A conservatory is a fantastic addition to any home, offering a beautiful space that brings the outdoors inside. It’s your personal slice of paradise at home, surrounded by garden views and natural light. But when summer hits and temperatures start to climb, your once idyllic space can feel more like a greenhouse than a haven!
You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to keep your conservatory cool in summer. Thankfully, we have some practical solutions to make sure your conservatory remains a cool, comfortable retreat, even on the hottest days.
Why Does a Conservatory Get So Hot in Summer?
Ah, the beauty of a conservatory! It’s the ultimate way to enjoy the outdoors while staying comfortably indoors. But what makes it so perfect for letting in light can also be its downfall during the summer months. The main culprits? Glass, sunlight, and lack of ventilation.
The charm of a conservatory lies in its extensive use of glass, which allows natural light to flood the space. However, this design can also lead to overheating, especially in the summer months.
- Glass Properties: Your conservatory’s glass walls and roof are fantastic for natural light, but they’re not the best insulators. They trap heat just like a greenhouse, which can turn your lovely space into a sauna during those peak summer months.
- Sunlight Exposure: If your conservatory faces south, you’re getting an all-day sunbath, which means more heat. The direction and exposure of your conservatory significantly impacts how hot it gets.
- Lack of Ventilation: Without proper ventilation, hot air gets trapped inside, making things even warmer. The longer summer days only add to the heat build-up.
Understanding these factors is the first step to finding the right solution, so let’s dive into how you can keep things cool.
How to Keep a Conservatory Cool
- Install a tiled conservatory roof
- Use blinds and shades
- Apply a cooling window film
- Invest in air conditioning
- Install a ceiling fan
- Improve ventilation
- Buy light furnishings
- Choose cool flooring
- Plant trees and shrubbery
What is the Best Way to Keep a Conservatory Cool?
1. Install a Tiled Conservatory Roof
The most effective way to keep your conservatory cool is to swap out that glass or polycarbonate roof for a tiled one. The SupaLite tiled conservatory roof is a game-changer! Traditional glass roofs let in a lot of heat, whereas a tiled roof provides superior insulation, reflecting sunlight and reducing heat ingress.
- Insulation Benefits: These roofs provide superior insulation, reducing the amount of heat that enters your conservatory. This means you’ll enjoy a cooler space in summer and a warmer one in winter.
- Energy Savings: Better insulation equals lower energy bills, as you won’t have to blast the air conditioning to stay comfortable.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Tiled roofs come in various styles and colours, allowing you to choose a design that complements your home.
Not only does this option improve your conservatory’s comfort, but it also transforms it into a year-round living space, which gives your home the wow factor which can increase its value!
Watch the video to discover how a SupaLite Roof System works to cool down your conservatory in summer:
More Ways to Reduce Heat In A Conservatory
Let’s delve into practical solutions that can transform your conservatory into a cool haven during the hottest months of the year.
2. Use Blinds and Shades
Blinds are an obvious choice for keeping a conservatory cool because they are multi-purpose. Other than helping to shield the room from the sun, they give you a bit of privacy if your garden is overlooked, and they also add a touch of style to your conservatory.
While most people opt for window blinds, tackling the roof is just as essential. Roof blinds are great for keeping the heat out in the summer and act as an insulator in the winter. You can order bespoke conservatory roof blinds to fit each panel of glass, so don’t worry if yours is a unique shape.
With various styles available, including Venetian, roller, and Roman blinds, you can choose a design that complements your decor. Consider using blackout blinds or thermal blinds for the best cooling effect. Motorised blinds add a touch of luxury and convenience, allowing you to adjust them with the push of a button.
When to Open and Close Blinds to Reduce Heat
Knowing exactly when to open and close your blinds is important. Using blinds effectively can significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your conservatory, making it more enjoyable to use throughout the day. Here are some tips on when to open and close your blinds to maximise their cooling effect:
- Pre-empting the Sun: It’s essential to shut conservatory blinds and curtains before sunlight hits each window directly. For east-facing windows, close the blinds before you go to bed, so you’re ready for the morning sun.
