Blog>Expert Advice>Conservatory heating ideas: Save money and stay toasty
Last updated: 4 March 2022
Conservatory heating ideas: Save money and stay toasty
Regardless of the design or purpose of your conservatory, heating it through the winter months is imperative for a number of reasons.
Regardless of the design or purpose of your conservatory, heating it through the winter months is imperative for a number of reasons. For example, even if your conservatory isn't used regularly, keeping it toasty helps avoid potential cold-weather damage costs such as frost and damp.
That said, with the cost of gas and electricity on the rise, you might be wondering whether it's worth it. The short answer is yes. Keeping a conservatory warm not only maintains its structural integrity but also prevents issues like mould or mildew from forming. Thankfully, we've put together this helpful guide with ideas, solutions, and costs for keeping your conservatory warm.
Read our guide: Storm prep: How to prevent cold weather damage for expert advice on helping your house make it through the winter.
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Conservatory heating ideas
There are several ways you can choose to heat your conservatory.
Smart wi-fi electric heater – So you can turn it on and off via your phone
Economic fan heaters – Various makes and models to heat smaller conservatories
Infrared thermo glass – Built into your ceiling or walls, these panels use carbon nano fibres to heat your conservatory
Electric underfloor heating – A cost-effective long term solution
Bench radiators – Double up as furniture
Central heating connected to the main house (although this can increase energy bills)
Read our guide: How to modernise and refurbish a conservatory for more information on optimising your conservatory.
Quick conservatory heating solutions
If you're low on cash or looking for a quick fix, there are several ways to inject some heat into your conservatory without breaking the bank.
Electric heater
There are several budget electric heaters on the market that offer a short-term fix for keeping your conservatory toasty. However, spending a little more on an economic model is worth the payoff (figuratively and literally).
Rugs and blankets
If you'd like to enjoy your conservatory during the winter months, consider investing in a large area rug and some cosy throws. Not only do they inject warmth, but they're great for creating a toasty design aesthetic.
Minimise drafts
Use items such as draft excluders to keep out the wind, and materials such as sealant to plug up any gaps or holes in your windows, doors, and walls.
Curtains or blinds
A great way to keep out the Jack Frost is to hang some curtains or blinds. Stop the chill coming in with heavy, draft-proof materials like thermal-lined linen.
Install underfloor heating
Consider changing your flooring so you can add some easy-to-install underfloor heating. Not every option has to break the bank, and costs can be as little as £500 including materials and labour. Why not hire a local professional your neighbours rate to install your underfloor heating? Or how about giving it a go yourself?
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How to warm a conservatory in winter: fixes or repairs
Here's how to heat a conservatory in winter and what you should consider fixing or repairing before the first frost.
Double glazing
Did you know that heat is lost eight times faster through your double-glazed conservatory windows than anyway else in your house? That's why it's so important to make sure they're well installed and maintained. It's also why adding drapes and a robust heating solution helps maximise the benefit of your glazing. Consider reglazing your single or double panes or applying a heat reduction film.
Window and door seals
Weatherproof your doors and windows by thoroughly cleaning them, repairing any damage, and applying some weatherstripping. These handy pieces of tape help limit the loss of heat through the gaps between your windows and doors.
Insulation
One of the best ways to stop the heat from escaping your conservatory is by using the right insulation. There are various ways to do this, such as:
Replacing your current conservatory roof with a more efficient model
Insulating your non-glass roof with traditional insulation methods
Adding ceiling blinds to your glass-paneled roof, which offers insulation you can open and close as you please
Adding solar control film to windows you want to see the stars out of but not the sun
Installing aluminum foil and thermal wadding
Roof maintenance
Consider hiring a roof inspector to make sure your roof is in good condition. It's best to get anything you might need to be fixed sorted before the cold weather causes longer-term damage or worsens your roof's current condition.
Read our cost to prevent winter freezing damage for more comprehensive information.
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Costs for keeping a conservatory warm
If you're wondering how much these long-term fixes might set you back, here is a handy breakdown.
Internal conservatory roof insulation: Average costs are £3k for a conservatory that's 9m2
Storage heating: £175 for the unit and £700 for the labour (depending on time it takes and the extent of the works required)
Central heating: Installation averages £3,790 for a whole house, so expect costs to be lower when incorporating one extra room
Skirting board heating: Similar to underfloor, this inventive option will set your back around £40pm (not including labour)
Roof inspection: Averages £250 per visit for most modern homes
Window seal replacement: Average £50 for material and labour
Conservatory blinds cost guide: An average of £4,525 for roof blinds and £1445 for standard conservatory blinds
How much does double glazing cost? For 2 doors and 8 uPVC windows, it costs an average of £4500
Did you find that helpful? If so, check out our blog for more ideas, how-tos, inspiration, and expert advice.
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