Posted: Thursday, 10 May 2018 @ 11:19
A conservatory is a great asset to any home, but it’s even more beneficial if it’s energy efficient. Conservatories can be difficult to heat in the winter, and can sometimes get too hot in the summer – so it’s important that the properties of the materials used are considered in the planning stage.
For example, did you know that the positioning of your conservatory is integral to its energy efficiency plans? If it is North facing then it should be built with good insulation and heating options, whereas a South facing conservatory will need additional ventilation and shading. You will also need to consider the building materials and design of the conservatory in advance, as this will determine how energy efficient the room will be.
Conservatory Glass
As conservatories are predominantly made out of glass, it’s important to think about what kind of glass you want. It will not only affect the aesthetics of the room but also contribute to its energy efficiency. There are many types of glass to choose from, including double glazed and heat reflective low-e glass. As lots of heat can escape through windows and doors, it’s important to build with resilient, energy saving glass which can make the room comfortable all year round.
Conservatory Roof
Heat can also escape your home through a conservatory roof, which cannot be insulated like other areas of a property. Warm air rises so if you don’t have an efficient roof, it will quickly leave through the roof even if you have the heating on. A conservatory roof could also let is draughts if it is not efficient, leaving the conservatory cold and abandoned, especially in winter.
Prior Conservatories roofs are built with sloping glazing to try and retain heat, and are also tough enough to withstand temperatures from -15C to 35C plus, snowfall and hail. Our roofs were the first in the industry to be approved by the British Board of Agreement.
By selecting the right windows, doors and roof for your conservatory, you can be sure to lower your carbon footprint and have a more environmentally friendly home.
Lifestyle
You can also make a difference to the energy efficiency of a conservatory after it is built. Floors can become particularly cold, so warm up the area with carpet or large rugs. Simple actions such as keeping the interior doors shut can also create thermal pockets, while choosing energy saving blinds or thick drapes can also keep the conservatory warm.