How Can I Make My Conservatory Usable All Year Round?

We often get asked ‘How can I make my conservatory usable all year round?’. Essentially, it all revolves around managing the change in temperature so your conservatory is comfortable all year round. Having a conservatory is such an amazing mood-enhancer that using it all year round makes perfect sense to us, and our customers.

In this blog we look at the different ways you can make your conservatory a year-round sanctuary, both in terms of winter-warmth and summer cool-down.

Can you turn a conservatory into an extension without planning permission?

Turning your conservatory into a proper room, maybe for guests to stay overnight, is a popular move. You may need planning permission if you want to make significant structural changes to your conservatory. For example:

1. To replace the roof from glass to tile changes the nature of the structure from a conservatory to a single-storey extension. Assuming the original conservatory meets all the requirements for permitted development (eg doesn’t extend beyond 3-4m), you won’t need planning permission. But, the roof must meet the prevalent building regulations.

2. If you wish to install a radiator that’s connected with the rest of your house, you will need to satisfy building regulations. This doesn’t apply to a standalone (eg portable) heater.

For up to date information and reassurance, we recommend you seek clarification from your local authority before taking any action.

How can I make my conservatory warmer in winter?

There are a number of conservatory ideas you can add to make your conservatory warmer in winter - from radiators to rugs and conservatory cushions. We divide this into ‘active’ and ‘passive’ measures:

Active measures to make your conservatory warmer

A reliable source of heat is obviously the most effective: underfloor heating, radiators or portable heaters, etc. You will need to consider the size and nature of your space. If your conservatory is small, a heating option that’s either discrete (under floor heating for example) or at least temporary such as a portable heater, is probably best. If you do go for a radiator connected to the heating system in your house, please remember to check those building regulations.

Passive ideas for a warmer conservatory

It makes sense to take advantage of the sun’s strength as well as any warmth coming from the rest of your house. If your conservatory is glass-roofed and south-facing, then it will be reasonably warm enough to relax throughout the year (your heat-seeking pet will confirm this). You can help keep the cold out with draught excluders and conservatory rugs, together with thermal window blinds and curtains. Then, add blankets and the aforementioned pet on your lap.  

How can I heat my conservatory in the winter cheaply?

If you are planning to use your conservatory in the winter you’ll probably need a reliable source of heat. This will also help with the heating efficiency of the rest of your house because the system won’t have to work so hard at warming up a permanently cold ‘room’.

The option with the least initial cost is to buy infrared heaters or panels. In heating objects rather than air, they instantly warm you up while consuming less electricity.

At the other end of the scale, having a conservatory with lots of window glazing but a solid, insulated roof will significantly reduce heat demand. Portable heating, or radiators using the main house heating system, would further improve your level of comfort. Of course you will have all the associated building costs but longer term, your energy efficiency would be much improved.

How do I keep my conservatory condensation-free?

Condensation (droplets of water on the windows) is caused by the difference in temperature between the inside and outside. Reducing the moisture levels in your conservatory is key and there are a number of steps that you can take:

Double glaze your windows: the air gap between the two panes of glass helps to keep the inner one nearer to room temperature thereby reducing condensation.

Don’t close your conservatory off from the rest of the house: keeping your conservatory doors open will allow air to flow around your home, keeping moisture levels down.

Don’t dry clothes in the conservatory: the moisture from your clothes will increase the humidity in the room and increase condensation.

Keep humidity-reducing plants in your conservatory: some plants will increase condensation in your conservatory so choose those that actively absorb water in the air, such as orchids, ivy and ferns.

Leave your windows in the vent position: the additional air circulation will reduce the humidity levels inside your conservatory. (To be on the safe side, make sure you close the vents at night and when you leave the house unattended.)

Buy an air dehumidifier: if you still have problems with condensation, then a dehumidifier might be the answer. Relatively inexpensive, dehumidifiers are highly effective at reducing moisture levels in the air.

How do I keep my conservatory cool in summer?

So many of the above heating ideas are also useful to keep it cool in the warmer months:

•   A tiled roof will be cooler than glass

•   Keep the doors into the house open to ensure the hot air isn’t trapped in the conservatory

•   Shut blinds and draw the curtains to keep out the heat of sun

•   Leave windows open or in the vent position

•   Turn the heating off

A conservatory isn’t just for summer!

If you’ve invested in making your conservatory a relaxing and inspiring space, you’ll want to keep using it all year round. The right heating solution, good air flow, reducing condensation and cosy furniture for conservatories are key elements to bear in mind. Then you’re ready to plan all-year dining and relaxing in your conservatory with our range of traditional and modern furniture, and accessories.

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Have further questions about different types of garden tables we stock? Our friendly, knowledgeable team are always on hand to help, just give us a call or visit one of our showrooms in Wakefield or Newcastle.