Ventilation in summer, solutions beyond air conditioning

With the arrival of summer and the new temperatures, concerns about keeping our homes in optimal conditions return. In recent years and although it remains the preferred solution for Spaniards, many consumers have started looking for alternatives beyond air conditioning. And this system, in addition to being unhealthy and not very environmentally friendly according to the conditions, is not efficient and consumes large amounts of energy.

So, what are the best solutions for tempering a home in summer, beyond air conditioning?

Types of ventilation for summer

First of all, it is important to highlight that the specific conditions of the home we are in can greatly influence our sense of heat. Orientation, materials used, thermal insulation systems, or the architectural design itself among other factors determine a more or less favorable starting point depending on the conditions:

• Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) systems are characterized by the use of fans to renew the air in indoor spaces. There are multiple CMV systems, from the simplest to the most complex, which are equipped with high-tech equipment that allows optimizing the air quality obtained and the thermal regulation in indoor spaces. A home with a double flow mechanical ventilation system in summer can maintain an indoor temperature of 21 or 22 degrees, even when the outside temperature is up to 30 degrees.

• As we explained in another article on this blog, natural ventilation systems can be “an interesting option in cases with specific characteristics. First, it is advisable in environments with temperate climates so that the thermal variation does not constitute an element of stress or loss of comfort. Also, for it to be truly efficient, the home must be specifically designed for it. That is, it must be taken into account from the initial moment of architectural design.” In any case, in regions with high humidity or very high temperatures, the effects of natural ventilation are very reduced or practically nonexistent.

From here, if we cannot have an efficient ventilation system, we share some tips and tricks to better withstand the heat at home:

• Ventilate in the mornings. It is advisable to open doors and windows early in the morning, between 7 and 8, as this is the time with the lowest temperatures. During the hottest hours, it is recommended to close curtains or use awnings for the windows. Conversely, during the night we should allow the air to circulate as much as possible.

• Cool floors. Mopping the indoor and terrace floors with cold water is a quick and quite effective method to alleviate the feeling of high temperatures in your home.

• Fabrics. Before the arrival of high temperatures, we recommend removing as many curtains and rugs as possible. The clearer our floors and windows are, the fresher we will feel.

☑️  Cooking time. The morning will certainly be the best time to prepare your dishes during hot seasons. Avoid using the oven as much as you can and follow recipes that can be enjoyed at room temperature or do not need to be reheated.

• Appliances, better at night. Some devices like dishwashers or washing machines release a lot of energy in the form of heat, so their use is not advisable during the hottest hours. When they are running, it's better to do so with the door closed.

• Plants. They are a natural and visually pleasant way to combat high temperatures indoors, as they absorb heat naturally. If you can use climbing plants, they will create a natural barrier against the sun.