A conservatory can be a wonderful addition to your home. As well as providing extra space, it’s a versatile area with a multitude of potential uses. Unfortunately, many people find that their conservatory becomes too cold to use during winter – this can lead to the space being neglected for large portions of the year. Sound familiar? If so, then check out our tips for keeping your conservatory warm during the frosty season.
Window glazing
Some older conservatories feature single glazed panels. By contrast, modern conservatories usually have double or even triple glazing. This means that each windowpane has two or three layers of glass with air trapped in between them.
The trapped air retains heat, helping to insulate the room. Updating features like this needn’t mean building a whole new conservatory. Instead, consider refurbishing your existing one. At Unicorn Windows we offer a ‘refurbish my conservatory’ service. This allows us to make key changes to individual sections of the structure, such as the windows or roof.
Curtains and flooring
You don’t always have to refurbish to improve the temperature of your conservatory. As a first step, why not add some thick curtains or blinds? Cellular blinds have two layers which trap little pockets of air between them. Many people find that using this type of blind over their windows helps with insulating the room.
Another option would be to hang some curtains in a thick fabric, such as velvet. As well as helping to retain heat, these will add a cosy, luxurious feel to your décor. It’s also worth giving some thought to your choice of flooring. Some conservatories have a concrete or tiled floor, which can feel quite cold underfoot. Adding wooden floorboards or a rug will help to retain heat. If you opt for a rug, you also have the option of removing it during the summer.
Draughts and damage
Even the best heating will lose its effect if your conservatory suffers from damage. Holes or gaps in the walls, doors, or window frames will let the warm air out and the cold air in. On windy days, this can also cause draughts. If you’re able to locate the problem you may find that it’s something you can fix yourself. In some cases, this could be as simple as adding some sealant or a draft excluder. If the damage is more severe, you may want to enlist the help of a professional.
Heating and ventilation
Many people find that portable heaters provide the best warmth for their conservatory. As opposed to the central heating in your house, portable heaters can be switched on and off independently of one another. This allows you to heat the area you’re using, without wasting warmth elsewhere. When you leave the conservatory, you can switch the heaters off.
When heating a conservatory, it’s important to ensure the space is well ventilated. To read our tips on conservatory ventilation, click here.
We hope you found this article useful. For more inspiration, visit our conservatories gallery here.
[Photo by Efraim Stochter]