Keep indoor environments at equine facilities pleasant for horses and humans with these five tips. These also can help you save energy and not waste money. It’s more efficient to work on these types of projects before winter sets in!

1. Insulate the Roof.

The first step for energy saving at equine facilities is to be sure that your structure is well-insulated. Start with the roof, as this is the most important surface. Install at least R-30 insulation, which generally equates to 12 inches of fiberglass batt insulation or a few inches of closed-cell, polyurethane spray foam insulation. We prefer foam insulation because it has superior insulation value and isn’t ruined if it gets wet.

Be sure to get advice from local professionals before proceeding with any insulation project. Not all insulation types work in all applications. There are other important considerations for successful performance that a local professional can advise you about.

2. Heat as Little as Possible. 

A toasty barn at your equine facility seems comfortable to us humans, but spaces heated to more than 55 degrees F (about 13 C) in the winter can be hard on horses. This is especially true if they go from inside to outside frequently. It is more important to seek a balance between heating and ventilation.

Winter ventilation is necessary to protect indoor air quality and to reduce humidity. If you can smell dust or ammonia, your horses’ immune systems are already working overtime.

Install a variable speed exhaust fan that can be adjusted to exhaust just enough air to keep the indoor air fresh. Then heat the structure with overhead gas radiant heaters that are designed to maintain temperatures in your ventilated barn to between 40 and 55 degrees F.

3. Seal Air Leaks. 

Systematically weather strip doors and windows at equine facilities to prevent air from whistling through them when they are closed.

The most difficult door will be a sliding barn door. However, even these can be sealed with some persistence and the right hardware.

4. Install High-Efficiency Lighting. 

Incandescent fixtures convert only 10% of their energy into light. Here are some better options that will give you a lot of bang for your buck:

• Install LED fixtures in aisles, arenas, and treatment/work areas. These are up to 75% more efficient than incandescent fixtures.
• You can use decorative LED fixtures. You don’t have to compromise on your desired aesthetic to save energy.

5. Do Your Maintenance. 

It pays to keep everything at equine facilities clean and in good repair. Remove dirt from fans and louvers. This will lengthen the life of the equipment and allow it to run most effectively.

It is often worth spending a few dollars up front to enjoy a comfortable and efficient facility over the long term.

For more information from Animal Arts, visit their website.