Utilities

Utilities in Spain — electricity, water, gas and how to set up, manage and understand your accounts including the Potencia Contratada and how Spanish billing works.

August 6, 2026

Hard Water In The Costa Blanca: The Hidden Cost

If you've never given a second thought to the water coming out of your tap, the Costa Blanca will change that. Hard water in the Costa Blanca region is a given since a large part of it sits on limestone bedrock. As water travels through it, it picks up dissolved calcium and magnesium along the way. The result is what's called hard water. It's one of those small daily-life differences that catches a lot of newcomers off guard.

You'll find more about the basics of what hard water is and how it shows up on your utility bill on our Utilities page. Here we talk about what it means in day to day life and what to check before you buy a home.

July 23, 2026

Heating and Cooling Systems in Spain: What’s Different From the US

Heating, cooling and hot water all work differently in a Spanish home than they do in the US. It's worth understanding how, before you're standing in a property trying to figure out what you're actually looking at.

There's usually no central furnace and ductwork. Air conditioning often does double duty as the heating system. Hot water frequently comes from a small unit that heats on demand rather than a tank quietly keeping 50 gallons warm in the garage. None of it is worse, it's just different. Each one affects how you'll budget for and evaluate a property.

July 21, 2026

230 Volts Will Fry Your Hair Dryer: What to Know Before You Move To Spain

If you've traveled to Europe before, you've probably dealt with a plug adapter and not thought much more about it. Moving to Spain permanently is a different equation. This isn't about getting your phone charger through a two-week trip—it's about deciding what from your kitchen, bathroom and closet is actually worth moving and what you're better off buying once you arrive in Spain.