00VILLA GUIDE
Keeping a villa cool in summer
Air conditioning works against the heat that gets into a villa through its roof, walls, windows and gaps. The less heat that gets in, the less the AC has to do — which means cooler rooms, lower bills and less wear. A few changes to shading, insulation and sealing often make more difference than a bigger AC unit.
01PART
Roof and walls
Upstairs rooms take heat from the roof. Roof insulation and reflective coatings reduce it. West and south walls heat up in the afternoon; shading or planting helps.
- Check roof insulation.
- Consider reflective roof coatings.
- Shade west-facing walls.
02PART
Windows and doors
Large glazed doors and windows let in sun. Blinds, external shading and films reduce gain. Gaps around frames let hot air in; sealing them helps.
- Use blinds and shading.
- Seal gaps around frames.
- Close doors to terraces.
03PART
AC care
Clean condensers and filters, sound duct insulation and correct settings let the AC deliver its full capacity.
- Service condensers and filters.
- Check duct insulation.
- Set sensible temperatures.
04QUESTIONS
- Is a bigger AC the answer?
- Often not; reducing heat gain usually helps more.
- Do window films work?
- They can reduce solar gain on sunny glass.
- Why are upstairs rooms hotter?
- Roof heat and rising warm air.
- Does closing blinds help?
- Yes, especially on west-facing windows in the afternoon.
- Does planting help?
- Trees and climbers that shade walls and windows reduce heat gain once established.
- Which rooms should be looked at first?
- Upstairs bedrooms under the roof and rooms with large west-facing glass usually gain the most heat, so they repay attention first.