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calefacción means heating — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 3, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

calefacción

noun • /[ca-le-fac-SYON]/

heating

Example:

La calefacción no funciona en la habitación.

The heating doesn’t work in the room.

🧠 What does calefacción mean?

Calefacción refers to the system or process used to generate heat and warm the interior of a building, room, or vehicle. As a feminine noun (la calefacción), it encompasses various methods, such as central heating (calefacción central), radiators (radiadores), or underfloor heating (suelo radiante). It is derived from the verb 'calentar' (to heat) and is a fundamental term for discussing household utilities and comfort, especially in colder climates.

📚 Extra examples

  • En invierno, encendemos la calefacción todas las mañanas.
    In winter, we turn on the heating every morning.
  • ¿El apartamento tiene calefacción central o radiadores eléctricos?
    Does the apartment have central heating or electric radiators?
  • La calefacción del coche no funciona bien; solo sale aire frío.
    The car's heating isn't working properly; only cold air comes out.
  • El técnico vino a revisar el sistema de calefacción antes de que empezara el frío.
    The technician came to check the heating system before the cold weather started.
  • La factura de la calefacción fue más alta de lo esperado este mes.
    The heating bill was higher than expected this month.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'calefacción' comes from the Latin 'calefactio', which is a combination of the words 'calere' (to be hot) and 'facere' (to make or to do). This etymology literally describes the word's meaning: the action of making something hot.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "calefacción"

Synonyms: sistema de calor, climatización
Opposites: refrigeración, aire acondicionado

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'heating' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'heating' is 'calefacción'. For 'central heating', the term is 'calefacción central'.
How do you pronounce 'calefacción' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is kah-leh-fak-SYON. The 'cc' is pronounced 'k-th' in most of Spain (like 'th' in 'thin') and 'k-s' in Latin America and some parts of Spain. The stress falls on the final syllable.
How do you use 'calefacción' in a sentence?
It can be used like this: 'Voy a subir la calefacción porque tengo frío.' (I'm going to turn up the heating because I'm cold.)
What is the English translation of 'calefacción'?
The English translation of 'calefacción' is 'heating' or 'heating system'.
Does 'calefacción' change for gender or number?
'Calefacción' is a feminine noun, so it uses the article 'la'. It is typically used in the singular form as it refers to the concept or system as a whole. The plural form, 'calefacciones', is rare and would refer to multiple, distinct heating systems.
Is 'calefacción' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'calefacción' is a very common and essential word in everyday Spanish, particularly during autumn and winter or in colder regions. It is used frequently when talking about homes, buildings, and vehicles.
Does 'calefacción' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'calefacción' is a standard term without any common slang meanings or ambiguities. Its meaning is consistent across different contexts.
Is 'calefacción' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The word 'calefacción' is understood and used universally in all Spanish-speaking countries. In warmer climates, the word may be used less frequently in daily conversation, but its meaning remains the same. A specific appliance like a space heater might be called a 'calentador' or 'estufa', but 'calefacción' refers to the overall system.

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