Can Houseplants Save on Energy Costs in Southern MD?
When you are being wise about your energy consumption in Southern MD, you will naturally look for little things you can do to minimize your use of it. Houseplants are beautiful to look at, but did you know they can also help you cut down on your energy bill? Here are a few thoughts on houseplants and the role they play in regards to saving energy.
Houseplants as Air Filters
Instead of using an electric air filter that constantly uses up energy, why not use one of nature’s greatest gifts to us? Houseplants are an amazing way to filter the air in your home while using absolutely no electricity. There are many different kinds of plants that work in this way. No matter what the advertised air filter is able to clean out of your air, there is probably a houseplant that can also do the trick.
Try plants such as the unique spider plant, which removes chemicals such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. Or plant a beautiful peace lily to remove health-depleting substances from the air such as ammonia, benzene, and other nasty chemicals. Add a modern-looking bamboo palm to help remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Houseplants as Humidifiers
By using a humidifier in your home, you can help it stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But the traditional humidifier draws on electricity to stay on, which goes against your attempts to save energy. Houseplants are a natural and energy-free way to keep the air filled with moisture. This humidity boost happens because plants release oxygen and water vapor into the air. This will make both your heating and air conditioning go further.
Simply fill your home with houseplants… even a few will help out but the more you use, the further the effect will go. Be sure to use them in every room in order to spread the humidity around and keep the effect working everywhere.
Houseplants as Air Fresheners
Instead of buying and using toxic air fresheners that are plugged in and continuously draw on your electricity, use houseplants to make the air in your home more pleasant. Houseplants are known to remove unpleasant substances from the air, and can even freshen the smell in your home.
Certain houseplants have been known to help counteract the smell of smoke, even the dreaded cigarette smoke. They can efficiently mask many other unpleasant odors as well. Plants let out water vapor which absorb the air and its toxins and then suck it back in with a pump-like action. It then transforms it into nourishment for the plant to use.
This amazing phenomenon makes houseplants a great choice for natural air freshening that is healthy, instead of using an artificial fragrance which simply adds more toxins to your home environment.
The aesthetic and health benefits of houseplants have been known for a while, but not many people know about their energy-saving benefits. Use these tips to make your home a more beautiful space while also saving on your monthly electricity bill. Nature has provided us with the solutions to so many issues, even the cost of living.
Saving money on your energy bill by using plants is a great idea, but if you really want to save on your energy bill consider having solar panels installed. Buckler Electric Company has successfully installed solar panels on homes throughout Southern MD. They have helped many homes in St. Mary’s, Calvert and Charles County save money on their electric bills. Call Buckler Electric to find out how solar panels can help you save.