KEEPING YOUR FLAT COOL IN ALANYA

In an Alanya summer, the sun heats up your flat by midday and the air conditioning runs almost non-stop. The good news is that most of the heat can be stopped before it gets inside. Here is what really helps and how to combine the options.

Where the heat comes from

The main source of overheating is direct sun through the glass. Windows and balcony doors let in solar radiation, which heats the floor, furniture and walls, and they in turn release heat into the air. The larger the glazed area and the more the windows face south or west, the hotter the rooms get in the afternoon.

The second source is heated walls and an open balcony, which turns into a scorching platform. That is why the most effective way to fight the heat is from the outside and at the glass, not just by cooling the air indoors.

The orientation of the flat matters too. East-facing windows heat up in the morning and cool down by lunchtime, while west-facing ones get the sun at the hottest time of day, when the walls are already warm. Top-floor flats also heat up through the roof. So the same solutions work differently in different flats, and protection is best chosen according to which way the windows face.

Glass: the first line of defence

Modern glass units can noticeably reduce heat gain. When replacing windows or glazing a balcony, look out for:

• multifunctional or solar-control glass — reflects part of the solar energy while staying transparent;
• a double-chamber glass unit — holds the temperature better than a single-chamber one;
• tinting — reduces glare but darkens the room slightly.

If the windows in your flat are old, it is sometimes enough to replace the glass unit with an energy-saving one without changing the frames. For a full replacement, choose a profile with good thermal insulation — for example, REHAU or VEKA PVC windows.

Pay attention to the frames as well. Basic aluminium profiles without a thermal break get very hot in the sun themselves and transfer heat inside. If your flat has windows like these, replacing the glass alone will have a limited effect. In that case it is worth assessing the windows as a whole and comparing the cost of replacing the glass units with replacing the entire unit.

Roller shutters and blinds

Roller shutters are one of the most effective remedies against heat, because they stop the sun outside, before it reaches the glass. When closed, they block almost all direct sunlight, and they also add extra security to your flat while you are away.

Blinds are handy when you need to control the light throughout the day: you can tilt the slats, keep the room bright and still cut out direct sun. Heavier models work well for bedrooms and west-facing rooms.

For roller shutters on a balcony or terrace, it is important to choose the right place for the box and the type of operation: manual is cheaper, electric is more convenient for wide openings. Insulated slats further reduce heat and noise. Blinds work well on a glazed balcony, where they can be fitted directly to the sashes without getting in the way of opening.

Curtains and solar fabrics

Curtains work inside the room, so some heat still passes through the glass. But the right fabrics make a noticeable difference:

• blackout curtains with a reflective lining for bedrooms;
• roller blinds on the sashes — they do not get in the way of opening the windows;
• light-coloured heavy fabrics, which heat up less themselves.

You can find options for windows and balconies in our curtains section.

Good practice is to close the curtains on the sunny side in the morning, before the room heats up, and to open the windows for airing in the evening and at night, when the outside air becomes cooler.

Awnings for balconies and terraces

If you have an open terrace or a large balcony, shade over it reduces heating of the adjoining rooms. Canopies and awnings create an area you can use even in the daytime, and the glass of the balcony door is not heated by direct sun. For private houses and villas this is often the main solution, combined with glazing.

When choosing an awning, take the wind into account: on the coast it can be strong, so the frame and fixings must be designed for the load, and awnings are best retracted when a storm warning is issued. Choose a fabric that resists fading and moisture.

How to combine solutions

A combination works well: quality glass plus external protection plus curtains. That way the air conditioning is under less strain and the flat stays comfortable even in July and August.

Don't forget simple habits either: keep windows on the sunny side closed during the day, air the rooms early in the morning and late in the evening, and avoid using the oven and other heat-producing appliances in the hottest hours unless necessary. Together with proper window protection, this lets you keep a comfortable temperature with moderate use of the air conditioning.

Let us find the right sun protection

We come out for a free survey, look at which way your windows face and suggest solutions to fit your budget: from curtains to roller shutters and glass unit replacement. Indicative glazing prices are on our prices page; for a consultation call or WhatsApp +90 535 556 85 25.

Frequently asked questions

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