Do Plants Help Indoor Air Quality

We already know the importance that trees have on the environment with how they help clean the air. Therefore, it would make sense that having plants in your home could improve its indoor air quality. In fact, there have been studies performed by NASA in the controlled environments of its space station that showed that plants do help clean the air. While their studies showed that plants had a positive effect on the air, these results do not really carry over into real-life settings. Why Plants Cannot Improve IAQ on Their Own The American Lung Association has estimated that you would need to have over 680 plants in your home to remove pollutants from the air in your home. There are other factors to consider too, like the: Species of plants How much light the plants receive Temperature in the home Size of plants Adding a few plants to your home could slightly improve indoor air quality, but not completely. Try to stick to plants like leafy ferns, snake plants or spider plants that have larger leaf surfaces. Why Plants Might Not Be Such a Great Idea There could be a downside to depending on plants to clean the air...

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Home Comfort Resolutions for 2020

Your HVAC system plays a major role in home comfort. A house that’s sufficiently warm in the winter and cool in the summer will go a long way toward making you feel comfortable. Here are a few resolutions to make in 2020 that will ensure your comfort. Furnace Resolutions Starting in January, you should resolve to check your furnace’s filter every month, cleaning it whenever it’s dirty. This will keep the furnace from blowing dirty, uncomfortable air throughout your house. A gas furnace should be professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. Even better, you should resolve to have this service performed in the spring and fall. A well-maintained furnace will operate efficiently and keep your energy costs down. Another resolution is to keep your home’s temperature at 68 degrees rather than 72 degrees during the colder months. You will be just as comfortable while saving 4% on your energy bills. Air Conditioning Resolutions Just like your furnace, a well-maintained air conditioner can help to keep your residence comfortable. It should also be serviced by a professional at least once a year — preferably in the spring and fall. The professional will inspect it and clean the outdoor...

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