- Managing Midday Heat: Roof blinds are especially useful when the sun is at its highest, typically between 11 am and 1 pm. Closing the roof blinds during this time prevents the space from heating up too much while still allowing you to enjoy non-direct sunlight from the sides.
- West-Facing Windows: As the sun moves westward in the evening, make sure to shut the blinds on the windows facing that direction. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the day.
3. Apply Cooling Window Film
If you’re not ready to replace your conservatory windows with heat-reflective glass, adding cooling film is a cost-effective alternative that can make a big difference in keeping your conservatory cool.
Cooling film is an adhesive layer applied directly to the glass, and it works by reflecting the majority of the sun’s heat and harmful UV rays. This means your conservatory can stay cooler without compromising on natural light. An added bonus is that your furniture and soft furnishings will be protected from fading due to the sun’s rays.
- Heat Reduction: Cooling film can block up to 80% of the sun’s energy, keeping the interior of your conservatory significantly cooler.
- UV Protection: This film also protects your furnishings and plants from harmful UV rays, preventing fading and damage.
- Cost-Effective: It’s a relatively inexpensive solution that’s easy to install, making it accessible for many homeowners.
Considerations: Note that cooling film is silver on the outside, which may alter the conservatory’s appearance. Ensure you hire a qualified installer to prevent damage to your windows.
4. Invest in Air Conditioning
Ah, air conditioning – the holy grail of keeping your conservatory cool. If you’re looking for a more robust method to keep your conservatory cool, you might want to consider installing an air conditioning unit. While this is a more significant investment and not the most environmentally friendly, it offers the ultimate control over your conservatory’s temperature aside from changing the roof.
Air conditioning can set you back anywhere between £500 and £5,000, and then has additional running costs, but it does provide instant relief on hot days and can be especially beneficial if you spend a lot of time in your conservatory. It also improves air quality by filtering out dust and allergens which is a bonus.
- Temperature Control: Air conditioning allows you to set your desired temperature, ensuring your conservatory remains cool no matter how hot it gets outside.
- Air Quality: Many units also improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and allergens.
- Versatility: Some air conditioners come with heating functions, offering year-round usability.
Considerations: Think about the type of air conditioning unit you need. Portable units offer flexibility, while split systems provide better efficiency and less noise. Be sure to choose a unit that suits the size of your conservatory.
5. Install Ceiling Fans
If the thought of paying for air conditioning gives you a bit of sticker shock, fear not – ceiling fans are a fantastic and budget-friendly alternative to keep your conservatory comfortable. While they don’t technically lower the temperature, ceiling fans do an excellent job of circulating air and creating a pleasant breeze that makes the space feel cooler.
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep the air moving and create a comfortable environment without cranking up the AC. Just make sure your conservatory has high enough ceilings for proper installation.
- Cooling Effect: Fans improve air circulation, making the environment feel cooler and more comfortable.
- Energy Efficiency: Fans use less energy than air conditioning units and can be a great alternative on milder days.
- Aesthetic Touch: Available in various designs, ceiling fans can add a stylish element to your conservatory.
Fans are perfect for those days when you just need a little extra airflow.
6. Improve Ventilation
Improving ventilation is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your conservatory cool. By promoting airflow, you can prevent hot air from becoming trapped and reduce the overall temperature.
Opening windows and doors to let air into the conservatory to keep things cool may seem obvious, but opening windows and doors is a practical way of getting more air circulating in your conservatory. If there isn’t a breeze, this method can be ineffective; it depends on how hot the weather is and how cool the breeze is.
In some cases, opening your windows and doors on very hot and still days is likely to make your home even hotter, particularly in rooms that are already light-filled, like conservatories or orangeries. Instead, it’s best to keep your windows and vents open in the early morning, evening and during the night, when temperatures are cooler. Then, when temperatures start to climb (which tends to be from 9am-10am) close them. This will help to keep cooler air inside the home.
- Open Windows and Doors: This might seem obvious, but opening windows and doors when there’s a breeze can make a huge difference in air circulation.
- Install Vents or Skylights: Consider adding vents or skylights that allow hot air to escape while drawing in cooler air.
