As temperatures soar in the UK, many Brits are looking for ways to keep their homes cool without using air conditioning or fans. A traditional Spanish technique, known as the "blackout method," offers a simple and effective solution.
What Is the Spanish Blackout Method?
Temperatures in Spain can reach 45C in certain regions during summer, especially in Central and Southern Spain. According to a survey by property experts Idealista, only 41% of Spanish homes have air conditioning, so many rely on traditional cooling methods. The blackout method involves closing shutters completely in the morning (between 8am and 9am or upon waking) and keeping them closed until night, blocking out sunlight and heat throughout the day.
How to Apply It in British Homes
Most Spanish houses have exterior shutters that block all light. British households can adapt this approach using curtains or blinds. Travel experts at Spainwise advise: "Keep blinds, shutters and/or curtains closed during peak sunshine hours but leave windows open at night and early in the morning so your room can cool down."
What Spaniards Say on Reddit
On Reddit, Spaniards confirm this is the most common method. One user said: "Open the windows in the morning until 11 or so. Then, close the blinds so almost no light passes into the house. And then, at night, open them again." Another explained: "If your house is 'cool' when you wake up and you close it up, it'll be easier to keep the heat from coming in during the afternoon. Basically, it's like the refrigerator door." A third added: "Do not, under any circumstances, leave your house in siesta hours. These are the hottest hours; you'll face heatstroke."
Additional Cooling Tips
Other tricks include placing a bowl of water on the windowsill or hanging a damp sheet across the window to cool incoming air.
