Heating A Conservatory During The Winter Months

By Author: Nate Rodney
Total Articles: 499
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When investing in a conservatory, you do so with the thought of enjoying it in both the depths of winter, as well as on those long summer evenings.

Each conservatory and home is different when it comes to heating, and you need to consider which form of conservatory heating is the most efficient. Though, conservatories have excellent heat keeping properties, they still lose heat at a far quicker rate than a cavity wall. This, obviously, makes heating very important.

Under-floor Heating
During the colder weather, a heating system is the most efficient form of heating a conservatory. Under-floor heating gives a sumptuous feeling and practical heating option. Aside from its heat giving properties, it allows you to not worry about where to hang radiators. It is also quite easily installed and doesn't need access to plumbing, only a 13 amp socket is required. This option gives a wide distribution of heat and can be used with tile, stone and now even wooden floors and allows you to change the temperature through a thermostat.

Hot Water Under-floor Heating
This heating channels your homes’ ...
... water under your conservatory floor through plastic pipes. Do note, under-floor heating all depends on your boiler capacity. Though it’s an excellent way to heat your conservatory and is based loosely on the ancient Roman under-floor heating of thousands of years ago, it does involve plumbing and also means that you have to turn on your house central heating just to heat the floor, which is a little limiting.

Radiators
Conservatory radiators can work from your central heating system, or can be electric. Modern electric conservatory radiators are easy to install, heat up in little time and are independent of your heating system.

Traditional conservatory radiators are similar to hot water under-floor heating in that you need your heating on in order to run them. This might not be favourable in summer, when the rest of your home is warm. One other thing to note about these radiators is that they need to be incorporated into the conservatory design, or otherwise they may look unattractive.

Wood Burning Stoves
It is also possible to place a wood burning stove in a conservatory for heat. However, this can cause some ventilation problems, and it is certainly best to consult a stove specialist. Fitting such a heating option will involve fitting a flue and also means you will have to double insulate the flue where it meets the roof. You must also ensure that the roof is made of fire resistant glazing materials, as it may cause damage. Wood burning stoves are also dirtier and are difficult to keep clean.

Plug in Heaters
It is also possible to use electric heaters to heat the conservatory area. These can be moved after use and stored away when not needed. However, they do use up a lot of electricity and aren't a permanent solution. They may also look unsightly.

Breckenridge offers the most comprehensive choice of modern conservatories, contemporary extensions and hardwood conservatories in a choice of materials as well as a range of pool enclosures, summer houses and windows & doors.