How to heat your conservatory in winter – and keep it cosy all season
The abundance of glass in your conservatory is what makes it such a pleasure to enjoy all year round. With natural light flooding in and a feeling of being connected to the outside, conservatories are a wonderful space for dining, working or just relaxing.
However, large areas of glazing can also mean temperature fluctuations, especially when the seasons change. In the summer, the heat in your conservatory will need to be managed, whilst in winter, it may struggle to retain warmth.
If you’re wondering how to heat your conservatory in winter efficiently and comfortably, we explore the best options for both existing and new conservatories.
Heating options for an existing conservatory
The right heating approach for an existing conservatory will depend on your budget, space, the design of your room and how often you use it.
Here are some of the most effective ways to keep it warm:
Electric Radiators
Electric radiators are one of the most popular types of conservatory heating. They’re easy to install, energy efficient and often come with smart controls for scheduling and thermostatic regulation. They provide instant heat without the need for plumbing.
Installing conservatory electric heating that can be controlled independently from the rest of the house also means that you can ensure your conservatory is comfortable, without overheating other rooms in your home. Having a separate thermostat for your conservatory will also help you to actively regulate the temperature.
Often, conservatory windows are large and lower to the floor to maximise light, but this can limit wall space. Stylish, low level radiators offer an option that’s both aesthetically pleasing and ideal for modern conservatory design.
Oil-filled radiators
Portable and affordable, oil-filled radiators are ideal if you only use your conservatory occasionally.
They take longer to warm up but retain heat well, making them a good choice for background warmth, especially for smaller spaces.
Infrared panel heaters
Infrared heaters work by converting electricity into radiant heat, emitting infrared waves that heat objects and people directly, rather than the air.
Infrared heaters are known for their ability to create a gentle warmth without becoming too hot. Their designs are often slim and stylish, and can be wall or ceiling mounted, which gives you flexibility if space is limited.
Infrared heaters are unobtrusive and can offer you a permanent heating solution for your conservatory, which will heat the furniture, walls, floor and the people in the room, without wasting energy heating the air.
Other benefits of infrared heating include a reduction in condensation and mould.
Air-to-air heat pumps
An air-to-air heat pump for conservatories (also known as a conservatory heat pump) extracts warmth from the outside air and delivers it inside. These systems are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and can double as air conditioning in summer.
Depending on your heating or cooling needs, the outdoor unit exchanges energy from the outdoor air. With the help of the refrigerant cycle, it releases the energy at a higher or lower temperature into your conservatory through the indoor unit.
Modern wall-mounted air-to-air heat pumps are available in different styles and colours to enable them to blend in with their surroundings and fit in with your conservatory.
If you’re exploring renewable options, an air source heat pump for conservatories may also be worth considering.
Skirting board radiators
Also known as heated skirting boards, these clever systems distribute heat evenly at a low level around your conservatory, helping to eliminate cold spots and drafts.
Skirting board radiators offer a discreet, space-saving and efficient heating option, especially in smaller spaces or when used in combination with air-to-air heat pumps.
They can connect to your existing heating system or be electrically powered. The downside of these systems is that they are more costly to install than other heating solutions and usually require specialist installation.
Log burner or stove
A log burner or small stove can create a cosy feel and provide an excellent and immediate source of heat for your conservatory.
Positioning of the stove is key to ensure compliance with conservatory heating regulations. For example, you will need to place it against the main wall of the house, so that the flue can be supported against this wall.
The installation must be done by a qualified professional, ideally a HETAS-registered installer, to ensure structural integrity, proper ventilation and that the correct flue system is installed.
Log burners and stoves are often best suited to larger, more permanent glazed extensions.
Boost your heating’s efficiency
Even with the right heating solution in place, poor insulation can make your conservatory more difficult to heat.
