In a quest to discover practical and unexpected ways to beat the heat, SBS News turned to experts who highlighted an often-overlooked solution that might be flourishing right in your living room: houseplants.
Beyond their well-known ability to purify the air and enhance humidity, indoor plants offer another surprising benefit—they can actually cool the surrounding area.
Botanist and tree specialist Gregory Moore explained that clustering indoor plants can help reduce room temperatures through a process known as transpiration.
Moore, who is also a senior research associate at the University of Melbourne’s School of Agriculture, detailed this natural cooling mechanism. He described transpiration as a type of evaporative cooling powered by plants.
“Watering your plants early in the morning is probably the most effective way to maximize this cooling effect,” he advised.
So before you crank the air-con, consider calling in a few leafy reinforcements. Turns out, the coolest room in the house might just be the one with the most plants.
Smart, low-cost cooling hacks
According to the government’s guide to environmentally sustainable homes, up to 87 per cent of a house’s heat comes through windows — so blocking the sun early is half the battle.
She highlighted passive design, cool materials, enhanced ventilation, glazing, insulation, and smart technologies as ways to reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling — keeping homes comfortable and energy bills lower.
Sleeping through the heat: How to stay cool at night
Tossing, turning, and kicking off the covers on a hot night can make it hard to get a good sleep. But there’s no need to sweat it — science and clever sleep hacks from around the world show there are plenty of ways to stay cool through the night.
A study by the University of Sydney found fans can be effective at keeping people comfortable even when temperatures soar to 40 degrees. Source: Getty / ridvan_celik
Fans and fresh air
Professor Ollie Jay, lead researcher, stated: “Heatwaves claim lives every year, so it’s essential that people who can’t afford air-conditioning know that a fan is a good alternative and could even save lives.”
Warm showers for cool sleep
It might sound counterintuitive, but a warm bath or shower before bed can actually help lower your body temperature. By stimulating blood flow to the hands and feet, your body releases heat more efficiently, helping you drift off without overheating.
Doona diplomacy
Scandinavians have long been ahead of the curve when it comes to summer sleep hacks. Their trick? Separate doonas. This approach, common in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, is gaining fans worldwide.
Using a personal doona allows each sleeper to tailor their bedding to their individual body temperature. Credit: Jan Woitas/picture alliance via Getty Images
Having individual doonas allows each sleeper to tailor their bedding to their personal body temperature. Hot sleepers can opt for a lighter cover, while cooler sleepers keep a thicker quilt — all without disturbing each other’s sleep.
Keeping your pets safe and cool this summer
“This is especially crucial for animals confined to cages such as rabbits, guinea pigs and birds as they can’t seek a cooler location on their own,” she said.
Sarah Zito from RSPCA Australia said pet owners should bring their animals indoors whenever possible, even if they don’t have air conditioning. Credit: Yui Mok/PA
Creating a ‘cool zone’ for your pets is a simple but effective way to help them stay comfortable. Offer them a choice of cool tiles or damp towels to lie on, and make sure fresh, cool water is always within reach, she said.
