Looking for a smarter way to beat the summer heat without blasting your air conditioner all day? You might want to take a closer look at the houseplants sitting quietly on your windowsill. According to experts, certain indoor plants don't just brighten up a room, they can literally lower the temperature in your home. And yes, science backs it up.
Thanks to a natural process called transpiration, some houseplants release moisture into the air, creating a cooling effect that can help your space feel more comfortable, especially during peak heat hours. Even better, the right greenery might help shrink your energy bill by reducing the need for constant AC use.
From ferns and palms to snake plants and peace lilies, here are the best indoor plants that pull double duty as natural air conditioners and why you should add them to your home now.
Transpiration is when water flows up out of the soil and through a plant to its leaves and stem. This is how water and nutrients are delivered, but the process also keeps plants cool as water evaporates from the leaves.
So how does that help us? "Transpiration also cools the area around the plant." said Craig Morley, a gardening specialist at Budget Seeds.
NASA's Earth Science Division executed a study that shows plants on a large scale help combat rising temperatures caused by global warming. On a smaller scale, adding plants to your home could help regulate temps indoors, though there's less research on how transpiration affects temperature at a smaller scale.
But, hey, it can't hurt.
Tips for increasing plant transpiration
Morley shared tips for ramping up your indoor houseplant's transpiration to increase cooling effects.
More plants might be the secret to a cooler home this summer. Getty
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