained.

Chillers

Another consideration for cultivators interested in one of the best ways to reduce cannabis odors is the use of a chiller. Grow room chillers are a great way to control odors because they don't rely on traditional HVAC systems. Instead, chillers use a refrigeration process to cool air, which eliminates the need for fans and ductwork — this means that there is no air movement to spread odors around.

Other Considerations: Controlling Heat and Humidity in Flowering

There are many ways to control odor, from carbon filters to baking potpourri. But if you want to avoid the hassle of buying equipment, consider adding a dehumidifier to your setup.

Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air and reduce the amount of water vapor in the room. By removing moisture from the air, growers can reduce the amount of bacteria that grows in the room. Reducing heat and eliminating humidity is also essential to prevent common issues like powdery mildew and mold on your cannabis plants.