Stay Cool Naturally: Intelligent Shading Can Lower Room Temperatures by Up to 9°C This Summer
A groundbreaking study from Graz University of Technology reveals that smart homes using automated shading and ventilation systems can stay up to 9°C cooler in summer—without relying on air conditioning. The research was conducted in a test home powered by Loxone Smart Home technology, showcasing how intelligent climate control can dramatically improve indoor comfort while saving energy.
Conventional wisdom says you can’t beat the summer heat indoors without air conditioning. But new research from the Laboratory for Building Physics at Graz University of Technology proves otherwise. Their study shows that intelligent shading and ventilation can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures—even during extreme heatwaves—without the need for AC.
With a smart combination of ventilation and shading, it is possible to reduce room heating in the smart home test house by up to 9°C under the given conditions – all without the use of active cooling energy.
Head of studies and expert in the field of research and development
Think simply lowering the shutters all day will keep your home cool? Not quite. According to researchers at Graz University of Technology, automated shading systems offer significant advantages over manual control. Their findings show that fully closed shutters throughout the day can actually lead to higher indoor temperatures.
Why? Because blocking sunlight 24/7 also blocks natural ventilation and prevents heat from escaping to the cooler night sky. The key is intelligent timing—letting cool air in at night and shading effectively during peak heat hours.
For best results, experts recommend integrating ventilation into your smart home system. This allows for automated night-time cooling, maximizing the benefits of lower outdoor temperatures and improving overall energy efficiency.
TIP: Ventilate Smart; Timing Is Everything
Ventilating at the wrong time can backfire. Experts warn that opening windows during hot daytime hours may feel refreshing at first—but it actually raises indoor temperatures over time. The best strategy? Ventilate only during the cooler evening, night, and early morning hours, and use a fan during the day to maintain airflow without letting in heat.
Even if you don’t have a fully automated ventilation system, a smart home setup can still guide you. For example, it can alert you to close windows when outdoor conditions are unfavorable—helping you avoid accidental heat gain and optimize indoor comfort.
Block Up to 80% of Solar Heat with Smart Shading
Smart shading isn’t just about comfort—it’s a powerful energy-saving tool. According to researchers, automated shading systems can block up to 80% of solar radiation on hot summer days, dramatically reducing indoor heat and lowering energy consumption.
As climate change intensifies, the role of intelligent shading will only grow more critical. Experts emphasize that when shading is integrated with other smart systems—like heating, ventilation, and lighting—the overall efficiency and comfort of your home can be significantly enhanced.
Smart Shading Works Year-Round—Not Just in Summer
While most people associate shading with summer heat, the study from Graz University of Technology shows that automated shading systems also improve comfort and energy efficiency in spring, fall, and winter.
In winter, shading acts like a thermal blanket, reducing heat loss through glass surfaces by adding an extra layer of insulation between the warm interior and the cold outdoors. Yet, this benefit remains largely overlooked.
During transitional seasons, smart shading helps prevent daytime overheating and supports night-time cooling, depending on weather conditions. A well-designed smart home control system can dynamically adjust shading to minimize energy use while maximizing indoor comfort—no matter the season.
The Smart Shading Concept From Loxone
Find out more about the smart shading concept from Loxone. Thanks to numerous interfaces and maximum flexibility, our solutions are not only ideal for smart homes, but also for commercial and building automation projects of all kinds.
