How to prepare your house or apartment for winter in Portugal: tips for insulation, renovation and energy efficiency

Windows: Nobody Escapes Air Drafts

Windows are the main source of heat loss, especially in winter. Through small cracks or insufficiently insulated windows, cold air can easily enter, creating drafts and increasing heating costs.

For homes: Check the condition of the windows, especially if it has old wooden frames. Over time, these windows lose their ability to insulate well. If your windows are panoramic or face the wind, consider reinforcing them with additional seals.

For apartments: In buildings, windows are often of standard models, which does not mean that they are immune to heat loss. Check that the windows are tightly closed and that you can feel drafts near the frames or parapets.

How to solve it? In both cases, it is worth replacing the old seals or installing additional insulation tapes to improve thermal efficiency.

Ports: Insulation to Keep Heat In

In both houses and apartments, entrance doors can be a significant source of heat loss. In the houses, the doors lead directly to the outside, while in the apartments they lead to cold corridors.

For homes: Make sure your entrance door is well insulated and that there are no gaps between the door and the floor. If the door is old, you may need to consider replacing it with one with better thermal insulation.

For apartments: Air currents coming from the building's entrance door can be equally uncomfortable. Install sealants around the door and on the threshold to prevent heat escape.

How to solve it? Add insulation strips and replace worn seals to ensure that your door keeps heat inside.

Roofs and Roofs: Protection for Rooftop Homes and Apartments

For those who live in houses, the roof is the first line of defense against rain and wind. However, those who live on the top floor of a building must also be aware of the state of the roof, since infiltration can cause serious damage.

For homes: Do a roof inspection in the fall to check for potential damage. Cracked tiles or clogged gutters can cause infiltration.

For apartments on the top floor: Check ceilings for signs of moisture. If you notice stains or signs of infiltration, contact the condominium administration to perform a roof inspection.

How to solve it? For homeowners, do a roof overhaul or hire specialists. For apartment residents, let the building manager know if you notice signs of infiltration.

Gutters and Drainage: Important Elements for Homes

In homes, drainage systems and gutters are essential to divert water from the foundation. Clogged gutters can cause flooding and damage the structure of the house. In apartments, this problem is less relevant, but residents of the ground floor may face problems with the accumulation of water next to the building.

For homes: Clean the gutters and check if they are clogged. During the rainy season, the water must drain freely, without creating puddles around the house.

For apartments: If you live on the ground floor or notice that water is accumulating near the building's foundations, inform the condominium management.

How to solve it? Clean the gutters regularly and ensure that the drain is working properly.

Heating and Air Conditioning

Regardless of the type of housing, it is essential that the heating system or air conditioning work properly during winter. In Portugal, many houses and apartments use air conditioning with a heating function.

For homes: Make sure your heating system is fully operational. If you have a fireplace or radiators, clean it and check its condition.

For apartments: Check the air conditioner and make sure it can maintain the desired temperature. If you use electric heaters, check that they are not overloading the electrical grid.

How to solve it? Check the efficiency of heating appliances, such as radiators and air conditioners, to ensure winter comfort.

Electrical Wiring and Sockets: Overload Protection

In winter, increased use of electrical appliances can overwhelm wiring, especially in older homes and apartments. The risk of short circuits increases considerably with the use of heaters and other appliances.

For homes: If your house is more than 20-30 years old, you should check the condition of the electrical wiring. Pay particular attention to old outlets and switchboards.

For apartments: Those who live in old buildings must also check the condition of the electrical installation. Test outlets that use heaters and air conditioning.

How to solve it? At the slightest sign of overheating of the outlets or wiring, call an electrician. Modern electrical systems must have circuit breakers to prevent overloads.

Fight against Humidity

Both in houses and apartments, humidity and condensate are frequent problems in winter. Poor ventilation and inadequate insulation can cause mold and increase humidity levels.

For homes: Check that the ventilation system is working properly. Consider installing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.

For apartments: This problem is more common on the ground floor or in old buildings with poor air circulation. Regular airing and the use of dehumidifiers help control humidity.

How to solve it? Check ventilation and, if necessary, install exhaust fans in areas with the highest humidity.

Government Support Programs

In Portugal, there are government support programs for those who improve the energy efficiency of their house or apartment. For example, the “More Sustainable Buildings” program offers grants for window replacement, wall insulation, improvement of heating systems, and modernization of electrical wiring.

For homes: If you are planning a complete renovation, window replacement, roof insulation or heating system modernization, you can benefit from partial reimbursement of costs through support programs.

For apartments: Apartment residents can also take advantage of subsidies to change old windows, install energy efficient systems, and renew electrical wiring.

Check program requirements on the government portal and submit your application for reimbursement for energy efficiency improvements.

Conclusion

Preparing your house or apartment for winter is not only about comfort, but also about safety. Simple measures, such as insulating windows and doors, checking the roof and electrical wiring, can prevent unexpected problems in the cold season. In addition, government support programs make these projects more affordable.

Casa Nova is always ready to assist you with a professional inspection and carry out the necessary work, whether to insulate your home or modernize heating systems. Contact us to ensure that your home stays warm, safe, and efficient in any season of the year.