- One of the most effective ways to keep your conservatory warm when it’s cold outside is through a combination of heating and insulation
- Some solutions, such as underfloor heating, offer efficiency while efficient, come with high costs, while central heating remains one of the most budget-friendly options.
- Heating alone isn’t enough. Without proper insulation, even the best heating system will struggle to keep the cold out—sealing drafts, upgrading glazing, and improving roof insulation are just as important.
A conservatory is a great way to add value to your home while also adding some much-needed extra space. Lovely and cosy in the warmer months, they can be a little chilly in the winter.
For this reason, among others, adding some heating to your conservatory would be a nice addition so you can enjoy it all year round.
If this sounds like a good idea, read on to learn some simple ways to improve your conservatory.
How can I keep my conservatory warm?
If you are looking for ways to keep your conservatory nice and cozy in the colder months, there are a few things you can do:
- Add infrared heating – One of the most efficient ways to heat a space like a conservatory is to add infrared heating. These specially designed radiant heaters use infrared rays to heat an area like sunlight.
- Install electrical heaters – If infrared heaters are a bit out of your budget, you can consider adding older direct-acting or storage electrical heaters to your conservatory. However, as these use a lot of electricity, expect a jump in bills. Also note such a move will also impact your EPC score (if you worry about that).
- Add underfloor heating – If you have central heating in your main home, you can extend the wet radiator system into your conservatory too. This can be via traditional radiators or, more popularly, underfloor heating.
- Consider air conditioning – Spaces like conservatories benefit immensely from more modern heating systems like air—or ground-source heat pumps. They can provide cooling in the summer and much-needed heating in the winter.
Beyond adding heating, there are some other things you can do to help make your conservatory as warm as possible. These include, but are not limited to:
- Draught proofing – One of the main ways to keep heat in any space is to reduce draughts air leaks as much as possible. Afterall, what is the point in heating a space, if the cold air can get in?
- Installing double glazing (if not already present) – Like your main home, replacing older single-glazing is an excellent way to keep the heat inside.
- Insulating the walls and roof (where applicable)—Depending on the design of your conservatory, it makes sense to insulate any external walls or the roof, too.
Why do conservatories get cold?
Conservatories are a great way to enjoy natural light and connect with the outdoors, but they often become uncomfortably cold in winter. Here’s some of the main reasons why:
- Poor Insulation – Unlike the main house, conservatories often have thin walls, minimal insulation, and gaps around frames that let cold air in. Heat loss through the floor can also be problematic without proper flooring insulation.
- Wear and Tear – Seals around windows and doors degrade over time, allowing drafts to creep in. Older materials may also lose their insulating properties, making it harder to retain heat. This is less of an issue with double-glazed conservatories, but poor maintenance over time can cause problems.
- Glass Roof – While a glass roof maximizes sunlight, it also provides poor thermal insulation. Heat escapes quickly, and the space cools rapidly when temperatures drop.
- Single Glazing – Many older conservatories use single-glazed glass, which lacks the insulating benefits of modern double or triple glazing. This leads to significant heat loss.
How much does it cost to heat a conservatory?
Keeping a conservatory warm in colder months can be expensive, and your chosen heating method will significantly impact your energy bills. Some options, like underfloor heating, provide consistent warmth but come with high upfront installation costs.
It’s estimated that in 2024, running underfloor heating for four hours per day costs around £35 per month, or £420 per year, to heat one room. While effective, this option may not be the most budget-friendly.
Fan heaters are an inexpensive way to add quick heat, but their long-term costs can be surprisingly high. In 2023, running a fan heater cost 0.54p per hour, which adds up to £67 per month and £804 per year if used regularly.
This makes them one of the most expensive ways to heat a conservatory. While they provide instant warmth, they also consume a lot of electricity and aren’t energy efficient for prolonged use.
Central heating is usually the most cost-effective solution. If your conservatory is connected to your home’s heating system, this can be the cheapest way to maintain a comfortable temperature. In 2023, running central heating cost approximately 0.09p per hour, meaning a monthly cost of £11.16 and a yearly cost of £134.
However, this is only efficient if the conservatory is well-insulated, as heat loss through old windows, polycarbonate roofing, or structural gaps can still make the space feel cold.
Ultimately, the effectiveness and cost of heating a conservatory depend on its insulation. Even with the best heating system, a poorly insulated conservatory will struggle to retain warmth, leading to higher bills.
Investing in double glazing, improved insulation, and better roofing materials can help reduce heat loss and keep energy costs under control.
Is there anything else I need to consider?
A warm conservatory starts with a warm home. Since conservatories are often attached to the main house, their temperature is heavily influenced by how well the rest of the property retains heat.
If your home is cold, your conservatory will struggle to stay warm, too. Improving insulation and using efficient heating solutions are the keys to maintaining a comfortable temperature.
- Solar panels can provide a renewable energy source to help power underfloor heating or electric radiators in your conservatory. Even if you don’t use solar directly for heating, it can reduce your reliance on costly grid electricity, making it more affordable to keep your space warm.
- Another excellent heating option is heat pumps. Air-source or ground-source heat pumps extract warmth from the air or ground and efficiently transfer it into your home. These systems work well with conservatories, especially underfloor heating, providing a steady, low-energy heat source. Unlike traditional radiators, which can struggle in poorly insulated spaces, heat pumps offer more even heat distribution.
- Insulation is critical to prevent heat loss. Ensuring your home’s walls, floors, and ceilings are properly insulated will help stabilize indoor temperatures. Using thermal blinds, insulated flooring, and even upgrading to a solid roof or insulated panels can make a massive difference in the conservatory. Any heat you add without proper insulation will quickly escape, making heating efforts inefficient.
Summary
- With the proper heating and insulation, your conservatory can be a warm and inviting space all year round.
- Investing in better insulation and energy-efficient heating will keep your conservatory comfortable and save you money in the long run.
- While heating is essential, preventing heat loss through insulation and double glazing is the smartest way to create a cozy conservatory.
- Combining efficient heating with proper insulation allows you to enjoy your conservatory in any season without worrying about high energy bills.
- A well-insulated conservatory doesn’t just stay warm—it remains efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective for years to come.
