In need of an efficient air cleaner to improve your home’s air quality? Houseplants remove a variety of harmful chemicals from the air through photosynthesis, including formaldehyde, benzene and more. A NASA study that focused on effective methods for keeping air clean in future space stations found just how helpful certain plants are for dealing with indoor air pollution.
- Harmful gases: While it’s common knowledge that plants absorb carbon dioxide and put oxygen back in the air, they also remove trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. NASA studied 19 plant species over two years, and discovered that some varieties are more effective at absorbing certain chemicals than others. There are many items found in the home that “off-gas” and release harmful chemicals, including fabrics, synthetic carpeting, plastic-coated wallpaper and laminated countertops.
- Houseplant number: NASA recommends keeping 15-19 “good-sized” houseplants around your home to maintain indoor air quality. Plants kept in 6- to 8-inch containers are best for 1,800-square foot homes. The more “vigorously” they grow, the better job they’ll do of cleaning the air. Small fans that pull air through charcoal filters in soil are also recommended for optimal air cleaning.
- Recommended Plants: Plants recommended by NASA for air cleaning include the spider plant, English ivy, Chinese evergreen, golden pothos, peace lily, snake plant and weeping fig. The philodendron is also an efficient air cleaner, including the elephant ear, heartleaf and selloum varieties. Janet Craig, cornstalk and Warneck dracaena plants are also recommended.
Keep these plants in the home and breathe easier! For more information on efficient air cleaners and other tips related to home comfort, please contact us at Energy 1 Heating and Air Conditioning. We have proudly served the Lorain area for more than 30 years.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about houseplants and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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