Humidity’s annoying – that goes without saying – but few places are swamped (no pun intended) with the amount that we get here in the Tampa area. For a good portion of the year, it can feel like just being outside makes it hard to breathe – making the interior of your home a sanctuary from the elements outside. When you can’t even get relief at home, of all places, it can feel like you’ve got nowhere to turn. Before shelling out the money for a costly modification to your A/C unit or the infrastructure inside your home, you should know that other avenues to reducing the interior humidity are out there!
A much more cost-effective method also happens to be one that will improve the overall look of your home: introducing humidity-absorbing plants! Some houseplants are terrific at soaking in all the excess moisture floating around, and all they require is simple watering and upkeep. The humidity will decrease as they get to work, as will some harmful pollutants. Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric has a handful of plants that can make a noticeable difference for you and your family. If the problems persist, though, there may be something else affecting the humidity levels – reach out to us, and we’ll take a look!
- Tillandsia – This plant is unique in that it doesn’t require soil to grow. Instead, they absorb all their nutrients through the debris and moisture floating through the air into their leaves. As such, the places they can live aren’t limited to just sitting in large pots near windows – they can survive in bowls, or suspended in the air, or just about anything else you can think up. Just be sure to water it a few times a week.
- Peace Lily – In addition to soaking up excess humidity in the air, peace lilies also remove harmful toxins like formaldehyde that pose a risk to you and your family. Keep in mind, though, that they are mildly toxic themselves if consumed, so keep them out of reach of pets and small kids.
- English Ivy – Another one that offers some unique possibilities for growing locations. The English Ivy can be hung from a pot, and since it doesn’t require much sunlight to care for it, you don’t have to put a ton of thought into care for it. It absorbs airborne fecal matter in addition to moisture, which can be extremely helpful if you own pets.
- Boston Fern – Perfect for the Tampa area. Boston Ferns like warm, humid daytime temperatures and require sunlight and regularly scheduled watering. They’re also particularly adept at removing harmful contaminants like formaldehyde and benzene.
- Palm Trees – Surprise! Palm trees are good for Florida weather. They thrive by absorbing humidity and harmful particles from the air, and they don’t require an absurd amount of upkeep. Areca palms, bamboo palms, reed palms are all solid choices.
In addition to simply creating an uncomfortably hot environment, excess moisture can also lead to your home becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and mold – and too much can lead to respiratory problems, coughing, sneezing and congestion.
While adding a plant might not necessarily erase all your humidity-related problems, they can make a significant difference in improving the overall atmosphere and livability of your home. If you find the moisture level still too high to deal with, Acree Plumbing, Air & Electric can install a dehumidifier and help you take the final step to a more comfortable living environment. Give us a call at (813) 530-9061 and schedule an appointment today!
