Have you ever given much thought to the energy efficiency of your conservatory?<\/p>\n
As you kick back and relax with a glass of wine in hand and the sun streaming through the windows, it\u2019s highly unlikely to be a topic at the forefront of your mind.<\/p>\n
After all, you\u2019ve worked hard to afford an enjoyable living space for you and your family without those kinds of concerns sullying your mood, right?<\/p>\n
Wrong.
\nIn order to add real<\/i> value to the home, conservatories should be energy efficient AND functional all year round, lest they become white elephants hell-bent on trampling our precious magnolias.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re considering adding more space to your home, then, there are a variety of energy efficiency factors to consider which will ensure your lean-to doesn\u2019t become just an expensive storage space.<\/p>\n
You may not have given it much thought, but the positioning of your conservatory will have a massive impact on its energy efficiency.
\nIf it\u2019s facing east, it\u2019ll benefit from the early sun and remain warm throughout the day \u2013 and that makes it the ideal spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and a read of the papers whenever the mood strikes.<\/p>\n
Position it to the north and it can be extremely chilly during the winter months, which means it\u2019ll require additional expense heating the space up.<\/p>\n
With that in mind, the temptation to have it facing south is obvious, but it can become stiflingly hot during the summer, rendering the space practically uninhabitable.<\/p>\n
So what can be done?<\/p>\n
To avoid a scenario where extreme cold or warmth means you\u2019re shunning your conservatory like an annoying neighbour, it\u2019s crucial to have energy efficient glass in place to regulate the temperature.<\/p>\n
Before installation, speak to your installer and run through the various types of U-Value<\/a>\u00a0glass available \u2013 and remember, the lower the U-Value, the more energy efficient the glass will be.
\nThe type of glass you choose should retain heat in winter, helping the conservatory maintain its warmth through cold snaps, allowing you to cut back on energy usage from electric heaters.<\/p>\n