Conservatories are a real luxury. They are an extra room in your home and they are absolutely the best place to enjoy the view into your garden and the outside.
There are lots of upsides to having a conservatory however one downside is that they can get a bit chilly in the colder months.
In order to enjoy your conservatory all year round you need to understand how to effectively heat your conservatory in winter.
And with that in mind, we’re written an expert guide all about how to heat a conservatory in winter.
Why Is Your Conservatory Cold?
During the winter, conservatories often become uncomfortably cold, making them feel like they are unusable in the winter. This can be a cause of frustration, as the space goes underutilised.
Several factors contribute to a conservatory's tendency to feel chilly in cold weather.
Heat Loss - The extensive use of glass in conservatory design, which lacks insulation, allows heat to escape rapidly. This heat loss is a primary factor contributing to the significant temperature drops experienced in these structures.
Change Of Temperature - Conservatories often struggle to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. The extensive use of glass can lead to dramatic temperature swings - becoming uncomfortably hot in summer and struggling to retain warmth in winter.
Limited Insulation - Due to their construction from glass or polycarbonate - materials with low insulating properties - conservatories often struggle to retain heat during the winter, resulting in a cold and uncomfortable interior space.
Draughts And Leaks - A conservatory can be prone to air leaks and draughts, which allows cold air to enter and escape.
6 Ways On How To Heat A Conservatory In Winter
1. Roof Insulation
Insulating your conservatory roof is essential for maintaining comfort year-round. As the primary source of heat loss, an uninsulated conservatory roof can drain up to 80% of indoor warmth.
Insulated roof panels offer an effective solution. They retain heat in winter, provide heat resistance in summer, and maintain a consistently pleasant atmosphere. These panels also reduce noise and boost energy efficiency, leading to long-term cost savings.
2. Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating can be an appealing option for heating a conservatory, as it provides discreet, even warmth throughout the space. However, this system also can also have a few disadvantages.
While efficient once fully heated, underfloor heating requires a lengthy warm-up time. This means the underfloor heating system must be turned on well in advance of using the conservatory.
3. Log Burner
A log burner offers both efficient heating and an elegant aesthetic, making it a great addition to a conservatory.
This heating option is energy efficient, so you could enjoy lower energy bills. It can also be a low-cost solution.
In most cases, planning permission is not needed when you add a log burner to your conservatory.
4. Central Heating Radiator
If your budget permits, radiators can be a practical heating solution.
While a new radiator can be an efficient, stylish option, conservatories tend to have limited wall space, which may make it challenging to install a new radiator.
This could pose a potential issue when trying to heat a conservatory effectively.
5. Electric Heating
Electric heating can provide a convenient and stylish looking heating solution for a conservatory when installing plumbing is not do-able, as they only require a standard electrical outlet.
Modern electric radiators offer adjustable heat settings, allowing you to customise the temperature as needed. Additionally, electric oil-filled radiators provide a cost-effective and fast-heating solution.
While electric radiators provide quick and convenient heating, they consume significant amounts of electricity. As such, it's important to exercise caution and limit the duration of use to avoid high energy costs.
6. Shutters And Blinds
Fitting and opening blinds in your conservatory allows natural sunlight to enter during the day, helping to keep the space moderately warm. However, in the cold chilly evenings, having a set of blinds can provide an additional layer of insulation to the room.
FAQ’s
Does It Make Sense To Heat A Conservatory In Winter?
Absolutely! If you are wanting to use the conservatory over the winter period, there certainly is value to keeping it warm.
Can Blinds Keep Conservatory Heat In Winter?
Yes,installing window blinds will significantly enhance the thermal efficiency of your conservatory, enabling you to use the space comfortably throughout the year.
Do Conservatories Need Heat In The Winter?
Yes they do. While modern conservatories use insulated materials to provide a comfortable year-round space, the lack of heating means even the most energy-efficient designs will struggle to maintain a pleasant temperature during the chilly winter months.
So heating it in the winter would be more than likely needed.Do Conservatories Hold Heat In Winter?
Older conservatory roofs often struggle to retain heat, making them notorious energy wasters. However, modern manufacturing and glazing advancements have made it significantly easier to prevent heat loss through the roof.
