Vetiver curtains vs Air conditioners: Which is better for summer?

It’s just April but the intense summer heat has people trembling over the imagination of how the future months are going to be. In India, temperatures have already crossed as high as 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country.Therefore, people are back on the internet scrolling through ideas of cooling dishes, vetiver curtains and modern air conditioners. Herein lies the problem, as using AC throughout the day will cause a hefty hole in the pocket and without it, there’s no efficient alternative to save oneself from the scorching heat. This is where vetiver or khus curtains come in. They are natural, sustainable and definitely don’t add up to your electricity bill.But which is better: vetiver curtains or air conditioners? Let’s find out.Vetiver, is a tall bunchgrass that grows abundantly in India. It has an extremely dense root system that can grow as long as six feet in sic months. These roots are used to provide relief to thousands of humans suffering through extreme heat every day.Curtains are woven using the khus grass and hung in doorways and windows. These are then sprayed with water and as hot air passes through the damp screen, it undergoes evaporative cooling and helps reduce the indoor temperatures by 6-7 degrees Celsius.For generations, these eco-friendly, aesthetic and effective curtains were used to cool homes across the country. Over the years, as temperatures and incomes rose, mechanical cooling became both a need and a want.Now, with the country focusing on sustainability again, low-cost, low-tech cooling solutions are back in the limelight and the market.When it comes to air conditioners, they have become an indispensable part of modern-day life. With temperatures breaking records every year, an AC is a must. So much so that now every room inside a house has an air conditioner along with a fan and sometimes even the combination of the two seems insufficient to provide relief.Air conditioners though arrive with the disadvantage of a hefty electricity bill and damage to the environment. Moreover, with increasing temperatures, the risk of a short circuit and fire also remains prominent, especially in India.

Which is better: Vetiver curtains or Air conditioners

By using vetiver curtains you gain:Cooling without electricityFragrance reduces stress and anxietyEco-friendly and biodegradableNaturally repel mosquitoesLong-lasting and durableAdd aesthetic appeal to homesCost between ₹500-2500No risk of firesBy using air conditioners you gain:Working in humid weatherPrecise temperature controlQuick and consistent coolingInstant reliefNo manual effortHowever, air conditioners are not eco-friendly, have harmful refrigerants, no fragrance and cost more than ₹30,000 per piece. For those looking to remain eco-friendly while also getting cooling, vetiver curtains are ideal. However, for those who reside in extremely dry climates, air conditioners along with khus curtains might be helpful.