Most modern homes are energy efficient. Generally this is a good thing, saving the homeowner many dollars in reduced heating and cooling costs. In some cases, however, an increase in energy efficiency comes with a potential downside: poor airflow. Tightly built homes can allow for the buildup of indoor air pollution. This indoor pollution can come from pets, rugs, plastics, the oven and stove, and from cleaning agents.
Stale air can have adverse health effects for people with breathing problems such as asthma. The lack of free-flowing air can also result in “Sick Building Syndrome“, a condition where poor ventilation can make people prone to headaches and respiratory problems.
Fortunately there is an environmentally friendly and potent way to purify indoor air. In the late 1980’s, NASA discovered that certain types of houseplants actually absorb toxins from indoor areas with poor airflow. Plants not only add aesthetic value to your indoor rooms, but make it healthier as well.
Some Air-Purifying Plants to Consider
According to the Healthline newsletter, the following indoor plants are easy to care for and pack a punch in their air-cleansing abilities:
- Spider Plant. Typically grown in hanging baskets, the Spider Plant removes xylene and formaldehyde from the air.
- Golden Pothos. Also known as Devil’s Ivy, it is super easy to grow and care for. It rids the air of numerous toxins: formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, and more.
- Dracaenas. A real easy grower, this plant takes toluene, benzene, formaldehyde and other toxins out of your indoor air.
- Areca Palms. This pretty plant form Madagascar eliminates benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene and more.
- Chrysanthemum. Mums rank high in air purification power. They eliminate many common toxins and even ammonia.
Other plants that are also helpful but may need a little more care are English Ivy, Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, Rubber Plants and Peace Lily. In some cases, plants used in conjunction with mechanical air purifiers, fans, and dehumidifiers can make you really “breathe easy” in your indoor living area.
Keeping your home temperature control systems functioning well will also help keep your air clean. If you need repairs or upgrades on your heating or cooling systems, be sure to call D&D Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. At D&D, complete customer satisfaction is our number one concern.