In the midst of a heat wave, which will continue to leave very high temperatures at least until weekendmaintaining a comfortable temperature inside the home becomes a priority for many families. Those who do not have air-conditioning They resort to different strategies to try to stop the heat, although not all of them offer the same result. One of the most common doubts is Whether it is advisable to lower the blinds completely or keep them ajar to allow air to circulate.
Although it may seem that letting a light draft through helps cool rooms, specialists in air conditioning and energy efficiency They warn that this decision depends, above all, on the temperature what to do outside.
The mistake that many people make during a heat wave
When on the street the limits are greatly exceeded 35 degrees and the sun hits the façade fully, opening the windows or leaving the blinds partially raised is usually counterproductive. If the air outside is warmer than that inside the home, this ventilation only contributes to raising the temperature inside the house even more.
The explanation is simple and is that the hot air It enters from the outside and progressively heats the rooms. Furthermore, any opening makes it easier for the solar radiation reach the glass, walls or furniture, elements that absorb that heat and release it slowly for hours.
For this reason, organizations specialized in energy efficiency recommend keeping the doors closed windows during the central hours of the day and use systems that block the solar radiation before you enter the home.
In this sense, the blinds They are one of the most effective resources, since they prevent a good part of the heat from reaching the window glass.
The studies on thermal behavior of the buildings agree that the exterior solar protectionas blindsawnings or shutters, offer better results than interior curtains, since they stop the radiation before it goes through the glass.
Therefore, during a heat wave It is advisable to lower the blinds on the windows most exposed to the weather. sun from first thing in the morning, even before they receive direct sunlight.
In general terms, it is best to keep them practically closed. However, when the blind It is very close to the glass, a slight opening of the slats can promote air circulation between both elements and prevent excess heat from concentrating in that space. Even so, the priority remains to keep out the sun.
On the other hand, rooms facing the shade allow a little more flexibility. If the outside temperature is equal to or less than that of the interior, it may be useful to favor a moderate ventilation. If it is hotter outside than inside, it is still advisable to limit the entry of air as much as possible.
When should you open the windows to create current?
The ventilation It is still one of the best tools to beat the heat, as long as it is done at the right time. Experts advise opening the windows only when the outside temperature is lower than that inside the home, something that usually happens at night, at dawn and in the early hours of the morning.
At these times it is advisable to open windows located at opposite ends of the house to generate cross ventilation. In this way the air is renewed and the accumulated heat during the day on walls, ceilings and furniture. The greater the exchange of fresh air during the eveningthe longer the home will retain a pleasant temperature the next day.
Yes indeed, keep the house completely closed for long hours also has drawbacks, such as increased carbon dioxide or of the humidity. Therefore, if there are several people inside or activities such as cooking or showering are carried out, it may be convenient ventilate for a few minutesalways ensuring that the outside air is not warmer than the inside.
Ultimately, the specialists They agree on a simple recommendation and that is to lower the blinds at peak hours insolationkeep the windows closed while the outside is warmer and take advantage of the night and early hours of the day to ventilate abundantly.
A airstream It only helps cool the home when transporting fresher air. If it comes from outside during the hottest hours, the effect will be the opposite and the house will heat up even faster.