Comfort, Efficiency & Real Estate Smarts for Expats and Investors
While Portugal enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, summers—especially in the Algarve, Lisbon, and Alentejo—can be intensely hot, and winters surprisingly damp and chilly indoors. That’s why choosing the right air conditioning system in Portugal is a crucial part of planning your home or renovation.
At Immo Lusitania, we’ve helped countless expats not only buy and renovate homes, but also navigate essential lifestyle upgrades like AC installation. Whether you’re buying a villa in the Algarve, restoring a casa antiga in Alentejo, or investing in a Lisbon apartment, here’s what you need to know about air conditioning in Portugal—including sizing, system types, and installation tips.
🌡️ Do You Really Need Air Conditioning in Portugal?
Yes—especially in:
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☀️ The southern regions (Algarve and Alentejo), where temperatures can exceed 35°C in summer
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🏢 Urban apartments, which retain heat due to insulation and concrete structures
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🏠 Older countryside homes, which can be cold in winter without proper heating
Pro Tip: Many AC units now come with heating and cooling modes, making them a smart year-round investment.
🔧 The Basics: Types of AC Systems in Portugal
🧊 Single-Split Systems
A single outdoor unit connected to one indoor wall-mounted unit.
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💸 Most affordable option
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🛏️ Perfect for bedrooms or small living areas
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📦 Easy to install, widely available
Ideal for: Apartments, guest rooms, or one-room solutions
🌬️ Multi-Split Systems
One outdoor unit connected to 2–5 indoor units across the home.
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🏡 Cools multiple rooms independently
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🧠 Energy-efficient with zoned control
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💶 Higher upfront cost, but efficient long-term
Great for: Full homes, villas, or large apartments
More on split systems – Wikipedia
🏗️ Embedded (Ducted) Systems
AC ducts hidden in ceilings or walls, offering silent, invisible airflow.
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🌟 Seamless aesthetics—no visible indoor units
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🔇 Quiet and efficient
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🧱 Requires false ceiling and professional installation
Perfect for: Luxury villas, new builds, or full-scale renovations
📏 Understanding BTUs: How Much Cooling Does Each Room Need?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit—a measure of cooling power. Too small, and your AC will overwork. Too large, and you waste energy and money.
🔢 Rough BTU Guide:
|
Room Size (m²) |
BTU Required |
|---|---|
|
10–15 m² |
6,000–9,000 BTU |
|
20–25 m² |
12,000–15,000 BTU |
|
30–40 m² |
18,000–24,000 BTU |
|
50+ m² |
30,000+ BTU |
Pro Tip: Add 10–20% more BTU if the room gets full sun, has many windows, or houses heat-generating appliances.
Learn more about BTUs – Wikipedia
🔌 Energy Ratings and Smart Features
When choosing your system, look for:
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✅ A+++ energy ratings
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🌍 Inverter technology for smoother, efficient operation
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📱 Smart Wi-Fi control for remote adjustments
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🔇 Low-noise performance especially in bedrooms
Do: Check if your home has 230V electrical support and enough amperage for large multi-splits.
Don’t: Skip maintenance—clean filters and check systems annually to retain efficiency.
🧱 Renovating or Building? Plan for AC Early
At Immo Lusitania, we help clients integrate AC planning during the renovation phase, especially in:
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🏠 Alentejo cottages (known for thick walls and moisture)
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🏘️ Apartments in Lisbon or Porto
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🏡 Villas in Algarve, where pools and sun exposure make AC a must
We work with trusted local installers, energy consultants, and suppliers to ensure your system is tailored to your home—no over- or under-powered units.
👇 How We Help
We’re not a real estate agency—we’re your buyer’s agent and renovation partner in Portugal. We help you:
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🛒 Choose the best AC solution for your property
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💬 Liaise with local engineers, suppliers, and electricians
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🛠️ Manage renovations in Algarve and Alentejo
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🔍 Inspect properties before you buy, highlighting system needs
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💼 Get quotes, supervise installation, and ensure code compliance
Our founder Ferdi is your dedicated contact—fluent in English, Dutch, and Portuguese—and has guided dozens of expats to smart, efficient home upgrades across Portugal.
🏁 Ready to Make Your Portugal Home Comfortable All Year?
Whether you’re buying, upgrading, or renovating—climate comfort matters. Let’s find the system that fits your space, your style, and your lifestyle.
📲 Reach us via WhatsApp or schedule a call via Calendly
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Immo Lusitania partners with certified engineers and contractors for all technical and energy-related installations.
