A question many homeowners wonder; What is the cheapest way to heat a conservatory? Whether you use your conservatory daily or just occasionally, no one wants to sit in a chilly conservatory, and no one wants to spend a fortune to heat it. Let’s explore some energy-efficient solutions and cost-effective ways to keep your conservatory cosy all year round.

Start with Proper Insulation

Before diving into heating options, let’s talk about conservatory insulation. A well-insulated conservatory will retain heat better, meaning you won’t have to crank up the heating as much, saving you money in the long run. After all, you don’t want to be wasting money heating a conservatory that can’t retain it’s heat. Proper insulation also significantly improves thermal efficiency. Here are a few tips:

• Conservatory Roof: Most conservatory roofs in the UK are glass, and while they let a whole lot of natural light in, they also bring a whole lot of cold air with it. To reduce heat loss, consider investing in thermal coverings, or if you have a bigger budget you could upgrade and add and insulated or polycarbonate roof.

• Double Glazing: It’s fair to say that conservatories have a lot of windows, and with that means a lot of opportunity for heat loss. If you can, make sure your windows are at least double-glazed to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

• Draught Proofing: With all the windows and doors, conservatories are more likely to bring in a draught. It’s important to seal any gaps around windows, doors, and the conservatory base to keep the cold air out.

With Insulation Sorted, It’s Time to Focus on Efficient Heating Solutions

Starting with energy-efficient electric radiators, a fantastic option for those looking for a permanent heating solution that’s actually cost-effective. Programmable thermostats are also part of efficient heating solutions, allowing for better control and energy savings. And it’s much cheaper and less work than extending your current central heating system. With that said, let’s introduce you to our Butterfly range of energy-efficient electric radiators. The Butterfly range offers exceptional heating performance with models specifically designed to fit in conservatories with minimal wall space.

Here’s why the Butterfly range is an excellent choice:

• Advanced Technology: Our conservatory heaters feature a soapstone core, which retains heat better than any other storage stone on the market. This, combined with Quadvex convection technology, ensures that your conservatory stays warm longer, even after the power is off. What’s Quadvex technology? It takes cold air from the bottom of the radiator and snakes it up through the radiator against the heated soapstone core. This means the air is in contact with the core for longer, getting warmer before being pushed out into the room.

• Customisation: With the Butterfly range, you can customise the finish with either a wave or smooth texture, on top of this you can choose from a rainbow of RAL colours to match your conservatory decor perfectly.

• DIY Installation: Designed for easy installation, these radiators are plug-and-play. We’ll provide you with a guide to follow, but here’s a sneak peak of the installation process if you’re eager to see.

• Durability: Made with a durable aluminium casing and backed by a 10-year guarantee, the Butterfly range promises long-lasting performance and reliability.

• Variety: The Butterfly range includes three different models: the Admiral, perfect if you’re lucky enough to have wall space in your conservatory; the Monarch, our vertical range ideal for slim walls and limited space; and the Karner, our horizontal range, perfect for fitting underneath those big conservatory windows. Each model comes in various sizes and wattages to suit your space.

• Energy Efficiency: As modern storage radiators, they don’t use constant electricity. The soapstone can continue emitting heat for up to 30 minutes without consuming power, making them highly energy-efficient. This has been tested and validated by the University of Huddersfield.

Top Tip: Save money with electric radiators by not overloading your conservatory with heaters. You might only need one well-placed electric radiator to effectively heat the entire space. Using multiple radiators can lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Not sure how many your conservatory needs? Enter your conservatory measurements into our online calculator and we’ll determine the right heating solution for your space.

Portable Electric Heaters:

If you’re looking for a temporary or budget-friendly solution, portable electric heaters like a plug-in oil-filled radiator, electric panel heater, or a fan heater are worth considering. These heaters are versatile and can be moved around as needed, providing flexibility in how you heat your conservatory. Additionally, they offer cost-effective heating, making them an economical choice for many.

• Oil-Filled Radiators: These heaters are filled with oil, which is heated electrically and then radiates heat into the room. Due to their design, they are fantastic at retaining heat even after being turned off, making them more energy-efficient than some other options.

