Here in the sunny south of Portugal, we know that things can really heat up in the summer. Now, we all love a bit of warm sunshine on our skin, but there are definitely days when there can be a little too much. So, with this heat in mind, we’ve made sure that our properties offer the perfect sanctuary to escape the hottest days by incorporating underfloor and wall cooling. Read on to find out how to cool off with these energy-efficient systems.

What is underfloor cooling and how does it work?

If you know about underfloor heating, you’ll see that underfloor cooling is, of course, just the opposite. Instead of keeping you nice and toasty, it helps lower the temperature to keep your home blissfully cool. It’s the perfect, energy-efficient way to stay cool in the warmer summer months.

Now on to the nitty-gritty; how does it work? A heat pump is installed outdoors to cool the water as it is pumped through it. Then, the water passes through the rooms via pipes under the floors and behind the walls, cooling them down. But there’s more to it than simply cooling the floors. As the floor and wall surfaces become cooler than the air inside, they actually absorb the radiant heat present in the room which helps to create that refreshing environment. How cool is that?

What are the advantages of underfloor and wall cooling?

So, now we know how it works, let’s have a look at why we use it in our properties. We’ve all experienced the discomfort from air conditioning. On those days when it’s boiling hot, so you switch on the air-con and park yourself underneath it. At first, it’s a relief, but then your lips become dry, you begin to get chilly, and that draught and electric buzzing starts to really get on your nerves… the only alternative is to switch it off and suffer the heat. Enter underfloor and wall cooling! With all of the pros and none of the cons of air conditioning. Let’s look at what makes it the superior cooling system;

• Comfort

Underfloor and wall cooling doesn’t involve any air movement. So, say goodbye to blasts of cold air blowing down on you, drying out your eyes and cracking your lips. As underfloor cooling regulates the temperature evenly, it means there aren’t any cold spots in the room, unlike with other cooling systems. This keeps you cool and comfortable no matter where you are in the room. And of course, it’s silent, so no annoying electric buzzing to stop you from drifting off to a nice (cool) sleep.

• Health

Less air movement also means a reduction in the spread of air-borne diseases, something we’re all hyperaware of these days. With the added advantage of underfloor cooling systems being much more comfortable for those who suffer from asthma or other respiratory problems too. And without the need for any physical device right there in the room, there’s one spot less for dust to accumulate, which is great news for anyone with a dust allergy.

• Aesthetics

We can maintain our interior aesthetics without worrying about installing bulky cooling units, as underfloor and wall cooling systems are out of sight, helping us maintain our desired indoor aesthetics.

• Cost

Compared to air conditioning systems, underfloor and wall cooling systems are indeed more cost effective. With the recent rise in energy prices, this is certainly something to consider. And, being such a prized feature in a hotter climate, it adds value to your home should you consider selling it in the future.

• Environmentally friendly

It isn’t just the financial cost that makes underfloor and wall cooling more efficient than air conditioning. Being energy efficient not only benefits our wallets, but it’s also better for the environment.  By cooling the room evenly, it works more efficiently than other cooling devices that only affect one area. As well as that, your outdoor heat pump can be powered by renewable energy.

So, there you have it, comfortable, healthy, and efficient, staying cool this summer in your home is no longer a pipe dream. With underfloor and wall cooling systems in place, you’re sure to stay refreshed and relaxed despite the scorching summer sun outside.