Conservatories have undoubtedly come a long way since they earned their reputation for being leaky, nasty add-ons that froze in the winter and were unbearably hot in the summer, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still raise a few issues from time to time.
Being made from such a large amount of glass inevitably means a high quality, even when the sun is beating down. Conservatories Can get quite balmy – so you’ll need to think about how you address this if you don’t want to avoid spending time there yourself.
Article continues below
Is conservatory air conditioning a good idea?
(Image credit: Future plc/James French)
While air conditioning was rarely seen in UK homes in the past, it is now becoming a more common feature – due, in part, to the fact that domestic units are now more widely available and affordable as temperatures rise. But how do they perform in the conservatory?
‘It really depends on the space and how it’s built,’ prefers Martin FowlerFounder of Elite Renewables. ‘Conservatories are one of the most difficult areas of the house to control the temperature due to the amount of glazing. In summer they heat up very quickly and in winter heat loss There is a point.
‘If you use the space regularly an air conditioning unit can make it more useful in hot weather,’ continues Martin. ‘Some modern units can also provide cooling and heating, so they help in winter too. The main thing is that the unit needs to be measured correctly. If the system is too small it will struggle to get heat through the glass.’
‘Using air conditioning in a conservatory can help keep things cool in the summer but the size of the unit will need to be calculated against the area you’re trying to cool for the full effect,’ agrees. Terry HillNo M.D KLG Rutland. ‘If the conservatory is actually due south, then the top of the range-system can also struggle.’
Martyn Fowler, founder of Elite Renewables, is one of the UK’s leading renewable technology experts, working with heat pumps for the past 2 decades. His passion for decarbonization matched with deep technical experience of the technology makes him one of the industry’s experts on all things renewable.
Terry Hill
KLG Rutland was established in 1973 and specializes in the design, delivery and installation of windows, doors and conservatories. Terry took over as MD in 2016 and is very knowledgeable in all aspects of designing and delivering glazing to clients.
What type of air conditioning is best for a conservatory?
(Image credit: Future plc/James Merrell)
There are different types of air conditioning and what works for one home may be quite different from the best solution for another. In conservatories, however, extra care is needed to choose the best system if you want this to be a worthwhile investment.
‘The main thing to consider is that conservatories are less energy efficient because they are not insulated,’ explains Tom HolkerAir Conditioning Specialist and Director Holkair. This means that higher power supplies or BTUs are needed to control the room temperature. The higher the power supply required, the higher the cost per unit.’
Authority aside, for most people, it comes down to judgment Portable vs Wall-Mounted Air Conditioning – So which is the best?
‘Portable units are fine for occasional use, but not ideal for conservatories that get too hot,’ explains Martin Fowler. ‘They are noisier and less efficient. You also need a duct leading out of the window, which lets the warm air back in.’
‘Portable units and standing fans They are less expensive and functional options, but they take up valuable room and are cumbersome,’ adds Tom Holker.
‘If you use the room a lot, a wall-mounted split system is usually a better option,’ advises Martin Fowler. ‘This is quieter and more effective at dealing with heat loads from large areas of glass.’
Tom Holker is director of Manchester-based Holk Air, heating and cooling specialists. Tom has over 10 years of experience working in the HVAC industry and rose from building services engineer to director of his own air conditioning company. He is an expert in air conditioning, refrigeration and heating and as someone who works at every level can provide expert commentary on all aspects of the industry.
Buy a portable air conditioner
Meaco MeacoCool MC Series 7,000R Portable Air Conditioner
This powerful air conditioning unit is capable of cooling rooms up to 22m² and has been awarded a Class A energy certificate so it won’t impact your energy bills too much. Window kit included.
Bellaco Portable Air Conditioner 9000BTU 4-in-1
This unit not only works as an air conditioner, it also works as a fan and dehumidifier. It can be set on a timer to make life easier and is capable of cooling spaces up to 20m². A window kit is also included.
Avalla S-770 Portable Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier
Combining an air conditioner, dehumidifier and fan all in one handy, yet powerful, unit, this model is also capable of removing an impressive 36 liters of moisture per day and can be used in rooms up to 122m3.
What is the best way to use air conditioning in a conservatory?
(Image credit: David Salisbury)
If you decide to go ahead and either install a wall-mounted air conditioner or invest in one of these The best portable air conditioning units There, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it. According to Terry Hill, in many cases, this will mean making a few upgrades to older conservatories.
‘To give air conditioning a chance, use heat reflective glass with good thermal resistance for new or refurbished conservatories,’ advises Terry. ‘Choose a premium solid tiled roof with heat reflective sky lights to make your conservatory comfortable to use all year round.’
‘Air conditioning works best when the space is already reasonably well controlled in terms of temperature,’ agrees Martin Fowler. ‘If the room is heating poorly, the system will have to work harder and will cost more to run.’
Are there other ways to cool a conservatory without air conditioning?
(Image credit: Blinds 2go)
Of course air conditioning is only one way of keeping a conservatory cool – there are many other methods that work really well. In fact, Martin Fowler suggests trying this before parting with any money.
‘I would look at shading and ventilation before putting in air conditioning,’ says Martin. ‘If the sun is beating down on the glass all day, the room will overheat no matter what cooling system you use. Conservatory blindsSolar control film or roof shading can significantly reduce heat loads and make any cooling system you invest in more effective.
Martin adds that ‘opening roof vents and windows on opposite sides or fitting a small extractor fan can also help get the warm air out.’ Conservatories are very hot, so ventilation at roof level is very effective.
‘That too is something to behold Modernization of old conservatory. An insulation upgrade can also help,’ adds Martin. ‘You can replace polycarbonate roofs with insulated tiled systems, which keep temperatures more stable throughout the year. It’s a big investment though.’
Buy conservatory blinds
Semi Sheer Pleated Blind by Simple Stuff
Available in four subtle colourways, this stylish pleated blackout blind will prevent the sun from overheating in the hottest places of the day and is super easy to install.
Dunelm Easy Clip Pleated Blind
Not only is this blind an absolute cinch to install, it’s also made from a cellular fabric designed to trap air, retain heat in winter and prevent overheating in summer.
DuoShade Ivory EasiFIT Thermal Blind
Designed to stop the sun’s rays in their tracks, these crisp blinds are made from honeycomb fabric that is internally coated with reflective aluminum to prevent overheating.
FAQs
Does conservatory air conditioning add value to a home?
While conservatories can be the perfect place to enjoy the best views of your garden, when they are poorly designed or have seen better days, they can really devalue a home. However, this can change with a few upgrades – and air conditioning can help here too.
Tom Holker states, ‘Well-designed conservatories can add 5-10% to the value of a home, and installing an integrated AC unit can add 2.5% on top of this.’ ‘Air conditioning units are a long-term investment to keep your conservatory efficient and comfortable all year round.
‘When the installations are an investment, they quietly Add value to your home – and they’re more comfortable in more ways than one. The units can also filter outdoor particles, keeping the air inside your home clean. This is suitable for hay fever sufferers.’
One of the biggest Conservatory Design Errors The need for proper shading from the sun is to be avoided. It’s not just blinds that can help here – window films and tints can make a big difference too.
If you enjoyed reading this, sign up for Ideal Home Newsletter All the latest home decor trends and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox
