The autumn weather has certainly made itself felt, and soon the clocks will go back and the days will be shorter. If you have a conservatory or hardwood orangery extension, you may find that you are using it less at this time of the year. However, there is no reason why these spaces can’t remain comfortable and convenient to use all year round.
Here’s a look at how smart technology can help to make your extension an enjoyable place to be at any time of the year.
Smart heating systems
One of the most common reasons people use glazed extensions less during the autumn and winter is that they are inefficient to heat. Smart heating systems can give you more control over the duration and intensity of your heating in the extension, helping to lower your energy costs and ensure that it is warm when you need it to be and kept cooler when not in use.
A smart thermostat will typically allow you to set the temperature and also create individual zones throughout the house, so there’s no need to choose between wasted energy and being uncomfortably cold.
If you are planning your extension from scratch or regularly use it during the winter, you may want to consider installing an underfloor heating system (UFH). These can save space by avoiding the need for bulky wall-mounted radiators, and can be more consistent and energy efficient than traditional heating systems.
There are two main types of UFH suitable for orangeries or conservatories: electric or water-based. Electric UFH is easier to retrofit to existing structures, and is compatible with most types of flooring. It involves installing wires or heating mats beneath the flooring to create a consistent underfloor heat.
Water based UFH involves laying pipes underneath the flooring to connect to a boiler or heat pump, which makes it more time consuming and potentially complex to install. For this reason, it’s best planned as part of a new build or extension construction process.
Unless you are carrying out major renovations and don’t mind the disruption, it’s not usually the most suitable option for an existing structure. However, in the long term water based systems can be more energy efficient and cost effective to run, particularly for larger spaces.
Automated blinds or drapes
Blinds or drapes can provide extra insulation in cooler weather conditions, and will also provide shade and temperature control in the summer. Blinds are a more versatile option, because they can be unobtrusively folded when not in use to maximise the amount of daylight in the extension.
The angle and position of the blinds can be adjusted to control sunlight exposure to prevent glare and fading to fabrics. However, you may prefer the cosiness of drapes or curtains, which can be added in the wintertime for extra warmth and insulation.
Automated opening and closing systems for blinds are a popular option for conservatories, which have large areas of glazing to cover. They can be controlled via an app on your smartphone or through voice commands, saving the need to manually adjust the blinds.
Furthermore, some types of blinds can be integrated with sensors that detect sunlight levels, and will automatically adjust to control exposure.
Smart lighting systems
To ensure your glazed extension is a welcoming place to be throughout the autumn and winter, it’s important to ensure that it is well lit. If you plan to use the area primarily for relaxing and socialising, then wall lighting and floor or table lamps may provide an adequate amount of light.
However, if you also want a dining space, or even a kitchen, office, gym, or crafts room, the additional functional pendant task lighting will be beneficial. This can present challenges because you will need a frame that is solid enough to mount the light fittings on. Traditional hardwood frames will usually be strong enough to support them.
However, UPVC or aluminium frames may not be strong enough to support heavier pendant lights, so it’s best to check with your supplier before the installation. Smart lighting systems can allow you to adjust the schedule, brightness, and colour temperature of the lighting at the touch of a button or voice command.
This will allow you to create the right lighting conditions for your activity, whether you want a cosy nighttime ambience for evening gatherings or bright task lighting for work, cooking, or crafts.