Three Simple Ways to Keep Your Conservatory Warm This Winter

During the summer months, a beautiful conservatory provides a light-filled living space in which to relax, unwind and entertain. Unfortunately, thousands of conservatories up and down the UK are abandoned when the winter chill arrives. However, by taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your conservatory serves its purpose throughout the year.

Create Heat

The addition of a small electric heater can make a difference in smaller conservatories, but you will need an electrical socket. A much simpler solution is the use of candles. Lighting a few scented candles in your conservatory will not only provide a little extra warmth, it will create a fantastic ambience. Also, consider adding a few blankets and throws to your conservatory to provide extra protection from the elements.

Prevent Heat from Escaping

Most conservatories in the UK are not insulated in the same way as the other rooms in the home are, and that can lead to the escape of warm air. The addition of heaters will warm a conservatory up to a certain extent, but their effect will be limited if heat escapes as quickly as it is generated. You can stop warm air from escaping with the use of draught excluders along the bottom of doors and by ensuring all windows have quality seals in place.

It is also a good idea to have blinds fitted to both the windows and the ceilings - something a conservatory specialist can help with. Heat loss can also be accelerated when a conservatory falls into disrepair, so regular maintenance and visual checks are essential.

Install Appropriate Flooring

A source of both cold draughts and heat-loss is the floor of a conservatory, so choosing a warm floor covering could pay immediate dividends. Floor tiles with a high PEI rating will provide a hard-wearing, insulative flooring solution, and they will create an interesting aesthetic at the same time.

Carpeting with a particularly thick underlay is also a possible solution to keeping your conservatory warm during the winter months, but you should have your conservatory checked for damp by an expert before investing in your new floor covering.

Consider Underfloor Heating

Although underfloor heating is not within every homeowners’ budget – or even practical, based on the given conservatory’s design – it can contribute toward the creation of a warm environment, provided the right product choice is made.

Water Underfloor Heating

This system continues to be the popular choice for renovation or new build projects. Water underfloor heating requires a lot of space, which might be hard to create in the case of an existing build. It is also trickier – and, therefore, more time-consuming – to install.

Electric Underfloor Heating

Electric underfloor heating is easier to install than a water-based one, as it isn’t necessary to dig deeply into the floor to create extra space. It is also stand alone, which means that it does not interact with a home’s existing heating system.

Regarding running costs, electric underfloor heating isn’t expensive to maintain, so you won’t notice a sudden spike in your heating bills post-installation. It is also the best choice for anyone whose property can’t incorporate a wet system.

Choose the Right Glass

Glass has come a long way over the past few years. Whether you choose double or triple glazing, you’ll benefit from glazing that provides a range of high-performing functions – from self-cleaning through to limiting solar entry to deliver an environment that’s comfortable.

Ultraframe uses Conservaglass. A range of options is available – each of which delivers superb thermal performance. Our Subtle Blue and Neutral Clear glass options can return U-values as low as 1.1, which means your conservatory or extension will always be the right temperature.

Of course, the differently-coloured glass that characterises our Conservaglass range will have a positive aesthetic impact on your newly-created space – so you’ll benefit from more than just improved thermal performance. Your Ultra Installer will be able to help you choose.

Ventilate Your Conservatory

Although it’s important to keep your new room warm, you’ll also want to keep it cool when the British summer kicks into overdrive.

Ventilating your extension or conservatory can be achieved by:

• Choosing bi-fold or sliding patio doors (where practical), as they can be fully opened to let in lots of fresh air.
• Making sure your conservatory includes trickle vents to get rid of warm moist air (our conservatories include trickle vents as standard).
• Installing fans to keep cool air circulating within your nominated space and prevent it landing on warm surfaces.

Find Your Nearest Ultra Installer

Use our quick and easy search tool to find an Ultra Installer in your area. They will be able to tell you more about our conservatories, orangeries and extensions – and discuss the best ways to regulate temperature in your new room space.