Did You Know Plants Can Help Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality?

We Floridians love our greenery. They add life and beauty to our homes, indoors and out. But did you know that there are several plants that improve indoor air quality as well?

It’s true: Some houseplants can absorb toxins from the air, cleansing it and providing greater balance to your indoor humidity, too. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, you may already know that certain toxins are particular instigators. In fact, their names alone signify trouble: benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene, among them.

Ten plants can counteract the presence of these toxins, according to a joint study done by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America. These plants include the bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, English ivy and peace lily, to name just a few.

As you experiment with creating your own indoor landscape to incorporate these plants into your home, you may be pleased to know that some other plants that improve indoor air quality also made the list, and these are generally more widely available. These plants include:

• Aloe vera – The same plant that provides skin relief also filters gas emissions from toxic materials.
• Areca palm – This palm naturally repels benzene, formaldehyde and xylene.
• Boston fern – This plant is a natural humidifier. It releases moisture and removes benzene, formaldehyde and xylene from the air.
• Snake plant – This plant “bites” formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides in particular.
• Spider plant – The spider plant spins a special web for carbon monoxide.

Using plants that improve indoor air quality in your home is a great and affordable way to help everyone breathe easier. Just be careful not to give them too much power. In other words, think of plants as a way to augment your efforts to improve your indoor air quality – not to replace other sensible tactics, such as annual furnace and air conditioning maintenance checks.

For more information about plants that improve indoor air quality, or for other home comfort concerns, contact Scott’s Heat & Air. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Central Florida.

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Scott’s Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service heating and air conditioning company and a Bryant® Factory Authorized Dealer in Central Florida. Whether you need repair, maintenance, or installation of a new heating or cooling system, we provide efficient, cost-effective, and professional service. When it’s hot, call Scott!

Categorised in: Indoor Air Quality