Table of Contents
- Understanding Conservatory Temperature Challenges
- 1. Block Draughts
- 2. Introduce Blinds, Curtains and Blankets
- 2.5 – Try Changing Your Furniture Layout!
- 3. Install New Flooring
- 4. Conservatory Roof Replacement
- 5. Electric Heating
- 6. Remove Damp
- Making the Most out of your Conservatory in the Winter
- BJH Windows and Conservatories
Conservatories are a fantastic addition to any home, especially throughout the winter. They are an additional living space perfect for entertaining guests throughout the festive season whilst offering a number of energy-saving benefits to your home. Most importantly, how do you keep your conservatory warm in the winter? We are here to help you make the most out of your conservatory whilst keeping your home warm and cosy all year round.
As the cold weather approaches and energy prices increase, you might have noticed that your conservatory has become significantly colder. If this is the case and your conservatory is not retaining heat properly then you may be looking for ways to keep your conservatory warm in the winter at an affordable price. Whether that’s introducing blinds and curtains, blocking draughts, installing new flooring or insulating your conservatory roof, our guide will help you with ways to heat your conservatory in the winter. Installing new flooring can sometimes lead to a ‘cold floor’ sensation, especially with materials like tiles and concrete. To remedy this, consider underfloor heating or adding carpets and rugs to trap heat and provide a more pleasant surface to walk on during winter months.
Understanding Conservatory Temperature Challenges
Conservatories can be a delightful addition to any home, but they often present unique temperature challenges, especially during the winter months. The primary culprits behind a cold conservatory are cold air infiltration and significant heat loss. These issues stem from the materials commonly used in conservatory construction, such as glass and polycarbonate, which are not the best insulators.
One of the main areas where heat escapes is through the conservatory roof, which can account for up to 25% of the total heat loss. Single glazing, often used in older conservatories, is another major factor contributing to heat loss, as it is far less effective at retaining heat compared to double or triple glazing.
Additionally, the floor of the conservatory can become a source of discomfort. Without proper insulation, cold air can rise from the ground, making the floor chilly and uninviting. Understanding these temperature challenges is the first step towards creating a warmer, more comfortable conservatory space.
1. Block Draughts
The first step you will want to consider when heating your conservatory in the winter is whether your conservatory is exposed to any cold draughts that are drastically decreasing the temperature of the room. Draught-proofing your conservatory from cold air will make it easier for your conservatory to retain heat without feeling the need to regularly increase your central heating leading to an increase in energy bills. Polycarbonate roofs, particularly in older conservatories, have limitations in heat retention, making it essential to address draughts effectively.
This is an easy and affordable process that can help to heat your conservatory without considering roof replacement or new conservatory flooring. You will first want to establish the area that’s causing a draught, whether it’s a window or door frame and fill the gaps. You may want to consider purchasing self-adhesive strips or even hinged flap draught excluders. Switching to a solid tiled roof can transform a conservatory into a more effective building extension through improved insulation and warmth.
3 Easy Ways to Find Draughts
1. Visual Inspection
Check for visible gaps around window frames, door edges, and thresholds. On walls and floors, look for cracks in walls, gaps in floorboards, or openings around skirting boards.
Additionally. you should inspect areas around vents, extractor fans, or air conditioning units.
2. Feel for Cold Air Movement
On a windy day or during cooler weather, try running your hand slowly around windows, doors, and other potential gaps.
3. Use a Candle or Incense Stick
Another trick, is to light a candle or incense stick and slowly move it around windows, doors, and other suspected areas. If the flame flickers or the smoke wavers, there’s likely a draught.
2. Introduce Blinds, Curtains and Blankets
Introducing blinds, curtains or throws is a cost-effective way of keeping your conservatory warm throughout the winter, helping to enhance your conservatories’ thermal efficiency by preventing the heat from escaping through the glazing.
Plus, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a fluffy blanket making your conservatory a comfortable living space on the coldest of days.
2.5 – Try Changing Your Furniture Layout!
Furniture arrangement can play a crucial role in retaining heat in your conservatory, helping to create a cozy and energy-efficient space. By strategically placing furniture away from cold walls and windows, you can minimise direct exposure to cooler surfaces, preventing heat from escaping too quickly. This not only enhances comfort but also ensures that warmth is distributed more effectively throughout the room.
3. Install New Flooring
With so many options available, installing new flooring can have a huge impact on the room’s thermal efficiency due to it being the largest surface area within your conservatory.
