When it comes to a conservatory, it’s often one of those parts of the home that can typically waste a lot of energy. The reason for this is the volume of window panes that make up the conservatory, which can often lead it to feeling quite cold, especially during the winter months.
If you’re conscious of your conservatory wasting energy, then there are certainly a number of ways you can tackle the energy problem without having to get rid of your conservatory. Conservatories nowadays are often also a lot more efficient in energy productivity, so with that being said, here are some useful tips worth knowing.
Why traditional conservatories often fail the comfort test
Traditional conservatories will often fail the comfort test for a number of reasons. If you find yourself agreeing with some or all of these, then it might be worth addressing the issue rather than simply making do with it.
Poorly insulated roofs
Traditional roofs on conservatories would usually be made of glas or polycarbonate. As such, boht lack the thermal barrier that’s required in order to keep the cold out and lock the warm heating in. With that being said, a lot of heat can be lost through the roof of a conservatory, especially in the winter.
That’s why it’s important to check what insulation potential there is within the roof space of your existing conservatory.
Uninsulated floors
As well as a lack of insulation on the roof, the floors within your conservatory space are likely to be uninsulated. Concrete slab foundations can draw the warmth out of the room, making your space feel colder.
For some, the addition of underfloor heating or more thermal warming materials like engineered or treated hardwood is beneficial for retaining heat.
Seasonal extremes
With the lack of insulation in your conservatory, it can often make the space unusable for much of the year. It’s either uncomfortably hot like sitting in a greenhouse or it’s freezing cold in the winter if you’ve not got any heating source available.
Adding a cooling fan for the summer is helpful, as well as ventilation. For the cooler months, having radiators fitted or a removable heater is also useful.
Increasing energy bills
High energy bills are usually associated with having a conservatory. Whether you’re trying to heat up the space or cool it down, it can make for an expensive room to maintain and enjoy.
Condensation and mold
With temperature fluctuations, condensation can form within your conservatory space, creating an environment for mold growth and damp. Both of which will actively contribute to potential health risks if not addressed properly.
The science of temperature control and energy retention
In order to help improve the temperature control and energy retention of your conservatory space, there are certain tips that will prove useful. However, understanding the science can help you figure out what’s needed for your conservatory in question.
1. High-performance materials and insulation
Let’s start with the materials and insulation used within conservatories. A lot of advanced glazing now exists which is a great way of helping lock in the heat and keep out the cool air.
Modern double or triple-glazing with low-emissivity coating is critical for conservatories. The coating on these windows helps to reflect heat back into the room as well as blocking excessive heat from the sun in the summer.
You’ve also got the gas-filled gap in between panes that helps to reduce heat transfer by both conduction and convection.
Insulated roofs are a major source of heat loss so it’s worthwhile looking at the option of replacing the glass or polycarbonate roof with a solid, insulated tiled roof. This will dramatically improve the the thermal efficiency of the room. Hybrid systems with insulated panels and integrated solar control glass panels help to balance light and insulation.
You can also get insulated frames now that help further minimize the heat loss through the structure of the conservatory itself. Floor and wall insulation are two places you can help further maximize the thermal barrier, using boards or insulated screed.
2. Ventilation and shading
Ventilation and shading are two areas that can be utilized in order to waste less energy. Proper airflow helps to create cross ventilation, so opening windows and doors on opposite sides is helpful for allowing trapped air to escape.
Roof vents are helpful to allow the hottest air rise and escape effectively without it overheating your space. You can also get automated systems nowadays for ease of use.
In regards to shading solutions, the use of blinds and curtains can be helpful in adding that extra layer of insulation. Whether that’s reflecting sunlight in the summer or trapping warmth in the winter. External shading in the way of awnings or pergolas is worth having in order to block direct sunlight before it hits the glass.
This is also more effective than internal shading when it comes to cooling your conservatory. Window films might also be useful to apply to existing glass as it’s a cost-effective way to reflect a significant portion of the sun’s rays.
3. Heating and cooling systems
For heating and cooling systems, there are a number of changes you can make. For example, energy-efficient heating for colder months whether that be underfloor heating or electric panel heaters are helpful. You could got the extra mile with central heating system in the space too.
Air conditioning is worthwhile to consider when it comes to portable or wall-mounted options. This can be useful for providing effective cooling and humidity control during heat waves. Circulation fans are also good to help move air whether they’re attached to your ceiling or portable.
Design tweaks that turn wasted space into daily living space
In order to make sure you use your conservatory space to it’s full potential here are a few extra points to be made that help turn your wasted space into daily living space.
- Declutter to free up floor space
- Utilize vertical space for storage and decor
- Float furniture by pulling it away from the walls for better flow and functionality
- Enhance the space with mirrors and lighting
A conservatory is still very much relevant and popular in today’s home interior design, so make use of your own or invest in a modern one.
