Cold temperatures and poor weather force us to spend more time indoors while attempts to save HVAC energy keep airborne contaminants trapped inside. Enjoy fresher air indoors this winter when you add certain houseplants throughout your home!
Houseplants for Better HVAC Air Quality
Many do not realize this, but houseplants offer air filtration in the home. Certain plants remove harmful airborne contaminants. These pollutants cause health symptoms and poor air quality. The added filtration plants offer is especially beneficial during the winter months. Even in Birmingham, we tend to spend more time indoors. In addition, to combat heat and energy loss, we tightly seal our houses.
The air within your home is filled with harmful chemicals from various sources. These chemicals cause health effects similar to the common cold.
Toxins such as trichloroethylene, xylene, formaldehyde, ammonia and benzene cause symptoms including nausea, eye and nose irritations, sore throat, drowsiness, headaches and more.
Improve your Birmingham, AL home’s HVAC air quality when you add these hardy plants to your indoor landscape!
HVAC Air Quality Helper #1 – Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm grows well in partial sun or shade. This common houseplant removes benzene and formaldehyde from your indoor air supply.
These toxins are responsible for causing irritations to the eyes, nose, mouth and throat as well as dizziness, increased heart rate, confusion, headaches and other symptoms.
HVAC Air Quality Helper #2 – Gerber Daisy
Big, beautiful gerber daisy cuttings are best kept in warm homes at 75 degrees or more and provide air cleaning power which removes benzene in the home.
Benzene is brought into the home from tobacco smoke, exhaust fumes from vehicles, glue and paint. It is also used in the making of many household products including synthetic fibers, dyes and medications.
HVAC Air Quality Helper #3 – Peace Lily
The peace lily is easy to maintain in the home and removes contaminants such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from the indoor air supply.
They are mildly toxic to people and pets, so wash your hands after handling. In addition, keep them out of the reach of pets and children.
HVAC Air Quality Helper #4 – Spider Plant
The spider plant is a common indoor plant which grows well in bright, indirect sunlight. Spider plants help your HVAC system with removal of pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde.
HVAC Air Quality Helper #5 – Mass Cane (Corn Plant)
The mass cane, or corn plant, is a variety of Dracaenas, with large yellow-green foliage. Grown as a tree or shrub, the mass cane removes of formaldehyde in the home, as well as benzene and trichloroethylene. It’s also a good idea to keep these out of pets’ reach.
HVAC Air Quality Helper #6 – Ferns
The Boston and Kimberly Queen ferns are Nephrolepis varieties which reduce indoor levels of formaldehyde and xylene.
Exposure to these toxins causes symptoms such as nose, mouth and throat irritations, dizziness, confusion, and headache. In severe cases, heart problems, liver and kidney damage, swelling in the lungs and larynx and coma occur.
Birmingham’s HVAC Source: Douglas Cooling & Heating
Boost the air quality-improving power of your houseplants with the right HVAC solutions from Douglas Cooling & Heating. We offer many products designed to help your family breathe easier all year round. We’re happy to discuss them and provide free estimates. We also offer finance options on new equipment. Contact us today for better indoor air quality!