• Electric Panel Heaters: Slim and unobtrusive, electric panel heaters provide quick heat and can be wall-mounted or free-standing, fitting seamlessly into any space. A tip to save you money on your running costs; look for models equipped with programmable timers and thermostatic controls. This means you can set them to heat your conservatory only when needed, helping you save on energy bills.

• Fan Heaters: If you need rapid heating, fan heaters are ideal. They use an electric element and a fan to blow warm air into the room, providing immediate warmth. While they can be a bit noisier and less efficient over long periods compared to oil-filled radiators or electric panel heaters, they are perfect for a quick heat boost when you need it.

While these portable electric heaters might not offer the same level of efficiency and consistent heat as permanent electric radiators, they can provide quick warmth when you need it. Choose models with thermostatic controls and timers to manage energy use effectively, ensuring you only heat the space when necessary. These energy-saving features can help you reduce your overall energy consumption.

Underfloor Heating:

For a touch of luxury, underfloor heating is an excellent option for your conservatory. This type of heating provides even warmth throughout the space, eliminating cold spots and creating a comfortable environment from the ground up. Additionally, it offers consistent warmth, ensuring your conservatory remains cosy at all times.

• Electric Underfloor Heating Mats: These mats are more affordable and easier to install than water-based systems. They can be laid under various types of flooring, including tile, laminate, and carpet, making them versatile for different conservatory designs. Electric mats are ideal for smaller conservatories and can be installed as a DIY project or by a professional. They’re a fantastic option if you want a quick, hassle-free solution that provides energy-efficient heating and keeps your conservatory warm all year round.

• Water-Based Underfloor Heating: This heating system does require a bigger initial investment and it can be complex to install. Water-based systems use hot water circulated through pipes under the floor to provide heat. They are highly efficient and suitable for larger conservatories or those integrated with an existing central heating system. If you’re looking for a long-term, highly efficient solution, water-based underfloor heating might be the way to go.

Again, pairing underfloor heating with a programmable thermostat allows for optimal energy efficiency. You can set the system to heat the conservatory at specific times, ensuring it’s warm when you need it while saving energy when it’s not in use. Plus, underfloor heating frees up wall space, giving you more space in a smaller conservatory.

Make the Most of Natural Heat

Let’s not forget about the sun, our natural heater! Here are some easy ways to harness its warmth:

• Blinds and Curtains: Use thermal blinds or curtains to retain heat during the night and open them during the day to let in natural light. This also maximises solar gain, enhancing the natural warmth.

• Reflective Surfaces: Adding mirrors or light-colored walls can help distribute sunlight more evenly, keeping the space warmer. This method also supports passive heating by reflecting sunlight.

• Thermal Furniture Placement: Arrange your furniture to ensure it doesn’t block radiators or vents. This allows warm air to circulate freely, making the room feel warmer without extra heating.

Other Heating Options and Considerations

• Central Heating Systems: Extending your central heating into the conservatory might be an option, but it can be costly and complex due to building regulations and installation costs. Renewable energy sources can also be considered for heating.

• Heat Pumps: These are another energy-efficient option, but the initial investment can be high, and you need to ensure your heating option is compatible.

• Log Burners: A log burner can create a cosy atmosphere and provide significant heat output, but it requires planning permission and proper ventilation which can be tricky in conservatories. There are electric log burners, but again these utilise radiant heating which isn’t the most cost effective way to heat your space.

• Cost Effective Solutions: Always consider the running costs and energy efficiency of your chosen heating system to ensure a balance between comfort and sustainable heating. By now, you should know that we’re big on programmable thermostats to ensure there is no wasted electricity.

Wrap-Up

Keeping your conservatory warm doesn’t have to drain your wallet. By focusing on proper insulation and choosing energy-efficient heating solutions like our Butterfly range of electric radiators, you can enjoy a cosy conservatory without sky-high energy bills. Additionally, proper insulation and energy-efficient heating solutions can lead to significant long-term savings.

Remember, combining effective heating with our tips to minimise heat loss is key to maintaining a comfortable conservatory year-round. Whether you opt for portable electric heaters, underfloor heating, or maximising natural sunlight, finding the right balance for your budget, needs, and environmentally friendly heating solutions is essential.

Explore the full range of our conservatory heaters here. Let’s keep your conservatory warm and inviting, no matter the season!