Is your conservatory a sweltering greenhouse in the summer months, making it unbearable to spend time in? If so, you’re not alone. But fear not, as we’re about to share 8 proven ways how to keep a conservatory cool this summer, transforming it into a comfortable haven perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
Short Summary
Choose the right blinds and window films to regulate temperature
Utilise optimal ventilation techniques, open windows at the right time, install roof vents/skylights & use fans for air circulation
Invest in energy-efficient conservatory roofing & utilise light colours
, natural materials & cool colourpalettes to keep your conservatory cool.
Choosing the Right Blinds for Your Conservatory
One of the most effective ways to keep your conservatory cool is by selecting the proper blinds. Conservatory blinds not only help regulate temperature but also maintain the desired ambience by controlling the amount of sunlight entering the space. Some of the best options for conservatories with a glass roof are:
Pleated blinds: easy to install and maintain
Duette blinds: offer energy efficiency and heat retention, perfect for year-round use
Made-to-measure blinds: can accommodate even irregularly shaped glass panels, ensuring complete control over sunlight and temperature.
To maximise the benefits of your blinds, draw the roof blinds between 11 am and 1 pm, and close the blinds on west-facing windows before direct sunlight strikes them. This simple practice will significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your conservatory, keeping it cool and comfortable.
Installing Heat-Reducing Window Films
Another effective solution to keep your conservatory cool is the installation of heat-reducing window films. These adhesive layers, when added to glass, can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays away from your conservatory. The cooling films allow sunlight to enter while reflecting and radiating a portion of the heat, ensuring a pleasant temperature inside.
Besides maintaining a cooler conservatory, the cooling film also helps in heat reduction for window films, providing benefits such as:
Blocking harmful UV rays
Protecting your soft furnishings from fading
Serving as a cost-effective alternative to installing air conditioning, with prices starting as low as £12 for 50mm.
Optimal Ventilation Techniques
Proper ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your conservatory. By implementing optimal ventilation techniques, such as opening windows at the right time, installing roof vents or skylights, and utilising fans to circulate cool air, you’ll ensure your conservatory remains an inviting and relaxing space.
These techniques will help to keep the temperature in your conservatory at a comfortable level.
Opening Windows at the Right Time
Opening windows at the appropriate times is essential for preserving a cool atmosphere in your conservatory. It is recommended to open windows in the early morning, evening, and during the night when temperatures are cooler. This practice allows cooler air to enter the conservatory, aiding in maintaining a comfortable temperature.
By opening windows during these cooler periods, you’ll not only keep your conservatory cool, but also save on energy costs by reducing the need for air conditioning. Remember, proper timing is key to effectively ventilating your conservatory.
Roof Vents and Skylights
Roof vents and skylights are openings in the roof that allow air and light to enter your conservatory, providing ventilation and helping to moderate the temperature. Since hot air rises, having vents or openings in the roof is essential for maintaining a cool conservatory.
Apart from facilitating air circulation, roof vents and skylights also offer natural illumination and temperature regulation. However, they may come with potential drawbacks such as water leakage, increased energy costs, and security risks. It is essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before deciding to install roof vents or skylights in your conservatory.
Fans and Air Circulation
Utilising fans in your conservatory can significantly improve air circulation, creating a comfortable environment. Installing a ceiling fan, for example, can help distribute cool air throughout the room. For optimal performance, ensure the ceiling fan is installed with a minimum floor clearance of 2.1m (7ft) and a distance of 45cm (18in) from all walls.
Another option to consider is installing an air conditioning unit, which allows for greater control over the temperature in your conservatory. While this may be a more expensive solution, it can provide a consistently cool atmosphere during hot summer months.
Investing in Energy-Efficient Conservatory Roofing
Energy-efficient conservatory roofing, such as:
Tiles
Slates
Composite panels
Can provide year-round comfort by keeping your conservatory cool in the summer and warm in the winter. These options are suitable for creating a thermally efficient conservatory roof.
Replacing your conservatory roof can be more cost-effective than you might expect, with several clear benefits such as maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the year and reducing energy costs over time. By investing in energy-efficient roofing, you’ll ensure an enjoyable conservatory experience no matter the season.
Interior Design Choices for a Cooler Conservatory
Your conservatory’s interior design can have a significant impact on its temperature. By incorporating light-coloured furnishings, natural materials like bamboo or rattan, and cool colour palettes, you can create a space that remains cool and comfortable even in the hottest months.
These design elements can help to reflect the sun’s rays and keep the temperature inside your home more comfortable during hot summer days. By strategically placing windows, shades, and other features, you can maximise the benefits of the sun’s rays while minimising the heat they generate.
Light-Colored Furnishings
Light-coloured furnishings not only create a calming atmosphere but also reflect light, helping to maintain a cool temperature in your conservatory. Soft fabrics, such as cotton or linen, are recommended for conservatory furnishings as they allow for better air circulation.
