Indoor air is filled with volatile organic compounds, which are pollutants that are harmful for your health. A natural way to counteract these pollutants is to have plants indoors to remove environmental toxins from the air. Using plants can also help reduce future HVAC repairs on your HVAC unit since it helps eliminate contaminants from clogging your air filter and ductwork.
Benefits of Plants
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, NASA conducted a study and found that plants absorb airborne substances through tiny openings in their leaves and use their roots and the soil bacteria to purify the air further. Some typical plants and what they combat are:
- Chrysanthemums, Aloe Vera, and Devil’s Ivy: benzene
- Flamingo Lily: ammonia and toluene
- English Ivy and Devil’s Ivy: airborne fecal matter and formaldehyde
- Spider Plant and Peace Lily: mold, mildew, and other toxins
Disadvantages of Plants
Houseplants can release their own type of VOCs and the soil can carry bacteria, pesticides and other contaminants. Plants also release moisture back into the air, which can harm your HVAC unit further. Moisture can settle into your HVAC unit coils and cause mold to grow. Extra money will have to be spent on HVAC repairs to eliminate the mold. With annual HVAC service, a professional can perform a cleaning of your coils to prevent mold growth in the future.
Take Extra Measures
If you want to use plants to improve your indoor air quality you should still consider taking extra measures. Annual HVAC service helps prolong the life of your HVAC unit and strengthens your home’s defense against VOCs. Thermostats are also beneficial for improving your indoor air quality. There are several different thermostats to choose from, such as manual thermostats, programmable thermostats, and smart thermostats. By utilizing a thermostat, you can control the temperature and airflow in your home. Humidifiers, dehumidifiers, and air purifiers are used mainly for indoor air quality. These products help reduce the need for HVAC repairs and enable your system run smoother between HVAC services.
Estes Services offers a full line of products to improve your indoor air quality and keep your HVAC system operating at its highest performance. Call us today and schedule an HVAC service with one of our certified technicians.
