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Using plants to beat the heat

The habitability of the planet has a lot to do with the living conditions that plants create by oxygenating the air and regulating the temperature. Logically, therefore, this same mechanism is what we can take advantage of so that indoors or outdoors it is less hot thanks to the strategic use of plants, whether they are small flowerpots, planters, gardens or even small orchards that we have on the balcony. , patio or terrace …

But, specifically, how to take advantage of plants so that the environment is more pleasant and fresh? First of all, we must bear in mind that plants are a natural humidifier, so in addition to regulating the temperature and cooling the environment, they manage to balance their humidity level.

Go ahead, yes, the results achieved will depend on the amount of plant mass that we have (number and size of plants), as well as the conditions of the specific atmosphere that we have or, for example, the type of plant of in question. Next, in AgroCorrn we tell you how to use plants to combat the heat .

You may also be interested in: How to use less energy with air conditioning

Index

Indoor and outdoor plants

Plants are our great allies, from a tree to a small plant. Using indoor and outdoor plants gives us twice the chance to create that cooler atmosphere we crave when temperatures rise.

That a tree gives a wonderful shade in summer is obvious, but in addition to the trees we can play with the bushes, vines, vines or plants of all kinds to create a more pleasant atmosphere when the heat hits.

It will help us to place them on the same windowsill, hanging from the ceiling, in flowerpots or planters next to tables on balconies or indoors. Let us notice how the thermal sensation decreases when we have them close.

It is not magic, it is simply achieved because the plants absorb part of the heat , but neither do we expect miracles because even though it is a perceptible difference, their thing is to take advantage of its cooling capacity along with other tricks such as the use of blinds, curtains, intelligent ventilation, a good orientation of the house and, for example, adequate hydration and diet, as well as a good choice of clothing that we wear. In this sense, cotton or linen are some of the lightest fabrics.

In turn, if they are next to the facades, deciduous trees are usually chosen to take advantage of their refreshing shade in summer and then in the cold months not to prevent natural light and the heat of the sun from heating the house. However, vertical gardens that cover facades or roof gardens that cover roofs are a great insulator that helps energy efficiency.

Bioclimatic architecture

A key aspect of bioclimatic architecture has to do with the use of vegetation as an invaluable resource to isolate, create comfortable environments and minimize energy use in both summer and winter.

In addition to using natural light, solar energy, rainwater or wind, we can take advantage of the vegetation in a thousand and one ways in order to obtain benefits. In the case of vegetation, other decorative elements such as awnings, umbrellas, pergolas are also used, and bioclimatic gardens are typical, perfect for refreshing environments without requiring excessive watering.

On the contrary, bioclimatic gardens consume very little water thanks to their design and, above all, to an intelligent selection of plant species that, if on the one hand they require little irrigation, on the other they are adapted to the environment, making them easier to take care and do not depend so much on irrigation. In short, it is about achieving eco-comfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Using plants to combat the heat , we recommend that you enter our Energy Saving category .

Maria Anderson
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Hello, I am a blogger specialized in environmental, health and scientific dissemination issues in general. The best way to define myself as a blogger is by reading my texts, so I encourage you to do so. Above all, if you are interested in staying up to date and reflecting on these issues, both on a practical and informative level.

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