FAQ

Plants play a vital role in improving indoor humidity levels in office spaces, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable work environment. Biophilic design, which incorporates elements of nature into built environments, recognizes the importance of integrating plants into office settings to enhance human well-being and productivity.

One way in which plants improve humidity is through a process called transpiration. Transpiration is the release of water vapor from a plant's leaves into the

Another benefit of plants in improving humidity levels is their ability to reduce the dryness caused by air conditioning systems. These systems often dehumidify the air, leading to discomfort and potential health issues such as dry skin, irritated eyes, and respiratory problems. By releasing moisture into the surrounding atmosphere, plants help counteract this drying effect and create a more pleasant and balanced indoor climate.

Oxygen at Work improves office air quality. We do this through tailored plant concepts and advanced air analysis. Our data-driven method helps enhance oxygen levels and reduce pollutants. We also aim to maintain ideal humidity levels. With our services, you can boost workforce productivity, reduce sick leave, and contribute to a smaller ecological footprint. Our offerings include plant concept implementation, plant care subscriptions, and insights via our IAQ dashboard.

Certain air conditioners, particularly older models or those operating in very dry conditions, can contribute to reduced indoor humidity. As these air conditioning units cool the air, they may unintentionally remove excess moisture, leading to drier indoor environments.

To counterbalance this effect and maintain a more natural humidity level indoors, incorporating indoor plants can be beneficial. Plants have the ability to release moisture through a process called transpiration, which helps balance and increase humidity. This integration of plants can contribute to creating a more comfortable and healthier indoor atmosphere by restoring humidity to a more natural level.

Yes, a humidity level of 60% is considered moderately high. Ideally, indoor humidity in homes should be maintained between 30% and 60%. Going above 60% can lead to discomfort and various issues such as the growth of fungus and mold in different areas of the home. It's crucial to manage humidity within this recommended range for optimal comfort and to prevent potential problems associated with excessive moisture.

Temperature and humidity are connected. Warm air can hold more moisture, and when it cools, it can lead to condensation, causing unpleasant smells. In winter, high humidity can make things feel colder. When humidity is around 70%, especially with higher temperatures, it might feel uncomfortable, making the air heavy and sticky. It can also make it feel hotter because sweat doesn't evaporate well. These factors affect how comfortable we feel in different weather conditions.

Revamp Your HVAC System: Elevate your indoor humidity by considering an overhaul of your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) setup.

Mitigate Indoor Moisture: Address any form of indoor dampness as it can lead to uncomfortable humidity levels within your workplace.

Survey for Structural Deterioration: Conduct routine checks for potential building damage that may impact humidity control.

Integrate a Dehumidifying Appliance: Consider incorporating a dehumidifier to further refine and regulate your office's humidity levels effectively.

Indoor plants can help to balance humidity levels in indoor environments.

Yes, too high humidity can be problematic. Unfortunately, humidity and poor air quality are often linked. During periods of high humidity, excess water vapor in the air hinders the dispersion of airborne pollution particles. Instead of dissipating into the atmosphere, humidity holds these particles close to the ground, leading to increased and sustained levels of air pollution in our surroundings. When linked with other air parameters, this situation can contribute to respiratory issues and pose a viral danger, as viruses can be transported more efficiently through the air in such conditions.

When selecting office plants for a biophilic design, it is important to consider their transpiration efficiency. Transpiration refers to the process by which plants release moisture into the air through their leaves. Certain species are more effective at transpiring and can significantly impact the humidity levels and air quality in a given area.

One example of an efficient transpiring plant is the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum). This plant has large leaves that facilitate high rates of transpiration, effectively increasing humidity levels in indoor environments. Additionally, Peace Lilies are known for their ability to filter out harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the surrounding air, making them a popular choice for office spaces.

Another plant suitable for biophilic design is the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum). Not only does it have a high transpiration rate, but it also helps improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants like carbon monoxide and xylene. Spider Plants are relatively low-maintenance and can thrive in various light conditions, making them versatile options for different office environments.

However, simply selecting efficient transpiring plants is not enough to achieve the desired impact in a specific area. The concept of "green density" should be considered when incorporating office plants into biophilic designs. Green density refers to the number of plants per square footage or volume of space. A higher green density translates into increased benefits such as improved air purification and psychological well-being.

Moreover, understanding environmental conditions such as light intensity is crucial for plant selection and placement. Some species require more sunlight than others to thrive while some can tolerate low-light conditions. Adequate natural or artificial lighting should be provided to ensure the health and growth of office plants.