How to avoid your house becoming an oven: smart ways to stay cool in the Spanish summer

“Keeping your house cool for the summer? Already? It’s only early March!”

Indeed, the Spanish summer seems far off. But don’t be fooled. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the pleasant spring sunshine in the morning, only to roast like an overripe tomato in your living room by afternoon. And by the time you start thinking about cooling off, the hardware stores will be sold out, and your neighbour will already be lounging under the shade cloth you were just too late for.

So go ahead: think ahead. Yes, really. While it’s not yet tropical, now’s your chance to get your home summer-ready without fighting for the last fan at Carrefour.

Keep the heat outside before it becomes a problem inside.

The heat in Spain is relentless. Air conditioners are working overtime, fans are spinning non-stop, and your electricity bill rises faster than the temperature. But if you approach it smartly, you can keep your house cool in the summer without turning it into a drafty wind tunnel or a fortress with darkened windows. It starts with one simple strategy: make sure the heat doesn’t get inside your home.

In Spanish villages, they’ve understood this for centuries. During the day, the shutters are closed, and the curtains stay shut. Not because there’s something to hide, but because keeping the sun outside is simply smarter than trying to cool down an overheated living room later. It’s a simple step, but it works. And if you opt for light-colored curtains and some external shading, you’ll quickly notice that the temperature inside remains much more comfortable.

For those wanting to live energy-efficiently in Spain, there are more smart solutions available beyond cooling. Think solar panels, heat pumps, and insulation, which not only make your home more comfortable but also help you save significantly on your energy bills. In a previous article, I discussed how to make your home more sustainable and efficient. This piece specifically focuses on how to smartly keep the summer heat outside, without relying on sky-high air conditioning costs.

Smart shading solutions for your terrace or balcony

Shade is another underrated weapon against the heat. A terrace without shade becomes a hotplate, and a balcony without shelter turns into a sauna. Those who think ahead now about a pergola, a few well-placed climbing plants, or even a simple shade cloth will save themselves a lot of trouble later.

No money for expensive shading? A simple white sheet works wonders. A loosely stretched shade cloth keeps the worst of the heat at bay without blocking airflow. And climbing plants like bougainvillea or grapevines not only provide shade but also give your outdoor space an instant Mediterranean vibe.

Ventilating without bringing the heat inside

Ventilation can do wonders, but only if you know how. Simply opening a window won’t help if there’s no airflow. By opening windows on two opposite sides, you create natural air circulation, which is much more effective.

If you open the windows wide at night but barely feel any cooling, try hanging a wet sheet in the window. The evaporation will add extra coolness and make a warm night a bit more bearable. Got a ceiling fan? Make sure it spins counterclockwise in the summer, so warm air is drawn up and cool air stays low.

Use your air conditioning smartly and save energy

Air conditioning seems like the only solution for many people to keep their home cool in the summer, but using it smartly can save a lot of energy. An air conditioner running day and night not only consumes a lot of power but is often less efficient. By ventilating properly in the evening and keeping as much heat outside as possible during the day, the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard and the house stays cool for longer.

Another tip is to set the air conditioner no lower than 25 degrees. It still feels cool but ensures the air conditioner uses less energy and keeps the temperature stable. Combine the air conditioner with a fan to help circulate the air, so you feel cooler faster without turning the thermostat down further.

Small changes that make a big difference

For those looking to go a step further, small adjustments with a big impact are key. A white reflective roof coating can lower the indoor temperature by several degrees. Plants on the balcony or terrace not only provide shade but also release moisture, cooling the air.

Tiles retain heat, while wooden or stone decking is much more comfortable underfoot. Even an outdoor rug can help make the surface less hot. And if you really want to be smart, use water the right way: lightly spray the terrace in the evening or place a shallow container of water. The evaporation helps with natural cooling.

Thinking ahead pays off: stay cool this summer.

Summer may seem far off, but if you think ahead now, you won’t be sweating in an overheated home later. And when the first real heatwave hits and everyone scrambles for relief, you’ll be able to sit back and relax in your shaded, well-ventilated home.

The only thing that should be melting in the summer is the ice in your glass.