Air conditioning units are expensive, loud and bad for the environment, but everyone needs to keep their homes cool.
Thankfully, there’s another method that’s budget-friendly, great for the planet and even approved by NASA – plants!
NASA-approved method of cooling your home
Craig Morley, a gardening expert at Budget Seeds explained that you can harness the power of plants to cool your home for free this summer through a scientific process called transpiration.
“Many people are aware that houseplants can improve the air quality of your home by circulating the air and removing pollutants. But not enough people are aware of the air-cooling qualities of plants,” he said.
Transpiration is the process where water flows upwards through a plant, from the soil to the leaves and stem. This delivers water and nutrients to the plant’s cells, which keeps plants cool as water evaporates from the leaves.
“Transpiration also cools the area around the plant,” he continued. “NASA’s Earth Science Division proved this means plants can help combat rising temperatures caused by climate change.”
“On a smaller scale, even just having some houseplants in your home can help cool your house in summer – free, eco-friendly air conditioning.”
NASA explains that when trees and plants evaporate water, which is their version of sweating, they cool themselves and can then cool the surrounding air.
Some of the water drawn up through the roots exits the plant through pores in the leaves. As this “sweat” evaporates, heat is removed from the air, so the plant provides a cooling effect. That’s why the air often feels cooler when you enter a forest.
The best plants to keep your home cool
You need to choose the right plants, because different species have varying rates of transpiration due to their leaf structures. A larger leaf means there are more “pores” for the plant to release excess water through.
The gardening expert recommends the following ones:
- Snake plant
- Peace lily
- Aloe vera
- Bamboo palm
- Boston fern
- Golden postos
- Spider plant
Tips to promote transpiration in your plants
After you’ve chosen the right houseplant, it’s important to look after it to promote its cooling properties.
First, make sure they are well-watered. A dry plant will have a lower rate of transpiration as it tries to conserve water.
Increase the humidity by placing the plant in a wet pebble tray or investing in a dehumidifier, which will aid the cooling process.
Grouping plants together is a great idea as this helps to create a “humid microclimate” which prevents each plant from drying out.
Make sure the pot is big enough too. If the roots are confined within a small space, this will reduce the rate of transpiration.
Avoid pruning them too much as this will reduce water intake, meaning the “pores” won’t release any excess water.
Finally, do some research and abide by the plant’s needs. How much sunlight does it like? How often does it need to be watered?
This information was provided by gardening expert Craig Morley from Budget Seeds in collaboration with housebuilder Barrett London.
