In the past, conservatories have been notoriously difficult to heat effectively. The greenhouse effect during summer months can produce almost unbearable temperatures, whilst cold winter days can result in ice-cold tiling. This vast contrast in temperature is a major reason why some conservatories are underused, particularly in winter. An effective heating system is therefore essential if a conservatory is to be enjoyed throughout the year by all the family.
Total (primary) heating a conservatory has traditionally involved hiring a plumber, extending piping and then attaining any relevant permission to perform the task. However, this option is generally too expensive and impractical, not to mention time consuming. Extending plumbing into a conservatory to facilitate radiators can put great strain on household boilers as they often struggle to cope with the extra heating demand. What’s more, heating a conservatory using this method involves heating the entire home!
It is these reasons why many people prefer freestanding heaters, which are affordable and easily installed. But freestanding heaters also pose problems of their own; they restrict the amount of space available and do not effectively solve the problem of cold tiling, still making the conservatory uncomfortable to be in. In summer, when heat is not always a necessity, freestanding heaters are either left to gather dust, or must be stored elsewhere. And when in use they can create hot and stuffy atmospheres that are unpleasant for people within the conservatory.
This is why electric underfloor heating is fast becoming the heating system of choice for conservatories. Not just a trendy household accessory, underfloor heating is low maintenance, affordable and effective at heating conservatories from the ground up, so the warmth is on the floor and not at ceiling level where you can’t feel it.
Unlike radiators or freestanding heaters, underfloor heating systems distribute heat evenly across the floor thereby solving the problem of cold tiles. As the heat naturally rises a cold conservatory will become comfortably heated throughout. Conservatory owners can then adjust the temperature as they see fit via a small, attractive wall-mounted controller.
In addition to this, underfloor heating has the potential to make a room up to 5% larger, since radiators and bulky freestanding heaters are not required. As a result, there are no limits to where you place your furniture, creating all kinds of interesting interior design opportunities.
Electric underfloor heating in conservatories can also be operated independently of your existing household central heating system so conservatories only need to be heated when necessary, providing a more efficient and cost-effective method of heating additional household rooms.
The ease of installation and ability to control temperature at the touch of a button has made underfloor heating a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. With a wide range of mats, cables and controllers available, the equipment for heating your own conservatory can be purchased quickly and safely over the Internet.
