Tips to keep the heat out of your home in summer
When temperatures rise, keeping your home cool can become a real struggle. And it's not just about turning on the air conditioning: there are many ways to reduce heat gain without skyrocketing your energy bill. Here are some effective tips for protecting your home from the summer heat.
1. Check the insulation of your windows
Did you know that up to 30% of heat enters through windows?
If your windows are old, made of aluminum without a thermal break, or with single glazing, they are probably letting in heat as if they were open.
The solution?
• Install PVC or aluminum windows with thermal break.
• Use low-e solar control glass, which reflects heat to the outside. Such as the sustainable range of CLIMALIT ECOLÓGICO glass, which reduces the carbon footprint by 25%.
• Ensure good airtightness to prevent hot air leaks.
It's an investment you'll notice not only in the summer, but also in the winter and on your bills.
2. Install awnings, blinds or exterior blinds
Exterior sun protection systems are key to stopping the heat before it enters.
• Awnings prevent direct sunlight from hitting glass and facades.
• Mallorcan or slatted blinds allow ventilation without letting in the sun.
• Exterior screen blinds reduce thermal radiation without losing visibility.
A properly oriented awning can reduce the interior temperature by up to 5 degrees..
3. Take advantage of cross ventilation
Close your windows during the hottest hours and open them at night or early in the morning to get fresh air.
• If you can, open two windows facing each other to create natural drafts.
• Use ceiling fans to move hot air upward.
4. Use thermal curtains or interior blinds
Not all homes can have exterior awnings, but good blackout or thermal curtains can make a difference.
• Reflective fabrics block some of the radiation.
• The lighter the fabric, the better it will reflect heat.
5. Avoid generating heat inside the house
In summer, everything adds up: the oven, halogen lights, or even excessive computer use all contribute to raising the interior temperature.
• Cook early or with a microwave.
• Replace traditional light bulbs with LEDs.
• Turn off appliances on standby when not in use.
6. Reinforce the insulation of the roof and walls
If you live in an attic or single-family home, the roof can be largely responsible for interior heat.
• Installing thermal insulation in the roof or air chambers can reduce the interior temperature by several degrees.
• There are systems such as the SATE (Exterior Thermal Insulation System) that insulate without losing interior space.
7. Plants and vegetation: natural shade
• A traditional and sustainable solution: natural shade. Climbing plants, green pergolas, or even flower pots on balconies help reduce solar radiation.
• On terraces, a bioclimatic pergola with adjustable slats allows for the regulation of light and air flow. Durmi bioclimatic pergolas also comply with Applus regulations, boast wind resistance up to Class 6, and are certified under ISO 9001 quality standards.
• In patios, awnings provide shade and natural vines lower the ambient temperature.
Keeping the heat out of your home doesn't depend solely on air conditioning. With proper insulation, ventilation, and sun protection measures, you can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable, and more efficient home this summer.
