A conservatory is a great addition to any home, and you shouldn’t be restricted on when you can and can’t use it due to the cold. During the summer months, your conservatory will usually be heated by the sun and may only experience uncomfortable cool temperatures during the evenings. However, the winter months can bring a lot of cold to this room, making it almost inhabitable.
If you’re interested in finding out more about how you can heat your conservatory so that you can use it all year round, you’ve come to the right place. Heating expert Matthew Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this guide on the various ways in which you can heat your conservatory so that you can experience the benefits of this additional room at all times.
Central Heating Radiators
If your budget allows for central heating in the conservatory, then this is most likely the best option. Central heating is cost-effective and energy-efficient. However, conservatories tend to have limited wall space, so it will depend on whether you have that space to accommodate a central heating radiator. If you do extend your plumbing to the conservatory, there are certain building regulations that will need to be adhered to. Radiators can offer sufficient heat to the room.
Infrared Heating
Infrared heaters are most commonly powered by gas or electricity and work by transmitting light around the conservatory space. They help to circulate warm air around the space, creating a more comfortable overall temperature. These types of heaters are great at quickly heating up cold spaces, so they work well in conservatories. They are quiet and cost-effective but can become very hot if left on for too long, so it’s best to use them intermittently.
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators are a great option for heating a conservatory – especially when you are not able to add plumbing to the room. All you’ll need to power an electric radiator is a plug socket. Most electric radiators come with various heat settings and can be turned on or off as needed, so you’ll only use them according to your heating needs. Oil-filled electric radiators are a great cost-effective option as these can help to heat a room quickly. Electric radiators are easy to use and fast at heating a conservatory. However, they do use a lot of electricity, so be cautious about how much you’re using them.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is a brilliant option for a conservatory. Although it can be expensive to install, it is a very good option for heating the room. It is energy efficient and provides plenty of warmth. Plus, it doesn’t take up any additional space in the room as other types of heaters would. Underfloor heating is suitable for a range of different flooring types, including carpet, tiles, and laminate flooring. You can adjust the temperature of your underfloor heating using a thermostat, so it’s easy to heat the room to your desired temperature.
Log Burner
A log burner is very comforting and can provide a lot of warmth to the room. Plus, it’s a very stylish option and can work as a decorative element in the conservatory. Log burners are energy efficient and won’t eat up your energy bills. However, you will need to make sure the burner is ventilating correctly. Logs are relatively cheap to purchase, so this can be a very cost-effective solution to heating your conservatory.
Trench Heating
Trench heating can be an effective option for heating up your conservatory. However, it may take a longer time to heat the space than other heating solutions, and this could make it less efficient. Ventilated trenches can be installed underneath the floor. These then blow ventilated air into the room. The cost of this heating solution can often be higher than many other options, so it may not be the best option for all.
Why Does a Conservatory Get So Cold?
Conservatories are usually the coldest room in the house during the night hours and especially in the winter. If you don’t have proper insulation or a good source of heat, it can be very difficult to heat the space during these times. This is why it’s important to find a good heating solution so that you can enjoy your conservatory at all times of the year.
There are also some other things that can contribute to your conservatory being cold. For example, the positioning of your conservatory can affect the heat in the room. Your conservatory will be warmer when sunlight hits the space. Depending on the way in which your conservatory is facing, the room may become cooler at different times of the day.
Insulation can also play a part. A well-insulated conservatory will conserve heat much better, keeping the room more comfortable at all times. There are several ways in which you can insulate the conservatory, including sealing draughts, adding roof insulation, or adding blinds to the windows.
The glazing in your conservatory can also affect how much heat is lost. Some conservatory materials are better at keeping out the cold than others. When purchasing your conservatory, be sure to look into how the materials will affect the heat in the room.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are many different ways that you can heat your conservatory, from traditional plumbed-in radiators to effective underfloor heating. Take a look at the list above and see which method would benefit your conservatory the most. Once you’ve found the perfect heating option for your conservatory, you can then start enjoying this room at all times of the day and night and all through the year, including the colder winter months.
