Could salt hold the key to safe, efficient cooling and heating for homes in the future?

Researchers hope that ionocaloric cooling could one day help replace refrigerants with high global warming potential and provide safe, efficient cooling and heating for homes. Photo: AFP

Salt is known for its ability to melt snow and limit the formation of ice. Inspired by this process, US engineers are working on a system that could use less energy than traditional radiators or air conditioners to heat or cool homes.

The method developed by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley has been given the mysterious name of "ionocaloric cooling".