Tag: indoor air quality

3 Plants that Help Your Indoor Air Quality

plants that help your indoor air quality

It’s important to have healthy indoor air quality, especially during this time of social distancing when many Americans are spending a lot of time indoors. There are many ways you can maintain your indoor air quality such as ventilation, changing your air filter, reducing humidity and surprisingly, using house plants. Yes, you read correctly; house plants can remove carbon dioxide from the air and can even remove other pollutants from water. However, the research for this is not well established according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In addition to that, the soil from houseplants can increase the moisture content in indoor air, so it’s important to cover it with rocks and stones. If you keep this information in mind, there’s no harm in experimenting with these various plants that have known to help indoor air quality.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera can be used for treating sunburn, keeping your skin clear and even be used as an alternative to mouth wash. When it comes to your indoor air quality, some sources say it can clean the air of formaldehyde which can be released by cleaners and paints. You can find Aloe Vera plants at your local home improvement store or nursery.

2. Pothos

Pothos is another plant that can reduce the content of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide from your home. Carbon monoxide can be released from gas stoves, fires, gas-powered water heaters etc. and can lead to headaches and dizziness and excess exposure can be fatal. Pothos is an easy plant to take care of given that it can do well in low light and only needs to be watered once a week.

3. Spider Plant

Spider Plant is another plant that is easy to care for and can even reduce benzene in your home. Benzene is often found in products such as glues, detergents, rubbers, dyes and pesticides. Spider Plant can thrive in indirect lighting and with slightly dried soil.

Should You Rely on Plants for Better Indoor Air Quality?

Houseplants may be fun, but they aren’t reliable when it comes to bettering your indoor air quality. If you truly want to improve your indoor air quality, you must rely on methods that have been proven to work. Here are some effective methods to improve your indoor air quality:

  • Ventilation

Use the exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom often. This can reduce humidity (an excess of which can lead to mold growth) as well as reduce other allergens and toxins in your home. In addition to using fans, open your windows occasionally to let a little bit of fresh air in and indoor air out.

  • Change Your Air Filter

A well-functioning air filter can be better for your indoor air quality as well as your energy bill. By changing your air filter, you can reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15%.

  • Clean Your Home Often

Be sure to thoroughly dust, vacuum and mop your home on a weekly basis. This will ensure your home has lesser dust mites, dander, mold spores and other allergens.

Want to learn more about how you can improve your indoor air quality? Contact the pros at Roman Electric. Call us today at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service online!

Springtime Indoor Air Quality Problems and How to Avoid Them

how to avoid indoor air quality problems

Springtime brings with it a lot of indoor air quality problems such as high humidity, dust mites and a higher pollen count. Since Americans are spending even more time indoors with the uptick in COVID-19 cases, they have a higher likelihood of being exposed to indoor allergens. If you want to practice social distancing without any allergies, check out this guide by the pros at Roman Electric on how you can avoid Springtime indoor air quality problems.

1. Reduce Humidity

High levels of humidity are expected with the increasing temperatures during Spring. Excess humidity can bring various allergens indoors so it’s important to take extra measures to prevent the increase of humidity. Here are some things you can do:

  • Ventilate Your Home

Make sure your home is properly ventilated, especially places where humidity and moisture content is high such as your bathroom and kitchen. Use your exhaust fan often and open your windows occasionally to let fresh air in.

  • Move Your House Plants Out

House plants are beautiful, but they contain a lot of moisture that can make its way into the indoor air. Either move them outdoors for a bit or cover the soil with rocks and stones to prevent moisture build up in your indoor air.

  • Clean Up Excess Moisture

Once you’re done using the shower or a sink, be sure to use a squeegee or a towel to clean up the moisture build up in your bathroom or kitchen. If moisture is left behind it can lead to mold build up which can lead to costly problems in the future.

2. Clean Your Vents and Registers

Air ducts carry a fair share of dust and dirt in and out of your vents, which can lead to dust build up on your vent grilles overtime. Take a few minutes out to vacuum your vents and registers using the vacuum brush attachment. Follow this up with a wipe from a damp cloth to thoroughly clean up any leftover dust.

3. Change Your Air Filter

Changing your air filter only takes a few minutes but it can make a world of a difference. A clogged air filter can reduce air flow, worsen your indoor air quality and cause other problems such as dirty coils or a frozen evaporator coil. On the other hand, a new, clean air filter can improve your indoor air quality and reduce your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15%.

4. Thoroughly Clean Your Home

Take a day out for some Spring cleaning to prepare your home for the new season. Thoroughly vacuum all the corners of your home and even give it a mop for some extra cleanliness. Change your sheets, declutter any spaces in your house and get your home sparkling for Spring. Here are some tips to consider when Spring cleaning your home.

Want to learn more about how you can avoid springtime indoor air quality problems? Contact the pros at Roman Electric! You can reach us at 414-369-3798 or schedule a service with us online!