Can Your House Plants Chill?
We cycle through A/C heavy and furnace heavy season in our homes. While the conditions you create throughout the year are ideal for you and your family – particularly warm or cool air can threaten the viability of your houseplants.
The Perks of Plants
As fires rage on throughout the west coast burning land and compromising our air quality, most of us assume we are safe from pollutants once we step foot inside. Unfortunately, this isn’t always so. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from paint, carpet, and furniture compromise your indoor air quality – not to mention general dust, pet dander, and other pollutants. In fact, your home may contain up to 2 to 5 times the level of pollutants you breathe outside.
The good news?
That mammoth potted plant you use to add a little life to your living room is not only elevating your aesthetic, it’s also improving your air quality. Harmful VOCs are removed from the air thanks to the micro-organisms in potting soil. What’s more? Carbon dioxide is plant food, and just having these green beings around results in cleaner, better air for you and your family.
Trouble in Plant Paradise
While plants may not require the same time and attention as the family pet, a little TLC is necessary in keeping them alive and well enough to fight indoor pollutants. Different plant species have their own unique needs, but nearly all are impacted by the following:
- Draining
- Potting
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Water
HVAC systems tend to tamper with not only the temperature of a space, but the humidity as well. Plants that rely on consistent conditions can be shocked by sudden changes brought on by HVAC.
What’s the Solution?
Fortunately, not all plants are created equal – which means that some can take the heat (or the cold, for that matter) a little better than others. There are also a few tips and tricks you can implement to ensure a safe habitat for your plants.
To avoid sudden death, pick plants that have a reputation for having a little more grit. Large leaves typically correlate to a certain hardiness ripe for your thermostat whims. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, the Peace Lily, Golden Pathos, Jade, and Parlor Palm are almost always a sure bet, even for those lacking a green thumb.
Do you know where your vents are located? Being mindful of this can improve the quality of a plant’s life. In keeping them away from direct air flow, plants won’t suffer from sudden bursts of hot or cold air.
If you’re looking to win over a more delicate plant and don’t need to alter the temperature of your entire home, simply move your plants to a room that requires a little less fuss. With devices like the Nest Learning Thermostat, you can customize which rooms are heated and cooled, and when. This keeps you comfy and your plants thriving.
Looking to make a better home for everything living under your roof? Columbia Heating and Cooling is here to help. From the installation and maintenance of your HVAC systems to helping you put in tools like a Nest Learning Thermostat – Columbia Heating and Cooling is your trusted resource for total comfort. Give us a call today for a free replacement quote!