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If you’ve put the time, effort and money into building a conservatory or outbuilding – or have even purchased a house that already has one – it’s only right that you should be able to make use of it all year around. Of course, during the warm summer months, your conservatory does a good job of keeping itself warm – after all, it’s basically like having a greenhouse attached to the back of your house – so naturally it should retain some heat on days when the sun’s been shining. In autumn and winter, however, all too many conservatories end up sitting empty for months at a time because they just get too cold for homeowners to enjoy them comfortably.
Fortunately, this is an easily avoidable situation thanks to the range of heating solutions available for conservatories and outbuildings. Conservatories in particular tend to have rather unique heating requirements. Due to their glass structure, multiple exterior walls and high ceilings, heat can rapidly disappear. In fact, heat is thought to escape eight times faster through double-glazed conservatory walls than it does through a conventional house wall. This means that choosing the right heating solution for your conservatory or outbuilding is probably more important than any other room in your home. This guide will cover all of the best conservatory or outbuilding heating solutions available on the market that will keep you warm on chillier days and allow you to enjoy your space for as much of the year as possible.
Why does my conservatory get so cold?
As the seasons change, the temperature of your conservatory or outbuilding will too change drastically. If you’re without a suitable heating solution, it can be hard to make the most of your space during the winter months. However, alongside the weather, there are other factors that can compromise the temperature of your conservatory, including:
- Position: conservatories that face to the south receive more natural light in the afternoon and early evening, whereas north-facing conservatories receive most of theirs in the morning. Conservatories facing to the east and west are lighter earlier in the day, meaning that they are much cooler at night.
- Insulation: Insulation helps to keep conservatories and outbuildings warm all year round. There are a number of ways that you can insulate your space to help combat cold winds, but it’s best to also invest in a heating solution during the winter months to maintain comfortable temperatures.
- Glazing: The glazing on your conservatory roof or outbuilding windows can affect the interior temperature significantly. Some glazing systems are better than others at keeping the cold at bay, which is why it’s always a good idea to have a back-up heating solution.
Heating Solutions for Conservatories & Outbuildings
If you’re wanting to heat your conservatory or outbuilding but don’t know how, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of options available to suit every space and budget. Below are some of the best options for you to consider.
Central Heating
Radiators are a worthwhile investment if your budget allows for central heating – it is not only cost-effective, but energy efficient too. However, conservatories can sometimes have limited wall space, meaning that you might not have enough space to accommodate a standard radiator. Additionally, if you extend your plumbing system into your conservatory, you’ll need to adhere to the relevant planning permissions. According to the Planning Portal, conservatories are exempt from building regulations, provided that there is an independent heating system in place with separate temperature and on/off controls.
Electric Radiators & Lol Level Convection Heaters
When plumbing isn’t a possibility, heating a conservatory with electric radiators is a great option – all you need is a plug socket. Most modern electric radiators have their own heat settings which can be changed at any time. In particular, choosing an electric oil-filled radiator is frequently a low-cost solution as they omit heat quickly.
Whilst electric radiators are quick and easy to install and use, they tend to consume a lot of electricity, so it’s important to be conscious of how long you leave them on to ensure that your energy bills don’t skyrocket.
Infrared Heating
Infrared heaters work by transmitting infrared light into a room. They are generally powered by gas or electricity, and circulate warm air around the room to create a pleasant temperature. These types of heaters are a convenient and cost-effective option for quickly warming up a cold room. Plus, since they only radiate light, they emit far less noise than other types of heating solutions. On the other hand, however, one of the big disadvantages of infrared heating is that they become extremely hot if left on for too long, which can pose a risk to small children and pets. The intense light they produce might also be uncomfortable for some.
Trench Heating
While trench heating is an effective method for heating your conservatory or outbuilding, it can take a while to warm up a room, making it less efficient than a radiator, for instance. Ventilated trenches are installed beneath the floor (generally around the room’s perimeter) which work to blow hot air into the room. This is a popular option amongst asthma sufferers over other types of conservatory heating solutions, as it causes less air turbulence. Although, installation costs for trench heating can vary massively, meaning that the initial purchase and ongoing maintenance costs tend to make it a pricier choice.
Log Burner
Along with being a powerful heat source, a log burner can add a stylish touch to your conservatory or outbuilding. Log burners are energy efficient, so you can enjoy lower bills, as well as being reasonably priced. As an added benefit, for the most part planning permission is not required when installing a log burner.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is efficient energy wise, but can be expensive to install. This modern type of heating provides ample warmth, offering a steady flow of heat. It’s also discreet, meaning that you won’t have to take up precious space in your conservatory or outbuilding for a large heater.
Underfloor heating is suitable for a multitude of floor types, including laminate, tile and carpet. The temperature can be conveniently altered with a handy thermostat.
What Work Do Technical Service Companies Offer?
When it comes to finding a new heating solution for your conservatory or outbuilding, you’re almost definitely going to want to contact a technical services provider. Whilst most technical services companies, such as Ian Hobbs Technical Services, offer bespoke plumbing and heating solutions, you might not be aware of the additional services offered that could be of use to you. Here are just a few of the technical services that Ian Hobbs Technical Services provide their clients with:
Air Conditioning
Ian Hobbs understands that a comfortable working environment is paramount, which is why we are proud to offer the highest quality aircon installation for businesses throughout the South West. Whether you need a single retail air conditioning unit, or an entire office space solution, we’ve got the right products and expertise you need.
Refrigeration
Many commercial refrigeration businesses are limited when it comes to choice, but at Ian Hobbs, we know exactly what it takes to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Helping you from the start of the process with site surveys and installation, all the way through to maintenance and repairs, we go the extra mile to ensure your journey with us is as good as it can be.
Ventilation
Our team delivers tailored ventilation solutions that are designed to meet your needs, as well as offer guidance to help you make an informed decision. We are capable of installing an entire ventilation system, provide routine maintenance and make essential repairs.
Electrics
For a reliable and experienced NICEIC-approved electrician in the South West, get in touch with Ian Hobbs Technical Services. With a clear understanding of the latest regulations, our team of experts carry out all electrical procedures to the highest standards. We conduct all work efficiently, minimising interruptions and assisting with the smooth running of your business. As a NICEIC-approved contractor, we are well placed to provide a wide range of services to local businesses – everything from preventative maintenance to emergency and security lighting.
Renewable Energy
As the climate crisis gets worse and fuel costs rise, many people are looking for environmentally friendly alternatives. Our commitment to sustainability means that we will always help our clients find a solution that isn’t detrimental to the planet. We have a number of solutions available, and can provide everything from PV installations to air source heat pumps.
Ian Hobbs Technical Services: Leading NICEIC Domestic Installer
Ian Hobbs Technical Services are proud to offer a wide variety of plumbing and heating solutions to keep your conservatory or outbuilding warm this winter. We also offer technical services in air conditioning, ventilation, electrical, refrigeration and renewable energy. Our qualified NICEIC contractors carry out work across Bristol, Bath and the South West. From initial surveys and solution design, all the way through to installation, testing and maintenance, you can guarantee that you will receive a first-rate, end-to-end service with Ian Hobbs Technical Services. For more information on any of our services, or even for guidance on which heating solution is best for your conservatory, get in touch with a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team.