Don't let the summer ruin your home: a practical guide to protecting it from the heat

Fire prevention and heat damage

Heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and intense, can directly affect the proper functioning of your home's electrical system and put the safety of your connected appliances at risk. To minimise these dangers, it's a good idea to take a series of basic preventative measures that will help you keep your home protected during the months with the highest temperatures. 

1. Check your electrical system

Before the temperatures soar, carry out a visual inspection of plugs, sockets, extension leads, and wiring. Make sure there are no signs of wear, loose connections, or sockets with too many devices plugged in. Also, unplug any appliances you don't need during the summer, like heaters, extra lamps or inactive chargers, to avoid overloading the mains.

2. Maintain your cooling systems

Cooling systems need to be well-maintained to work at full capacity without causing risks or unnecessary expense. That's why it's important to clean the filters, check the air vents, and make sure there are no leaks or strange noises from fans, air conditioning units or other cooling systems you plan to use. Remember that a poorly maintained unit not only consumes more energy but can also overheat (the opposite of its intended function) and lead to major electrical faults. 

3. Responsible use of heat sources  

If you use scented candles, decorative lights or have barbecues outside, take extra precautions. Don't leave these items burning unattended, and always place them far away from awnings, curtains, garden furniture, trees or any other flammable items. A moment's carelessness can turn into a serious incident, especially in dry conditions and high temperatures. 

4. Maintaining outdoor spaces 

Your garden, terrace or patio also requires special attention. Sweep regularly to remove dry leaves, branches or weeds that can build up near the house. If you're going to be away for several days, you could install a timed watering system or ask someone you trust to pop round periodically to make sure everything is in order.

Security against burglaries (especially during the holidays)

Similarly, if you're going to be away for a long period, it's essential that your home doesn't show signs of being unoccupied.

• Use timers to turn on lights or the television to simulate someone being inside. You can also ask a neighbour to collect the post and open or close the blinds from time to time.
• Reinforce access points by installing additional locks or grilles on accessible windows. Also, avoid hiding keys in obvious places like under doormats or in plant pots.
• Use technology to protect your home: you can use cameras with a mobile connection, motion sensors or smart alarms, which can deter potential intruders and notify you in real time.
• Finally, wait until you're back from your holiday to share photos on your social media. Posting your location in real time can be an unwelcome invitation.

Preventing floods and storm damage

Another of the most common problems in summer is unexpected storms, which can be more intense than usual due to the high temperatures. That's why it's advisable to check your roof and gutters to make sure there are no loose tiles, thus preventing leaks or major damage. It's also important to protect lower areas like garages or basements. If you have appliances in these areas, you can raise them up to prevent them from being damaged if water gets in. As a final tip, if you won't be at home for a while, you can turn off the stopcocks or the main water valve to prevent unexpected leaks.

Energy saving (without sacrificing safety)

Summer not only invites us to enjoy the good weather, but it's also an excellent opportunity to improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your electricity bill without giving up on comfort. With small changes and proper planning, you can keep your home cool and functional while looking after your wallet.

Make the most of natural light and reduce your use of air conditioning

During the brightest months of the year, taking advantage of sunlight not only improves your home's atmosphere but also allows you to do without artificial lighting for much of the day. Use light-coloured curtains and lightweight fabrics that let light in but block out the heat. Additionally, keeping the blinds down during the hours of greatest sun exposure helps to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature, without needing to turn on the air conditioning.

Eliminate phantom load and optimise device usage

Many appliances continue to consume energy even when not in use, which is known as phantom load. Televisions on standby, plugged-in chargers or routers that are never turned off can account for up to 10% of your monthly consumption. Unplugging what you don't use or installing extension leads with a switch can make a real difference. It's also a good time to review your energy plan and adapt it to your actual needs, especially if you spend more time away from home.

Checking and maintaining your solar panels

If you have solar panels, make sure they are in optimal condition before the season of peak sunlight begins. Clean the panels, check the inverter and ensure there are no shadows limiting their performance. A well-maintained system can generate more energy and help you cover a large part of your daytime consumption.

Smart energy storage

To make the most of your solar generation, consider adding batteries that allow you to store the surplus energy generated during the day and use it at night, or at times of higher demand. This solution not only improves your energy independence but also protects you against potential power cuts or price hikes.

Automate and control your consumption from your mobile

Apps like our Endesa Clientes app allow you to monitor your consumption in real time, detect peaks in usage and adjust your habits. Other apps allow you to schedule appliances to turn on during the most economical off-peak hours, or automatically activate the economy mode on your air conditioning – simple actions that add up in the long run.

Quick checklist to protect your home this summer

Below is a summary of all the tips we've covered so far, so you can review these key points before leaving home or during days of intense heat. You can print this table or save it on your phone to always have it handy: