I believe it dries the air for sure. Hence why stuff contracts (wood) inside in the winter (and more dry skin).

So, I think if directly on the plant, it could affect the leaves.

All those thrive here in the summer when it's 95 -110 with 10-15% humidity. As long as the roots don't dry out they should be fine.
Now availability in Canada, at Christmas, that's a whole nuther discussion.

Coming in very late to this discussion. But this palm sways all year round with heat/AC. As you can see it is not at all unhappy.

Di, did you choose something?

Just starting to warm up here where I'm comfortable to transport another plant from the nursery. Right now I have my ponytail palm elevated on a plant stand, and my dracaena marginata is back in place, seems healthy, but looking like cousin IT from the Munsters TV show. Having trouble with sending pics but will try. My next pick will be a Yucca if I can find one. Would love a large ponytail palm, but they are hard to find here

if you redirect the vent then I would go with a bird of paradise or Monstera delisosa they love sun and get big fast.

Thanks for the ideas Clee! I know I can get bird of paradise at my nursery. Never gave it much thought as it is such a fat chance that it would ever bloom indoors for me, but maybe I should just appreciate the foliage. Appreciate the suggestion and am going to look into its care. Monstera Delisosa appears to be toxic to pets, so backing up on that one for now.