Install conservatory blinds
If you’re wondering “do conservatory blinds reduce heat loss?” then, yes, good-quality blinds add an insulating layer and help trap warmth. In the summer, these blinds will also help to keep your conservatory cool by blocking some of the sun’s heat.
Time for a new or upgraded conservatory?
If your current conservatory is too cold during the winter months, it’s preventing you from making the most of your valuable space.
Changing your heating may not be practical, aesthetically pleasing, or efficient enough if your conservatory itself is poorly insulated. It may be time to consider an upgrade.
Modern conservatories are built to the highest energy standards, offering warmth and comfort all year round. Here’s what’s possible with a new conservatory, orangery or glazed extension:
Modern double glazing
High-performance glass can significantly improve insulation, plus a professional installation will ensure there are no gaps or leaks.
One of the most effective ways to keep a conservatory cosy in the winter and cool in summer is through solar control glazing. We use climate control glass, which is specially engineered for use in conservatories.
This specialised glazing can help to retain warmth in the winter and deflect heat in the summer, helping to keep your conservatory at a comfortable temperature all year round.
An additional joy of our specialist glass is its self-cleaning properties. Its coating uses sunlight to break down dirt, so that it can be washed away by the rain, whatever the season.
Part-glazed, part-solid roofs
The type of roof is essential to get right for your conservatory, to ensure the right balance of light and temperature for your year-round comfort.
Modern conservatory roofs incorporate double glazed, sealed units, to maximise insulation and stabilise temperatures.
Fully glazed roofs are the traditional conservatory style, but partially glazed roofs (including roof lanterns and skylights) still allow the light to flood in, but with the extra insulation of solid sections.
Find out more about the options for replacing your conservatory roof.
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating provides consistent and comfortable warmth. Plus, it can make improvements to both space and aesthetics by replacing wall or ceiling-mounted heaters. It can operate at lower temperatures and it offers radiant heat distribution.
Installing underfloor heating is easiest during construction, so if you are planning a new conservatory or glazed extension, it’s the ideal time to consider this contemporary heating option.
Insulated structures
Traditional style, modern performance
Traditional features can be incorporated into your conservatory or orangery that also enhance its thermal efficiency.
For example, combining solid brick pillars or thermally insulated ‘Loggia’ columns, with a performance glass roof and a range of traditional finishing touches, will ensure that your new space is traditional in appearance but entirely modern in performance.
Innovative modular system
The Hup! modular home extensions use advanced insulated wall panels, helping maintain comfortable temperatures without compromising on aesthetics.
Hup! uses a highly flexible modular wall system with an expansive range of roof options,
windows and doors to suit your own unique requirements.
Find out more about Hup! home extensions.
Integrated heating systems
If you’re considering a new or upgraded conservatory, you may ask “Can you put central heating into a conservatory?”
The answer is yes, as long as it complies with building and conservatory heating regulations. However, it is usually easier and more efficient when planned and integrated from the outset.
It is also worth noting that, because your conservatory is likely to have greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature than the rest of your home, it may be better for its heating to function independently.
Consider a log burner
Planning a new conservatory or glazed extension is the ideal time to consider incorporating a wood burning stove.
They not only offer real warmth and comfort during the winter months; they will become a stunning focal point that has been purposefully built into your design.
What’s the cheapest way to heat a conservatory in winter?
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective way to heat your conservatory in winter, the answer will depend on your usage.
For occasional heating, portable electric or oil radiators are most cost-effective.
For frequent use, a heat pump system or underfloor heating in a well-insulated conservatory will give you better long-term savings.
A warmer, comfortable conservatory
At Window Wise, we specialise in designing and installing high-performance conservatories, orangeries and glazed extensions that stay comfortable and are a joy to use, all year round.
For more information, read our helpful guide: How to get your conservatory temperature “just right”.
Or contact our knowledgeable team to discuss how we can make your conservatory a space you can enjoy – even in the depths of winter!
Visit our showroom or call us on 01444 457 145 to chat through your requirements.