What are the best flooring options for retaining heat?
A popular choice for enhanced heat retention within a conservatory is underfloor heating. Underfloor heating can instantly warm your conservatory in the winter, whether that be tilled, carpet or wood, there are many options available. However, certain materials like tiles and concrete can lead to a ‘cold floor’ sensation. To remedy this, consider underfloor heating and the installation of carpets or rugs, which can trap heat and provide a more pleasant surface to walk on during winter months.
Alternatively, you can look at installing carpet throughout your conservatory. Carpet is a more affordable option and works as an effective insulator, reducing your heating bills and generally being more comfortable.
4. Conservatory Roof Replacement
The best heating option to help you keep your conservatory warmer in the winter is investing in a replacement conservatory roof. Although its initial cost can be expensive, overall compared to the amount of money you will be saving on energy bills makes the expense extremely profitable in the long run. Whether you opt for glass or a tiled solid roof, all options are a great way to help your conservatory retain heat all year round, working as an effective insulator. However, it’s important to note the limitations of polycarbonate roofs, particularly in older conservatories where heat retention is poor.
Our recommended option for retaining heat, would be a Solid roof replacement by BJH Windows. Solid roof replacements are a fantastic way to add warmth to your conservatory throughout the colder months as they help to prevent heat loss creating a cosy additional living space for your home. Switching to a solid tiled roof can transform a conservatory into a more effective building extension through improved insulation and warmth whilst adding value.
Find out how Replacement Conservatory Roofs add value to your home.
Window Treatments and Glazing
For a more permanent solution, upgrading to triple glazing or energy-efficient windows can drastically reduce heat loss. Triple glazing provides superior insulation by incorporating an additional pane of glass, which helps retain heat and minimises energy waste.
Similarly, energy-efficient glazing not only keeps your conservatory warm but also lowers energy bills by reducing the need for excessive heating. BJH Windows offer a wide range of both double and triple glazing window options to suit your conservatory’s needs.
5. Electric Heating
Whether you choose to connect your conservatory to your existing central heating system or install a new electric heating system within your home, this is a quick and easy method to help keep your conservatory warm in the winter. By purchasing portable electric heaters, installing electric radiators or underfloor heating, you can be sure to pick from a wide range of options suited to your requirements that help to increase the temperature of your conservatory without undergoing any major renovation works.
6. Remove Damp
Dampness can significantly lower the temperature in any room, including your conservatory, and is often the result of poor ventilation. To address this, consider opening the doors between your conservatory and the main house to improve airflow and help prevent damp from developing.
If it’s your windows that are attracting damp, you can find additional tips for this, in our article: ‘How to Stop Condensation On Windows In Winter‘.
Making the Most out of your Conservatory in the Winter
The current energy crisis can have us all seeking ways to keep our homes warm this winter at an affordable price. We hope that our blog post has helped you to find some fantastic ways to heat your conservatory this winter without relying solely on your central heating system.
Not only is it easy to keep your conservatory warm this winter, but you can easily slash energy bills by doing so. From investing in a new solid conservatory roof, installing thick new carpets and blocking any draughts, hopefully you will soon find yourself not relying on your central heating system.
BJH Windows & Conservatories
At BJH Windows & Conservatories we are here to help you keep your conservatory warm this winter with plenty of options available. We supply and install a vast range of long-lasting and energy-efficient conservatories, orangeries, double-glazing and triple-glazing windows that will add value to your home as well as enhance thermal efficiency.
We also offer a beautiful range of conservatory roofing options, from solid, tiled and glass replacement conservatory roofs so you can be sure to find the very best product suited to the requirements of your home.
If you would like to find out more information about how we can help to keep your conservatory warm this winter, then please do get in touch, and we will be more than happy to help.
We think you’d like this blog post! Discover How to Utilise your Home Conservatory all year round.
About the Author
Harry Fowler
Sales ExecutiveI joined BJH in early 2021. I joined with a corporate background having achieved a 1st Class Honours in Business Finance and Management at university. I’d had enough of the impersonal nature of the roles within large banks and decided it was time for a change. It was the best decision I have ever made. As part of the sales team, one day on the job is never the same as another. From handling enquiries, designing new plans, surveying, ordering and installation, I am involved in every step of the customer’s experience and it is fantastic meeting new people every day. BJH have put me through various training courses and along with industrial experience I am a fully qualified FENSA Surveyor.
