Using Houseplants to Save Energy

Few would argue against the charm and beauty of houseplants. They brighten up our homes, lift our spirits and help us feel more connected to nature. But these leafy companions aren’t just for show. They’re also surprisingly good at cutting energy costs—and in every season. Let’s dig deeper into using houseplants to save energy.

Houseplants in Cool Weather

As temperatures drop, houseplants can quietly help support your home’s comfort and efficiency. Here’s how:

1. Blocking Drafts: Large and dense plants near windows can act as a natural barrier against the cold, reducing heat loss by up to 10% in some cases. Good examples include fiddle leaf fig, rubber plant, monstera and dracaena.
2. Increasing Humidity: Heating systems tend to dry out the air in our indoor living spaces, making them feel colder. With the right plants, you can help boost humidity to feel more comfortable without having to crank up your thermostat. Effective houseplants for this include areca palm, Boston fern, peace lily and spider plant.
3. Improving Air Quality: Air-purifying houseplants can help lighten the load on your HVAC system by naturally filtering indoor air. This helps reduce energy use and extend the life of your system—and helps you breathe easier. Some of the best plants for this include snake plant, English ivy, aloe vera, golden pothos and bamboo palm.

House Plants in Warm Weather

Warmer weather brings its own set of indoor challenges, but houseplants offer smart solutions here, too. Take a look:

1. Cooling the Air: As we mentioned above, houseplants release moisture into the air through transpiration, which helps counteract the dryness caused by HVAC systems, making you feel more comfortable when it’s cold out. In warmer weather, that added humidity can actually cool the surrounding air, lowering indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees. Top performers for this include areca palm, rubber plant, Ficus and ferns.
2. Shading and Filtering: Plants near windows can help block harsh sunlight, reducing indoor heat gain by as much as 30%. Great options for this include monstera, fiddle leaf fig, banana plant and tall dracaena.
3. Reducing Heat from Electronics: Houseplants placed near electronics or appliances can help absorb some of the ambient heat they give off, especially in small or enclosed spaces. While the effect is subtle, it can reduce localized temperature spikes that trigger your cooling system more often. Compact, leafy plants like pothos, philodendron and peace lily work well in these spots.

We hope you enjoyed our blog. With the right houseplants in place, your home can stay more comfortable and energy efficient all year long. Stay tuned to our blog and social media for more other energy savings tips in the weeks and months ahead.