Spain faces a summer with extreme temperatures. At this time of year, cities become veritable heat islands and homes become ovens. Unbreathable environments that are difficult to endure without the help of an air conditioning unit, a fan or some solar protection system, such as awnings, which generate shading over houses. The objective is to protect buildings and homes from heat to prevent temperatures exceeding 30 degrees inside, something that can affect the health of residents. But it is not just about pointing the finger at climate change. and the increasingly hot summers. The buildings and the way they were built are very much to blame. “There are more than 25 million homes in Spain that require comprehensive intervention to improve their performance,” says Moisés Castro, second vice president of the Superior Council of the Colleges of Architects of Spain (CSCAE). And he adds: “Improving the capabilities of buildings to cope with climate extremes is a priority to limit the effects on the health of the population.” There is no single solution. Each building is affected by the previous architectural configuration, form, orientation and materials. Also, the budget we have and the space possibilities influence. If what the owner is looking for are optimal solutions at a reduced cost, it is desirable to install extendable awnings, generally made of canvas, on balconies and terraces, as well as the placement of blinds and shutters. “Opting for awnings or pergolas will allow a reduction of up to 10 degrees temperature inside the home. Choosing acrylic or micro-perforated fabrics that filter the greatest possible number of sun rays and allow optimal ventilation will avoid the dreaded greenhouse effect,” says Carlos Sanz, general director of Habitissimo, a platform for the renovation and repair sector. Shading sails, which usually have triangular shapes and are inexpensive, can also work well. They are fixed to the wall, a tree or even a pole. If the budget allows and it is technically feasible, works can be undertaken on the building and it is not a bad idea to look at traditional architecture. Lattices, overhangs, canopies and eaves contribute to a very important improvement. “Passive solar protection elements can be essential to minimize the need for cooling and, with it, the cost of the necessary energy,” says Castro. And if the property has a flat roof, the architect advises improving the insulation or even incorporating a green roof. For the interior of homes, the most in-demand and effective are air conditioning units. Last year's heat waves, in which temperatures reached more than 45 degrees in some regions, have boosted the sale of these devices. There are many options on the market. Split or multi-split air conditioning systems are the most installed and relatively economical. They consist of an outdoor unit with a compressor and one or more indoor units with an evaporator and condenser, installed through small holes in the wall. According to Sanz, a device with inverter technology (more efficient by varying the rotation speed of the compressor) of 2,700 frigories and 3,000 kilocalories per hour has an approximate price of 800 euros. Also widely sold are devices with heat pumps that allow generate hot air in winter and cool in summer. A device with 3,800 frigories and 4,300 kilocalories has an approximate price of 1,250 euros if it is split and 1,900 euros if it is multi-split. The Leroy Merlin DIY chain advises opting for equipment with maximum energy efficiency. Installing ducted air conditioning is the most expensive, but it offers a very wide range of powers and significantly increases the value of the home. It is more common in new houses where pre-installation has been carried out, since in existing apartments it would be necessary to enable a false ceiling and incorporate ducts and air outlets, which increases the budget. “If we have the installation done, the average price of a unit of 6,000 refrigerators is 1,600 euros,” says Sanz. Then there are the portable or window units, with less power, but much cheaper: their price is around 300 euros. They need to evacuate excess air through a duct that is placed in the window. Expert advice on which one to install depends on the climatic conditions of each area. “For homes located in the south it is advisable to opt for more powerful and efficient systems, such as ducts or multisplit. On the other hand, in the north, more economical and flexible options can be considered, such as split or portable units, depending on the specific needs and the intended use of the air conditioning,” says the general director of Habitissimo.
With and without blades
If the budget is tight, an affordable option is ceiling fans, which are increasingly sophisticated. This is the case of bladeless fans, smaller than traditional ones, modern and safe, as well as efficient and decorative. They absorb air from their central part and distribute it through the sides of their structure. Its price is around 600 euros and there are even some with lights. With the simplest models, the cost drops considerably. “A three-blade fan for a room of about 20 square meters can have a price starting at 60 euros.” Although if they are designer they can exceed 200 euros. There are not only indoor fans. “This year, outdoor ceiling fans stand out, including ceiling-type models that hide the blades. They have advanced features such as integrated LED light, remote control, timer and quieter and more efficient motors,” they say at Leroy Merlin. Other tricks that can help keep a house somewhat cooler are painting the walls in a light color because they accumulate less heat than the dark ones. “Opting for thermal insulating paint that contains ceramic microspheres, aerogels or cork particles will act as a thermal bridge break, and in turn will prevent condensation in the home and the possible appearance of mold,” they explain in the renovation platform. Now, All these elements and measures will be of little use if the building and the house are poorly insulated. It is important that the windows have a thermal break, which will prevent heat from entering. And it is essential to check for cracks in the walls, leaks or any deterioration of the façade. “Fixing them will not only prevent the coolness from escaping, but it will also save money on possible larger later repairs,” says Sanz. Follow all the information from Economía y Negocios on Facebook and xor in our weekly newsletter