Having a conservatory is a great way to enjoy your garden and the sunlight. Until, that is, all that glass makes the room become uncomfortably hot, making you head further indoors for the shade. But it doesn’t have to be like that.
We have five tips right here to make sure you can enjoy your conservatory for longer – regardless of how hot those beating rays are outside:
Add in more ventilation
We don’t just mean keeping the French doors open to get more fresh air but instead installing a fan on the roof. This way, cool air gets dispatched throughout the room, rather than just remaining at the doorway. Another way to add more ventilation is to have vents put in or even a skylight built.
Keep the colours cool
You’ll probably already be aware that wearing lighter colours outdoors during the summer months keeps you cooler than darker shades. Well, the same applies to the textiles and furniture in your conservatory. A sofa with pastel cushions will reflect more light than an indigo blue shade, for instance. The latter will absorb light, making the sofa feel hotter to sit on.
And it’s not just the colours – keep the material lightweight too.
@GoodHomesMag: “Opt for lightweight ‘breathable’ furniture like bamboo or rattan garden furniture – woven materials have plenty of gaps for air to pass through, aiding ventilation. Come winter, you can always use throws, sheepskins and cushions to create a cosier atmosphere.”
Add a special film to the glass
It’s possible these days to buy an adhesive film which attaches to the glass, with the purpose of reflecting the sun rays. A double bonus is that it also reflects UV light, meaning you don’t have to worry about sun damage to your skin or the furnishings fading inside the conservatory. The film is effective for around 80 per cent of the sun’s rays. It should always be installed by a professional to make sure you get the maximum benefit from this solution.
Hang some blinds
Not only can wooden or roman blinds add a bit more character to your conservatory, but they’re also a great way of blocking out strong sunlight so that the room doesn’t heat up too much. They’ll keep the heat in during the colder winter months too.
Fork out on air conditioning
It’s possible to invest in an air conditioning unit for the conservatory alone. This can be effective, depending on the quality of the unit. But, it can be an expensive choice, with systems starting at around £500 upwards. You also have your energy use on top of that, and with utility bills rising every upwards these days, it’s worth pausing to reflect before you buy.
Get a replacement conservatory roof
It might sound a bit drastic, but if you’ve tried all the other tips and nothing works as well as you want it to, then a high-quality roof will do the trick. That’s because advancements mean today’s roofs have thermal properties, allowing your conservatory to remain cool in summer. But, they have the added bonus of retaining heat in winter too. A win-win, in other words.