In the past, if there was one drawback that prevented some from investing in a conservatory, it was the fact some could be a tad inefficient on energy. That’s because traditionally it would require a lot of energy to regulate the temperature, given that conservatories tend to get very hot in summer and quite cold in winter.
But thankfully all that has now changed thanks to a range of technological advancements that mean conservatories are required to maintain a stable temperature.
Here we’ll go over some of the best ways to save on energy, ensuring your conservatory is as eco-friendly as possible and saving you money on your bills in the process!
Insulation
Having proper insulation is undoubtedly the most important consideration to make when you want to save on energy. That’s because it doesn’t matter how many cost-effective appliances you have, if your heat is escaping through the walls and windows then you’re going to pay for it!
Some conservatories feature dwarf walls and flat roofs, both of which can be insulated to stop heat escaping. So if you’re going for customised space and you’re trying to slash energy costs then this is worth considering.
Likewise, premium seals should be used on all of your doors and windows, while investing in a draft excluder will go a long way to helping to keep the cold air out.
Underfloor Heating
If you’ve yet to design your bespoke conservatory and energy efficiency is top of your priority list, underfloor heating is certainly worth considering.
As well as creating a snug environment for you and your family, underfloor heating also provides a consistent, even warmth throughout the space.
This efficient heating system not only maintains a comfortable temperature but it will also eliminate the need for radiators, which tend to use more energy and don’t heat your conservatory as optimally.
So while this underfloor heating may increase the initial cost, over time it should start to pay dividends.
Glazing
Conservatories are largely made up of glass, so clearly the type you choose will have an impact on the overall warmth of your space.
For those who are planning on using their conservatory throughout the winter months, triple glazing is something to consider. As the name suggests, this type of glazing has three layers of glass, making it much better at retaining heat than single or even double glazing.
Additionally, another glazing option that will help you save on your bill is Low-E glass, which is short for low emissivity. This high-tech glass helps retain heat during colder weather and promotes heat loss when it’s warm.
This means you won’t need to crank up the thermostat or rely on your air conditioning to regulate your temperature, which over time should see you make some decent savings.
So with many cost-effective and energy-efficient options to choose from, you should have no trouble finding a type of glazing that helps you save on your bills.
Doors
Just like the glass you opt for, your doors will also have a significant impact on your conservatory’s ability to retain heat. So while some doors are undoubtedly great at retaining heat, others aren’t as effective.
Opting for a wooden door over a uPVC option is one way to ensure your conservatory is as warm as possible, but there may be other options you can choose from.
Ultimately, this is something you’ll discuss with your design team who will make sure every aspect of your conservatory is built with energy efficiency in mind, if that’s your wish.
Create Shade
As well as retaining heat in winter, you’ll also want your conservatory to stay cool in summer, otherwise, you may need to rank up the air con which can soon get costly!
One way to do this is by creating shade. Whether it’s with blinds, pergolas or shutters, there are plenty of ways you can shield your conservatory from the blazing sun. As well as keeping the place cool, it’ll also help protect you and your furniture from the sun’s UV rays.
So those are just a few ways you avoid wasting energy in your conservatory. By following our guidance, this should help you save money and ensure you’re doing your bit to reduce carbon emissions.