Thermal insulation: how to adapt your home to heatwaves in Switzerland?

Thermal insulation: how to adapt your home to heatwaves in Switzerland?
Summary
    In Switzerland, summers are getting hotter and heatwave episodes are becoming more frequent. When the roof, attic, or facades are poorly insulated, heat accumulates in the home and can persist late into the night. 

    Air conditioning is not the only solution to achieve better comfort. A well-thought-out thermal renovation limits the entry of heat, preserves indoor coolness, and reduces cooling needs. It also improves the energy performance of the home in winter. 

    At Avenir Rénovations Suisse, we support individuals from the study of their project to the completion of the work. 

    Why improve your home's insulation? 

    A poorly protected home against heat can quickly become uncomfortable in summer. By acting on the building envelope, openings, and ventilation, it is possible to better regulate indoor temperature. 

    Effective insulation slows down heat transfer and helps retain the coolness accumulated during the night for longer. The work carried out is also useful in winter, as it reduces heat loss and heating expenses. 

    Glazed surfaces also play an important role. When they are old or heavily exposed to the sun, they exacerbate overheating. High-performance windows, combined with exterior solar protections such as blinds, shutters, or adjustable sunshades, limit heat gain. 

    These improvements are particularly relevant in older homes, which are often less well insulated and less airtight. They help modernize the building, improve comfort year-round, and enhance its attractiveness in the real estate market. 

    What work to consider for better summer comfort?

    What work to consider for better summer comfort?

    Thermal protection relies on several complementary elements. A comprehensive study of the home allows identifying the most suitable interventions for its configuration and the available budget. 
    Thermal insulation: how to adapt your home to heatwaves in Switzerland?

    What budget to plan for? 


    The cost depends on the area to be treated, accessibility, the initial condition of the building, the desired performance, materials, and the level of finish. Only a technical visit can provide an appropriate estimate. 

    As a guideline, average prices can be estimated as follows: 
    • Insulation of lost attics: approximately 3,500 CHF; 
    • External peripheral insulation: approximately 180 CHF/m²; 
    • Installation of motorized adjustable sunshades: approximately 1,200 CHF; 
    • Replacement of a window with triple glazing: approximately 1,500 CHF; 
    • Complete renovation of the thermal envelope: approximately 38,000 CHF. 

    These amounts may vary depending on the canton, the configuration of the housing, the materials chosen, and the rates of professionals. An old village house does not present the same constraints as a villa built in the 1980s. The condition of the facades, the choice of bio-sourced insulation, or the extent of glazing to be replaced also influence the budget. 

    What financial assistance is available? 

    Depending on the canton, the municipality, and the nature of the work, various aids can contribute to the financing of an energy renovation. The Buildings Program, local subsidies, and certain tax deductions can be considered. 

    Criteria and amounts vary by territory. In most cases, the application must be submitted before the start of the work. Your Project Manager can help you identify the programs that may correspond to your project. 

    The steps of your thermal renovation 

    The project begins with a visit to the housing and an analysis of its main weaknesses: orientation, roofing, facades, glazing, thermal bridges, and ventilation. A personalized work program is then defined according to your priorities, budget, and desired comfort. 

    Once the solutions are validated, your Project Manager organizes the interventions, coordinates the craftsmen, and monitors compliance with the schedule, budget, and planned services. You also benefit from the Serenity Pack to frame your project until the end of the work. 

    Upon completion, a check is conducted to verify the quality of the finishes and the compliance of the services. The documents and guarantees associated with the work are then handed over to you. 

    A well-designed thermal renovation transforms your house into a more pleasant place during hot weather while improving its performance in winter and enhancing your property value. 

    Contact Avenir Rénovations Suisse to request your quote and benefit from personalized support, from the first visit to the completion of the work. 
    Thermal insulation: how to adapt your home to heatwaves in Switzerland?

    Why choose Avenir Rénovations Suisse? 

    An insulation project can involve several professionals: roofers, facade specialists, carpenters, or ventilation experts. Their coordination is essential to ensure the coherence of the work. 

    With Avenir Rénovations Suisse, you benefit from a single point of contact. Your Project Manager studies the thermal weaknesses of the home, checks the feasibility of solutions, coordinates the craftsmen, and monitors the progress of the site. This way, you have a clear vision of the project without having to manage each participant separately. 

    The work is organized in compliance with the rules of the trade and the applicable standards in Switzerland, including the relevant SIA standards. Before starting, a detailed estimate is provided to you, and the interventions are planned in a coherent order to better control the budget, deadlines, and unforeseen events.