Do Plants Help Indoor Air Quality

February 20, 2020

There is a lot of talk about what living plants can do for indoor air quality. However, is this just marketing hype, or is there some science to support it?

What Plants Do for the Air

Most of us remember taking a science class in school where we learned about plants. This included the process of photosynthesis and how plants help create oxygen and clean the air. There is not much debate in the scientific community on their general usefulness for the planet.

This hypothesis is at the global level, however, with billions of plants around the world. Can one or even several really affect the air quality in a building?

Hope for Improved Air Quality

In 1989, NASA conducted a series of experiments to see if plants could help improve indoor air quality. The goal was to help find a way to remove harmful toxins in a closed, long-term environment like the International Space Station.

The results showed some hope for that particular application, with a measurable difference in the lab. However, applying that research to a regular building sitting on the ground is a bit of a stretch. Normal buildings are not sealed, so you have a constant flow of new toxins into the building with the air from outside that building.

In a 1992 memo, the EPA stated the typical home would need 680 plants to achieve the same results as the NASA study, certainly more than a fern or Peacy Lily here or there.

The Best Air Quality Options

If you are concerned about the air quality of your building, whether that is your home or commercial space, a good idea is to invest in a quality ventilation and filtering system.

Full Heating and Cooling Services

The team at Vastola Heating & Cooling has been serving Erie County, NY, and the surrounding area for over 70 years. We not only provide air quality improvement but also a full range of installation and repair services for heating and cooling systems. This includes boilers and tankless water heaters. Our NATE-certified technicians ensure we will get the job done right the first time. Call Vastola Heating & Cooling to get your free estimate today!

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