If you own a home, you may have been considering adding some houseplants to help improve the quality of your indoor air. With more people spending the majority of their time indoors, air quality becomes a bigger concern. Many believe that adding houseplants can help purify the air, and this idea has been gaining traction over the past few years.
While there are other methods for improving indoor air quality, such as using air filters or installing ventilation systems, these can be expensive and may not be feasible for everyone. Houseplants, on the other hand, are relatively inexpensive and easy to come by. That’s where the idea of using houseplants to purify indoor air comes in. It’s true that houseplants can help to increase your home’s indoor air quality, and understanding how they do this can help you make an informed decision about whether or not to introduce houseplants into your home.
Houseplants and Air Purification
Houseplants can improve indoor air quality by removing airborne pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are chemicals found in many everyday products, from paint to furniture, and can have a negative effect on your health if released into the air. One of the side effects of breathing in high concentrations of VOCs is headaches, dizziness, irritation to the eyes and throat, as well as nausea and fatigue. You might also experience respiratory problems, which can be serious.
Houseplants have been found to help reduce the levels of VOCs in the air by absorbing them through their leaves and roots. This process is known as “phytoremediation” and it can help improve air quality in your home significantly.
When a plant takes in VOCs through its leaves and roots, the compounds are broken down and converted into food. The leaves and root system then release oxygen back into the air, which serves to freshen up the environment in your home and improve its quality. Plants can also help reduce levels of dust and bacteria in the air by trapping them on their leaves and stems.
Other Ways Houseplants Can Help
Aside from air purification, houseplants have a number of other benefits that can help improve the quality of your home’s indoor air. Studies have found that simply having plants in an environment can reduce stress levels and increase overall well-being, and there are several ways plants do this. Firstly, plants are known to improve air quality by releasing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide from the air. This can help make your home a more comfortable place to be in, especially if you suffer from allergies or other respiratory issues.
Secondly, plants have a calming effect on people and can help reduce stress levels. This is especially true of plants with lush foliage or those that produce fragrant flowers, as these can create a soothing environment. Lastly, houseplants are known to improve air quality by increasing humidity levels in the home. When the air becomes more humid, it helps to reduce airborne allergens like dust and mold spores.
Furthermore, houseplants naturally humidify their environments due to the water they take up through their roots. This can help to reduce dryness in the air, which is often caused by indoor heating systems.
Choosing the Right Plant
There are many different types of houseplants that can help to improve the quality of indoor air. Some are more effective than others, so it’s important to do your research and find plants that suit your needs.
Spider plants, for instance, are known to be especially effective at removing VOCs from the air. They also have a striking appearance and require little maintenance. Another good option is the English ivy, which has been found to reduce airborne mold and fecal matter. For those looking for a low-maintenance houseplant, succulents are a great choice as they require very little care and can tolerate long periods of drought. These include the aloe Vera plant, which is known for its healing properties and can help improve air quality by removing formaldehyde.
If you want a plant that is both decorative and effective for air purification, ferns are a great choice. They come in many varieties and can help reduce levels of formaldehyde and xylene in the air. They’re also easy to care for and can add a touch of greenery to any space.
If you’re new to selecting houseplants for air purification, however, it can be difficult to know where to start. To make things easier, speak with a professional, such as Southport Home Services, and ask for their advice on the best plants for your home. They should be able to recommend plants based on the size of your space, light levels and air quality.
The good news is that houseplants are generally easy to care for and require very little maintenance. Most plants only need to be watered once or twice a week, depending on the type of plant and the climate in your home. It’s also important to provide the right amount of light for your plants – some may need direct sunlight, while others will be better off in shadier areas.
Choosing the Right Professional
When looking for a professional to help with selecting houseplants for air purification, it’s important to choose someone experienced and knowledgeable. Look for companies or professionals who specialize in air quality services and have experience dealing with plants. They should be able to provide advice on which plants are best suited to your home’s climate and size as well as suggesting the right placement for each plant.
It’s also important to check reviews and get references from past clients before making your decision. This will give you an idea of the quality of service they provide and make sure that you’re getting the best advice possible. When gauging reviews, you should also consider the types of plants they have suggested and how effective these plants have been at improving air quality.
Last but not least, make sure that the company or professional you choose is certified and licensed to offer air quality services. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they are qualified to provide advice on how to improve your home’s indoor air quality.
Overall, houseplants are a great way to improve the quality of your home’s indoor air. They can help reduce levels of pollutants, such as VOCs and bacteria, while also providing you with a beautiful addition to your home décor. For those looking for help selecting the right houseplants or advice on improving their home’s air quality, Southport Home Services can provide the perfect solution.
We are experienced in air quality services and have a team of experts who can provide advice on the best plants for your home as well as suggestions on how to adequately care for them. Besides this and other air indoor quality services, we offer heating and cooling repairs, installation and maintenance services as well as plumbing services. Take the first step in improving your home’s indoor air quality and contact us today for more information on our services.
