Rooms will keep cool without a fan with ‘green’ item on windowsill

As another swelteringly hot day awaits the UK, many homeowners will be looking for clever ways to keep their homes cool without the need for electric fans. Experts like them British Red CrossIt draws attention to different methods to reduce indoor heat.

These methods include deliberate shading, appropriate ventilation and effective heat management. An often overlooked strategy for temperature control is the use of houseplants.

Placing leafy green plants on windowsills exposed to direct sunlight can act as a natural filter. These plants help absorb some of the sun’s heat and release moisture into the air through a process similar to transpiration. Not only does this provide a visual shield, but it also helps keep the nearby area a little cooler without the need for an electric fan.

“Indoor plants can act as a natural filter for sunlight,” said the British Red Cross, explaining the benefits of placing green leafy indoor plants near windows exposed to direct sunlight. He added: “When placed near windows, they help absorb some of the sun’s heat and release moisture, which cools the air inside your home. Potted plants are a simple and intervention-free semi-permanent solution, making it a great option for everyone, including tenants.”

Open gov.uk‘Beat the heat: stay cool at home checklist’ also mentions the benefits of using herbs. “Plants growing outside can provide shade, which can be especially useful in front of south-facing windows, while indoor plants can help cool the air,” she says.

According to NASA’s statement Earth Science StudyPlants play a role in cooling our planet. Its leaves provide shade at ground level, creating cooler areas. On a larger scale, their ability to photosynthesize contributes to precipitation, which helps lower the Earth’s temperature.

Even in hot and stuffy houses, when the weather gets too hot, plants release excess water from their leaves. This process, known as transpiration, not only cools the plants but also reduces the air temperature around them.

The Plants and Flowers Foundation has listed a few of the ‘best’ houseplants that help keep rooms cool. If you have pets or children at home, be sure to check if they are suitable. These include:

• Sansevieria (snake plant) – incredibly heat-resistant, tolerates bright window light
• Aloe Vera – the best option for a sunny, warm windowsill
• Palm – thrives in bright, indirect light
• Ficus Benjamina (weeping fig) – but avoid harsh, direct sunlight
• Ficus Elastica (rubber plant) – prefers bright, indirect light
• Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) – prefers indirect, medium light

There are other ‘cooling’ tips suggested by the British Red Cross, such as hanging thermal-lined curtains over windows exposed to direct sunlight. He explains: “Thermal clad curtains have a special backing that not only blocks sunlight but also insulates against heat. This prevents heat from entering through windows, keeping your rooms cooler throughout the day.”

Another option is to use blackout curtains or drapes, she says: “Blackout curtains are made of thick fabric that blocks out most sunlight. Raising them up during the warmer months and lowering them when the weather cools down will help you manage the temperature in your home more effectively. Try using a blanket for a low-cost option.”

It is also recommended to keep hot air outside during the day and ventilate it at night. “Opening a window doesn’t always mean you’re cooling your home. In fact, if the air outside is warmer, you may run the risk of making the situation worse,” he said.

“During the hottest parts of the day, it’s best to close windows to keep hot air out. Check the weather forecast when temperatures start to rise. Wait until cooler parts of the day to open windows. While windows are open, you can create a breeze in your home by opening different windows to help air circulate.”