After they were originally designed to house and nurture exotic citrus fruit trees during the colder months, over the years orangeries have evolved into multifunctional spaces enjoyed by sun-loving Brits looking to soak up as much natural light as possible..
These beautiful glass structures are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly versatile as they create a bridge between the indoors and the outdoors.
So whether you intend to use an orangery as a relaxing retreat where you can sit back and put your feet up, a dining area to enjoy your meals with a view or a place to entertain guests, an orangery can do all this and more.
But with the warm temperatures of summer firmly in the rearview mirror and winter just around the corner, you might be wondering how to heat an orangery when there’s a distinct lack of sunshine. So without further ado, here are the best ways to keep an orangery nice and warm in the colder months.
Heating Options for Orangeries
We all want to keep warm and snug in the winter, and luckily there are many ways to keep an orangery warm when the mercury plummets.
Each heating option comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so here are our recommendations:
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is a popular choice for orangeries. By distributing heat evenly across the entire floor space, this ensures that no corner remains cold. The warmth rises gently, creating a cosy environment for occupants.
The one downside to underfloor heating in bespoke orangeries is the installation can be quite costly. But when viewed as a long-term investment that pays off in energy efficiency, you might see this initial outlay as being worth it.
Radiators
Traditional radiators are an effective and relatively affordable option for heating your orangery. They also come in a variety of styles, meaning you can choose ones that match with your orangery’s decor.
Radiators provide a constant source of heat and their effectiveness is well-established, which is why you’ll often see them in homes. Having said that, one drawback is they don’t tend to distribute heat evenly, so some of that warmth can get lost.
Wood Burning Stove
If you’re seeking a touch of rustic charm, a wood-burning stove can be a delightful addition to an orangery.
Beyond the heat it provides, a wood-burning stove also adds a cosy ambiance to your space, making it perfect for curling up with a good book on a winter’s day. However, it’s essential to consider the logistics of having a chimney and the storage space required for wood, and these are by no means the most environmentally-friendly option.
Electric Heaters
Portable electric heaters offer a flexible and budget-friendly solution for keeping your orangery warm. The best thing about these heaters is they can be moved around as needed, allowing you to concentrate warmth in specific areas.
A couple of downsides to electric heaters is the heat they provide may not be distributed evenly or uniformly and they can be less energy-efficient.
Electric Blankets
For extra warmth and toastiness, invest in some heated blankets that are guaranteed to take your comfort levels up a notch! Relaxing in your orangery with a blanket wrapped around you is a great way to enjoy the beauty of the garden in the comfort of your home!
Dealing With Temperature Extremes
Orangeries are designed to handle temperature extremes, making them ideal for using all year round.
For hot weather, a high-quality orangery will come equipped with excellent ventilation options such as roof vents and opening windows. These features allow excess heat to escape, ensuring the space remains cool and comfortable.
Conversely, in winter the focus completely shifts to insulation. Double or triple glazing and insulated roofing are key elements that help to keep the warmth inside the orangery. These energy-saving features not only save you money on your bills, but they also help shield you from the cold temperatures during winter.
So that’s how you keep your orangery warm in the colder months. As you can see, there are many options to increase the temperature of your orangery and you can take in the splendour of winter’s amazing snow-covered landscapes, all from the delightful comfort of your orangery.
So if you’re considering bespoke orangeries then give some serious thought to underfloor heating and radiators, or if you’ve already got one and want to keep warm this winter, electric heaters and blankets can make a huge difference.