Spanish summers are becoming increasingly hotter – and it is not only people who are suffering from rising temperatures. Homes and properties are also coming under growing strain. Hours of intense sunshine, temperatures above 40 degrees and increasingly prolonged heatwaves can cause buildings to heat up significantly, with indoor spaces often remaining warm even at night.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Experts therefore recommend preparing properties for increasingly frequent periods of extreme heat at an early stage. With the right measures, it is possible not only to improve living comfort but also to significantly reduce energy consumption.
Air conditioning alone is not enough
Many households in Spain rely on air conditioning during the summer months. However, an air conditioning system works far more efficiently when the building itself is properly protected against heat. Regular maintenance is essential: dirty filters, blocked drainage systems or technical problems can reduce performance while increasing electricity consumption at the same time.
Setting the temperature too low often provides little additional comfort but can result in higher costs. Experts therefore frequently recommend moderate cooling and, above all, combining air conditioning with structural measures to protect buildings from heat.
Windows and doors are weak points
A large proportion of summer heat enters the home through windows. Particularly large areas of glass can become very hot when exposed to direct sunlight and transfer the heat indoors.
External solar shading is considered particularly effective. Awnings, roller shutters or blinds prevent sunlight from reaching the glass in the first place. This helps to keep indoor temperatures significantly lower.
Doors also play a role. Small gaps and draughty areas can allow hot outdoor air to enter. Seals around doors and windows help to keep the heat out and improve the cooling efficiency of air conditioning systems.
Good insulation also helps to keep homes cooler in summer
Insulation is often associated with protection against the cold in winter. However, it also plays an important role during the summer months. A well-insulated property absorbs heat more slowly and keeps indoor spaces cooler for longer.
Older homes in Spain in particular often have poorer insulation. Upgrading roofs, walls and windows can therefore make a significant difference to indoor comfort and energy efficiency.
Modern windows with energy-efficient glazing or thermal breaks further reduce heat transfer between the interior and the outside environment.
Shade becomes the most important way to protect against heat
One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat summer heat is to create shade. Awnings, pergolas or shade sails can prevent terraces, windows and façades from being exposed to direct sunlight throughout the day.
Plants can also play an important role. Trees, shrubs and climbing plants provide shade and help to cool the surrounding area naturally through evaporation. In particular, adding greenery to gardens and terraces can help to lower ambient temperatures.
Effective ventilation to keep the heat out
The way a home is ventilated also affects how much it heats up. During the hottest parts of the day, windows should ideally remain closed and protected from direct sunlight.
It is more effective to ventilate in the early morning or at night, when temperatures outside are lower. This allows the heat stored within the home to dissipate.
Fly screens provide good ventilation while keeping mosquitoes and other insects out of the home.
Light-coloured façades can help to lower temperatures
A building’s colour also affects how much its surfaces warm up. Light-coloured façades reflect more of the sun’s energy, whereas darker colours absorb more heat.
For this reason, many traditional Spanish homes feature white or light-coloured exterior walls. This design approach helps to reduce heat build-up in walls and interior spaces.
Heat can create additional problems
Extreme temperatures affect properties in more ways than simply causing them to heat up. Prolonged heat can put stress on building materials: wood may warp, certain components can expand, and small defects can worsen over time.
Hot summer months can also lead to an increase in insect problems. Food should be stored securely, rubbish bins kept tightly closed, and uncovered food should not be left unattended.
Climate change is changing the demands placed on properties
Spain is among the European countries most affected by climate change. Longer heatwaves, increasingly frequent extreme temperatures and warmer nights are creating new challenges for cities and their residents.
While buildings were once designed mainly with protection against winter cold in mind, keeping homes cool in summer is becoming increasingly important. In regions such as Andalusia, Valencia, Murcia, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, adapting properties to extreme temperatures is becoming a growing priority.
Preparation makes the difference when it comes to comfort at home
Summer heat in Spain is becoming increasingly intense, and properties must adapt to these changing conditions. Air conditioning remains an important solution, but in the long term, it is building design measures that make the greatest difference.
Shading, effective insulation, energy-efficient windows, planting and appropriate ventilation habits can all help to keep homes more comfortable and reduce energy use, even during extreme heat periods.
For many homeowners in Spain, heat protection is no longer simply a matter of comfort, but an essential investment in the future.
