How much time to ventilate the home and keep it cool

In summer, keeping the house cool and ventilated is often a great challenge, as high temperatures frequently mean we need to keep it closed up so to prevent heat from entering. This also means that we have to use refrigeration systems that do not help to maintain good energy efficiency in homes. 

Knowing when, how long and how to open the windows will make the difference between having a ventilated and cool home without always having to resort to air conditioning.  

What is the best time of the day to ventilate in summer

Ideally, this should be done when the outside air is cooler than that inside.

In summer, the best times are:

• Early in the morning, before the sun starts to heat up.
• At dusk or at night, when temperatures begin to drop.

During these times, the outside air helps to cool the house and eliminate accumulated heat. On the other hand, it is not advisable to ventilate during the central hours of the day, as the air that enters is usually warmer and can raise the indoor temperature of the home. 

Cross ventilation and other techniques to keep the home cool

Cross ventilation is also very important to aerate and renew hot air. This technique is one of the oldest, as it involves opening windows or doors on opposite sides of the house to create currents and help new, fresh air pull heat from the inside out. 

How to make cross ventilation more effective: 

• Also keep interior doors open to facilitate airflow.
• Avoid obstacles (furniture, textiles, etc.) that block the passage of air.
• Use fans that push and move air to keep it refreshed and cool. 

If possible, combine open windows at different heights: the warm air rises and will exit from the top, while cooler air enters from the bottom.

How to ventilate the home and keep it cool naturally

• As mentioned above, all windows must be opened wide during the coolest moments to renew the air.
• Close windows, blinds and curtains during the day to prevent heat from entering.
• Block direct solar radiation with awnings, blinds or textiles.
• Avoid internal heat sources, such as appliances or bright lights.