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Air ducts are the lungs of an indoor garden. They
deliver fresh air and remove stale air, ensuring
that your plants get necessary carbon dioxide and
oxygen to thrive. Ducting performs an important role
in removing excess heat from indoor greenhouses.
Ducts are also used in heating and air conditioning.
Common Ducting Accessories
Ducting accessories come in all shapes and sizes.
Common ducting and air accessories include metal
duct elbows, duct tees, duct Ys, etc. Some Y
reducers allow you to duct to or from a six-inch
opening to two different four-inch openings.
Why?
For efficient cooling and distribution of air, it is
important to clean your ducting and air accessories
from time to time. Ducts that are not cleaned
properly may release dust and pathogens into your
greenhouse, which is not good for you and your
plants. Moreover, moisture content may lead to
contamination by microbes. Also, cleaning of your
heating and cooling systems, which include ducts,
heating coils, etc., is shown to increase the
operating life and reduce energy and maintenance
costs.<br>
When?
You should clean the air ducts when there is:
- Significant mold growth
- Infestation by insects, rodents, etc.
- Duct clogging due to dust, debris, and other solid
material
Who?
Here are some tips on how to
select a good duct cleaning agency:
1.Contact a local agency that cleans ducts on a
professional basis. Watch out for duct cleaning
companies that promote their products saying that
duct cleaning will prevent health problems. Also,
some agencies may espouse the use of biocides that
kill bacteria and germs. Research has not been able
to prove the effectiveness of these biocides.
2. Ask for references.
3. Insist that the agency clean the entire
ducting system. A system that has not been cleaned
properly can easily get re-contaminated.
4. Remember that the method of duct cleaning
depends on the duct type, i.e. flex duct, metal,
etc.
5. Check for affiliation with recognized
agencies such as the National Air Duct Cleaner's
Association.
Know more about
hydroponics growing.
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