Avoid using leather furniture, as it tends to absorb and retain heat, making your conservatory feel warmer. Instead, opt for light-coloured, soft fabrics to keep your conservatory cool and inviting.
Natural Materials
Incorporating natural materials like bamboo or rattan in your conservatory design helps promote continuous air circulation, making them excellent choices for maintaining a cool atmosphere. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also add a touch of nature and warmth to your living space.
Pair natural materials with light-colored cushions and throws to maximise the cooling effect and create a comfortable, inviting environment in your conservatory. Consider investing in a conservatory cooler to further enhance the comfort of your space, while also taking advantage of natural light.
Cool Color Palettes
The colour palette of your conservatory can also contribute to its overall temperature. Some suggested colours for cool colour palettes in conservatories are:
Soft taupe
Camel
Beige
Cream
Caramel
These colours not only create a calming atmosphere but also help reflect light, keeping your space cool.
Incorporating light-coloured accessories, such as curtains, cushions, and rugs in these shades, will further enhance the cooling effect of your conservatory’s design, making it a pleasant retreat during the hot summer months.
Utilising Plant Life for Natural Cooling
Plant life can play a crucial role in creating natural cooling and reducing excess air moisture in your conservatory. Dehumidifying plants and shade-providing trees can help maintain a comfortable temperature while also adding a touch of greenery and life to your space.
Consider incorporating plants like ferns, spider plants, or peace lilies, which are known for their dehumidifying properties. Additionally, planting shade-providing trees or installing a cooling pond near your conservatory can further contribute to a naturally cooler environment.
Flooring Options for a Cool Conservatory
The flooring in your conservatory can significantly impact its temperature. Choosing options that don’t retain heat, like natural hardwood, stone tiles, or porcelain, can help keep your space cool and comfortable. Natural hardwood floors and stone tiles, such as slate or granite, are excellent alternatives to carpet as they are less prone to retaining heat.
Porcelain tiles are another ideal choice for conservatory flooring due to their fade, scratch, moisture, and UV-resistance, as well as their hard-wearing, scratch and stain-proof characteristics. To keep porcelain tiles cool, consider drawing the blinds during peak hours of the day to prevent them from absorbing heat.
Considering Air Conditioning Solutions
If the above solutions still leave you in search of more cooling options, it might be time to consider an air conditioning system. Portable or wall-mounted air conditioning units can effectively regulate the temperature in your conservatory. However, they do come with some drawbacks, such as the need for an open window to vent warm air outside, potentially allowing warm air to enter through the gap. To install air conditioning, portable units can also occupy a significant amount of floor space.
Alternatively, you can explore more cost-effective options like solar-powered fans, which can provide adequate cooling without the expense of traditional air conditioning units. By considering various air conditioning solutions, you’ll find the perfect fit for your conservatory’s cooling needs.
Summary
In conclusion, maintaining a cool conservatory during the hot summer months is achievable through a combination of blinds, window films, ventilation techniques, energy-efficient roofing, interior design choices, plant life, flooring options, and air conditioning solutions. By implementing these strategies, you’ll transform your conservatory into a comfortable and inviting space that can be enjoyed year-round. Don’t let the heat ruin your conservatory experience; take control of the temperature and create the perfect haven for relaxation and entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce the heat in my conservatory?
To reduce the heat in your conservatory, install blinds to create areas of shade and reduce direct sunlight. Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors and pulling down the blinds. This will help keep the conservatory cool and comfortable.
Why do conservatories get so hot?
The main reason why conservatories get too hot in the summer is due to poorly insulated glazing materials used in the roof, making it difficult to regulate the temperature.
Poor insulation can cause the temperature to rise quickly, making it uncomfortable to be in the conservatory during the summer months. To combat this, it is important to ensure that the glazing materials used in the roof are of a high quality and are properly installed.
Does conservatory cooling film work?
Solar conservatory cooling film works by rejecting a percentage of the sun’s energy while still allowing warmth to be created, with excess heat being rejected.
Therefore, yes, it does work.
What types of blinds are suitable for conservatories?
Pleated, duette, and made-to-measure blinds are ideal for conservatories, providing a practical yet stylish solution to let light in or keep it out.
These blinds are available in a range of materials, colours, and styles, so you can find the perfect option to suit your home. They are also easy to install and maintain, making them a great choice for conservatories.
Whether you want to let it happen or not.
How do heat-reducing window films work?
Heat-reducing window films work by reflecting up to 80% of the sun’s rays away from the conservatory, allowing sunlight to enter while radiating a portion of the heat. This helps to keep the conservatory cooler and more comfortable, while still allowing natural light to enter. The films also provide protection from UV rays, which can cause fading and damage to furniture and fabrics. The films are easy to install and require minimal maintenance.
