Best heating options for conservatories
The conservatory can be a heavenly place in the summer and a great room to banish the winter blues in the colder months – once it’s heated properly. So, what are the best heating options for conservatories?
Underfloor
This heating system is the most efficient and also provides a luxurious and comfortable feel that will delight you when you put your bare feet on it each morning. It also means you don’t have to worry about the aesthetic impact of radiators. Underfloor heating merely requires a 13 amp socket and allows great heat and comfort on otherwise cold materials in winter, such as stone and tiles.
Hot Water Underfloor
This is similar to that of the Romans heating system and channels heat under your floor from your boiler. Of course, this is dependent on boiler capacity and you may need a new one if it is under powered. Hot water underfloor heating is very comfortable, however if something goes wrong can be expensive to fix.
Radiators
The traditional radiator can also be added to a conservatory. However, the main reason people wish to avoid them is because they aren’t so pleasing to the eye. If you choose boiler based radiators, you will also need to have a boiler with the additional capacity to meet the needs of extra radiators. Electric radiators are of course a better and often more practical option in many homes for this reason.
Wood burning stoves
It’s also possible to add a wood burning stove to your conservatory, however it can cause ventilation problems, so consult your stove specialist. You may also need to insert a number of additional safety precautions you would not have to do if for instance you were adding a wood burning stove to a normal building. Additions, such as double insulated flues are often necessary and often cost a lot extra, so be aware.
Building Regulations
Whichever type of heating you choose for your new conservatory, as with all home improvements, it is vital that you check out the latest building regulations and planning permissions which may relate to your proposed property maintenance or renovations work.
Using Qualified Contractors
Additionally, and in particular, when having any kind of heating, ventilation, or electrical works carried out, you should always ensure that you only ever use the services of a plumber or heating engineer who is fully qualified to carry out works of this nature on your home.
Get Enough Quotes
Always ensure that you obtain at least three quotes from local recommended tradespeople for your work and make sure that the quotes or estimates that you receive are written ones so that you avoid any future issues with tradesmen going forward.