Right now you may be thinking there’s no possible way plants can impact your heating bill. The reality is, they can and will. It’s basically a fifth grade science fair project put to life in your home.
Here’s how it works:
We know that relative humidity effects how warm or cold our bodies feel. For example, 70 degrees with no humidity feels cooler, closer to mid-60s. 70 degrees with 90% humidity will feel like its approaching 80 degrees. That’s why some people are okay with 90 degree days in drier climates. It is a dry heat and may only feel like 85 degrees.
Applied to your home, raising the relative humidity will make your home feel warmer, so you can drop the thermostat down a few degrees and save oil, saving money in the process.
Where do the plants come in? House plants, especially those native to rain forests and tropical regions naturally raise the humidity in your home. Because their native environments have high humidity, tropical plants typically have larger leaves and lose more water to the environment. Water is absorbed by the roots, travels up the plant, providing nutrients and moisture, travels to the leaves and then evaporates. This process is called transpiration; It keeps plants alive and increases humidity in the air.
Simply put, you can increase relative humidity in your home by using plants. The air will feel warmer and you can turn down the thermostat, reducing oil usage and heating oil costs. Just make sure to keep your plants watered and healthy.
During the summer you can relocate most house plants outside, reducing the relative humidity and helping your home to feel cooler.
Our Recommended Plants
Areca Palm & Bamboo Palms
These low maintenance palms are a wonderful way to add color and moisture to your home. They grow upright, tall and leafy and prefer full sun and moist soil.
Philodendron – Monstera & Other Variants
Philodendron is a large genus of vine like plants and includes large varieties like Monstera (commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant,) and over 400 other species. The large surface area of their leaves is great for adding humidity to the home.
Ferns
Ferns require more attention and watering than other plants but their high maintenance pays off. They are great for increasing humidity in your home. Make sure to provide bright, indirect light, they burn up in the sun. Our favorite ferns include the Boston Fern and Tree Ferns.
Ficus Tree
These plants have been staples in interior decor for decades. They’re great for humidity in your home but will require some extra care and regular waters. They will thrive outdoors during our summers, so they’re great for decks and patios. Just be sure to bring them in for winter.
Ginger
If you love cooking, this plant can give back in two ways. Ginger’s leaves are numerous and great for increasing air humidity. You can also harvest and use ginger year round and save money on food costs.
