When we think of air quality, we tend to think of outdoor air quality, with smog, ozone and chemicals from manufacturing plants as top concerns. But did you know that indoor air quality is ranked among the top 5 health concerns by the Environmental Protection Agency? While you can always crack open a double-hung window or sliding window, there are other things you can do to filter out pollutants. Learn about some interesting home air quality facts and what you should know.
The air inside our houses is constantly being polluted with particles from building materials, furnishing and even air fresheners. Among the most common pollutants are formaldehyde, dander and dust mites.
Your first line of defense is to crack a window to let in some fresh air from the outdoors. But this isn’t always practical, especially during the cold of winter or the heat of summer. So how do you keep your air clean? If you’ve read the title of this article, you know: houseplants!
NASA investigated methods of keeping indoor air clean and found that certain plants do an incredible job of cleaning the air around them. Beyond transforming carbon dioxide back to oxygen, plants can remove many harmful substances from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and even ammonia. Having one houseplant per 100 square feet is optimal, but even just two or three in your home can have a positive effect.
Among the best plants for improving your home’s air quality are:
Whether large or small, plants need light to grow. Generally, it is best to put plants near windows. Small plants may fit well on a windowsill, while large plants can be placed on either side of a sliding door or bay and bow windows, for example. Be careful to watch the plant after it has been placed to see how it fares and move if need be to a more appropriate location.
House plants are essential in the fight against pollution in your home. So while you’re considering house upgrades to improve your home’s look and feel, keep houseplants in mind to help keep your air safe and clean.
Environmental qualities are just as important as style decisions when it comes to a comfortable home. We know all about how important high-quality, affordable products can be in creating an inviting yet healthy place for you and your family. To learn more about how to improve your home, contact Window World of Akron with any questions. We’re here to help!