Making a conservatory comfortable year-round

A conservatory that's an oven in July and a fridge in January is one of the most common home-improvement frustrations. The good news is that there's usually something you can do, and it isn't always a new roof.

Why it happens

Glass and polycarbonate let heat in and out much more easily than a brick wall or an insulated roof. On a sunny day, heat builds up faster than it can escape. On a cold day, it escapes faster than a heater can replace it. Older roofs, single glazing and gaps around frames make both problems worse.

Start with the simple things

Ventilation. Roof vents and opening windows let hot air out. Opening a high vent and a low window together helps air move through the room.

Blinds. Roof blinds, especially reflective ones, can reduce heat build-up in summer and help hold warmth in winter. They're one of the cheaper improvements.

Draught-proofing. Check seals around doors and windows. Worn seals are often easy to replace.

Floor coverings. Rugs or insulated flooring can make a noticeable difference to how cold the room feels.

Heating

Conservatories normally need their own heating with separate controls, rather than being connected to the main central heating. This is one of the conditions that keeps a conservatory exempt from Building Regulations. Electric heaters with a thermostat are common. Ask a specialist before connecting the room to your main heating system.

Bigger changes

Solar-control film. Can be applied to existing glass to reduce glare and heat. Results vary, and it may affect any glazing guarantee.

Replacing the roof glass or panels. Modern solar-control glass or better polycarbonate can improve comfort without changing the structure.

A new roof. A replacement glass roof, an insulated panel roof or a solid, tiled roof makes the biggest difference. A solid roof usually needs Building Regulations approval. See our guide to conservatory roof replacement.

Replacing the windows and doors. If the frames are old or single glazed, the walls may be losing as much heat as the roof.

Which option is right for you

It depends on how you want to use the room. If it's somewhere to sit on sunny afternoons, ventilation and blinds may be all you need. If you want a dining room or office you can use every day of the year, a new roof is more likely to be worth it.

A good specialist will ask how you use the room before recommending anything, and will tell you if a cheaper fix is likely to solve the problem.