- Timing Matters: To maximise cooling, open windows and doors early in the morning and late in the evening when outdoor temperatures are cooler. This will help you take advantage of the natural air movement.
Ventilation helps prevent heat build-up and keeps your conservatory feeling fresh and airy.
7. Buy Light Furnishings
Believe it or not, the choice of furniture in your conservatory can impact the room’s temperature.
Dark colours absorb more heat, so choosing light, breathable materials will help keep your space cool. Consider furniture made from wicker or rattan, as these materials allow air to circulate and prevent heat retention. Avoid leather upholstery, which can become uncomfortably warm in the sun.
As well as cooling the room down, the feel of your conservatory will be more refreshing with lighter shades for your furniture and walls.
- Material Choices: Opt for light woods, like pine, over dark woods, like mahogany. Light-coloured fabrics and plastics also absorb less heat.
- Avoid Leather: Leather retains heat, which can make seating uncomfortable in the summer. Consider using lighter, breathable fabrics instead.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Lighter shades create a fresh, airy feel and enhance the overall ambience of your conservatory.
Choosing light colours and materials not only contributes to a cooler environment but also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your conservatory, creating a more inviting space. However, furnishings are more of a supporting method; you can’t use them as the primary way of keeping your conservatory cool, as any scorching weather will still heat the room.
8. Choose Cool Flooring
Don’t overlook the impact of your flooring on the conservatory’s temperature! Choosing materials that stay cool to the touch can make a big difference in comfort.
As mentioned above, dark colours absorb more heat, so any dark woods like mahogany or walnut will hold more heat than lighter woods such as pine. Dark metals and plastics will also soak up more heat than light ones.
Cool flooring options can help keep your conservatory feeling refreshing underfoot. Opt for materials that naturally stay cool and resist heat absorption.
- Stone or Granite: These materials are excellent for keeping the conservatory cool as they absorb and retain less heat.
- Ceramic Tiles: A more affordable option, ceramic tiles provide a cool surface that is easy to clean and maintain.
- Light Colours: Choose lighter shades to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption.
Whether you’re going for a modern or traditional look, cool flooring can add both comfort and style to your conservatory.
9. Plant Trees and Shrubbery
Mother Nature can be a great ally in keeping your conservatory cool. Strategically, planting trees and shrubs around your conservatory can provide natural shade and reduce direct sunlight.
Think about planting deciduous trees, which will give you shade in the summer and let in more light during the winter when they lose their leaves. It’s like having a built-in seasonal cooling system!
- Shade Benefits: Trees can block sunlight and lower the temperature inside your conservatory.
- Natural Cooling: Plants release moisture into the air through a process called evapotranspiration, which helps cool the surrounding area.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Besides cooling, plants add beauty and vibrancy to your garden, enhancing the overall look of your home.
Considerations: Be mindful of where you plant them, so you don’t end up blocking too much light or your view.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Conservatory
When deciding on the best cooling solution for your conservatory, consider the following factors:
- Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on cooling solutions, from cost-effective window films and blinds to more expensive options like air conditioning or a new conservatory roof.
- Long-Term Use: Think about how often you use your conservatory and whether you want it to be comfortable year-round.
- Current Setup: Assess any existing features that might influence your choice, such as the direction your conservatory faces or the current roofing material.
Keeping your conservatory cool in summer doesn’t have to be a struggle. By implementing the right strategies and solutions, you can create a comfortable and inviting space that enhances your home’s appeal.
Whether you choose to install a SupaLite tiled roof, use blinds, or improve ventilation, each option offers unique benefits that can transform your conservatory into a cool retreat. Consider your needs and preferences, and explore these solutions to enjoy your conservatory to its fullest potential.
With a bit of planning and investment, you can make your conservatory a year-round haven, perfect for relaxing and entertaining!
Are You Ready to Make Your Conservatory Cool?
We’ve shown you a mixture of options that will keep you from baking in your conservatory. If you’d like to explore installing a new conservatory roof, explore SupaLite’s conservatory roof replacement product range by clicking the button below.
