Heat waves can be expected in the coming months. Roller shutters, external blinds and the like instead of air conditioning systems - you should know these energy-saving tips.
Kassel – Summer has put out feelers and has already caused small heat surges of up to 28 degrees. In the coming months, most likely, such and higher temperatures will be reached more frequently. In a trend forecast, wetter.de announces a hot summer in Germany. In June, the weather is expected to be warmer than average and dry. With suitable clothes, ice cream and sunscreen, we can prepare for it. But your own home should not be forgotten either.
Roller shutters, external blinds and the like – energy saving remains an issue even in summer
Finally, the winter is over and with it the challenge of paying attention to the right heating in order to save money and energy. But be careful: even in summer, energy guzzlers à la air conditioning or fans can drive up our consumption. To prevent this from happening, we need to prepare our home for both low and high temperatures.
Roll down the blind, heat out – prepare your own four walls for the summer. © Imago
Regardless of whether it's an apartment or a house, heat hits the upper floors in particular like a blow. If temperatures exceed the 30 degree mark, it is not long to endure there. At least when there is no effective sun protection. The Association of Windows + Façades (VFF) understands this to mean more than air conditioning systems, because they "only cool the air," Managing Director Frank Lange told the German Press Agency (dpa). The right windows, external blinds, shutters and the like therefore play a decisive role in effective energy saving. After all, it can also be used to save energy when it comes to lighting.
Turn off the air conditioning: how to save energy this summer
Just as a ban on gas, oil and electric heating is currently being debated at EU level, the right window procurement and equipment can also be discussed. The Energy Saving Ordinance, the first version of which came into force in 2002, also provides for "summer heat protection". In order to save energy in summer, it is important to consider the following:
- Replace single-glazed, laminated and box-type windows and windows with uncoated insulating glass with modern, energy-efficient windows
- Establishment of an intelligent control system of the sun protection system: individual remote control via radio systems or an automated control system
- External blinds and shutters as additional insulation to dose the light irradiation, i.e. to reflect many rays of sunlight to the outside
- Sources: Fachverband VFF, Bundesverband RS, dpa, Vattenfall
Various factors such as energy-saving insulation of the house façade as well as low temperature and humidity can have a positive influence on the indoor climate in summer, the VFF describes. But: "Direct solar radiation has the decisive influence." Accordingly, the measures presented should help to meet the politically enshrined claim of effective thermal insulation of one's own four walls, to do something good for the climate and to save a lot of money in the process. The VFF recommends discussing the window situation with a specialist dealer. (Felina Wellner)
