How to keep your conservatory warm all year round

With snow sweeping across the country last week householders were again battling to keep their homes warm.

Many residents had their coldest spell since the end of February last year when the Beast of the East arrived.

In this freezing weather it is difficult to keep temperatures up, especially in the conservatory with all its glass. But there is an economical and green solution, said energy expert Ron Fox.

“Many complain that room is too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer,” said Ron, of Noreus Ltd on the University of Keele Science Innovation Park.

“Some feel that they have spent thousands of pounds on having this extension built where they can relax with friends and family. But the investment has not lived up to expectation because of the problem of fluctuating temperatures.”

He said the environmentally friendly answer was an air source heat pump, which goes brilliantly alongside underfloor heating to create a cosy, indoor environment all the year round.

An air source heat pump works like the domestic fridge, but in reverse. It pumps a cooling liquid into the outdoor heat pump compressor which then absorbs heat from the outside air transforming it into a gas.

This pushes up the temperature in the compressor because of the increased pressure, while a second indoor heat exchanger uses this energy to warm the room.

“The pumps are designed to work in temperatures as low as -20C so householders can enjoy a warm conservatory even in the coldest of winters,” said Ron.

Then in the summer the system can be used ‘in reverse’ to create a cooling effect so everyone can enjoy a ready-made air conditioning system.

“The benefits,” he added, “are that householders can reclaim their conservatory, keeping it warm in winter and cool in the summer.”

It also provides a gentler, more consistent heat in the home, compared to traditional boiler systems which often experience pulses of high temperature.

However, the central heating and radiator controls work the same way for both systems.

“Even better this solution pays for itself after the first few years, is a great investment for the home and is low maintenance,” added Ron.

“The electricity powers the pump, but for every unit of electricity used you get between two and three units of heat – making this an efficient way to heat your home.

“Also, this system is very eco-friendly; it helps to lower your carbon footprint as it uses air, a renewable, natural source of heat.”

Ron added that his team of experts can solve other conservatory problems such as misted-up glass which can be replaced with argon-filled windows.

They can also carry out a thermal image survey to discover where and how the room is losing heat and if necessary create a weather-proof layer of protection with roof insulation.

For more information on air source heat pumps or green energy contact Ron on 01782 756995.