Keeping a comfortable temperature year round in your sunroom and having an energy efficient sunroom should go hand in hand. Sunrooms are generally most comfortable in moderate weather. Frosty winter days and blazing summer heat surely challenge a sunroom’s ability to provide comfort.
If it’s in your budget to use air conditioning and heating in your sunroom, you can still save by fixing any deficiencies first. For example, changing out single pane windows and fixing leaks around windows and the outside door can help with temperature control.
For energy efficiency, a sunroom with multi paned efficiency windows, and insulation in the walls, floors and ceilings have the advantage. But if your existing sunroom comes up short, low and medium cost options are available.
Open the Door Leading into the Rest of the Home
A very simple way to mildly heat your sunroom is simply leaving your inside sunroom door open and letting the heat flow in from the home. Warm air naturally moves toward the cooler space until the temperature balances out.
Add a Ceiling Fan
Install a ceiling fan to circulate the air and push warmer air down from the ceiling and distribute it throughout the sunroom. Although it won’t create heat, it will take advantage of any heat that is already in the room.
Install Weatherstripping and a Door Sweep
Weatherstripping minimizes door and window drafts throughout the house. You’ll save money on heating and cooling as well as protect against moisture, dust and insects with weatherstripping and door sweep.
- In the summer months weatherstripping stops air-conditioned indoor air from leaking out and being replaced by outdoor heat.
- Add a door sweep to seal gaps between the bottom of the door and the sill. If your windows rattle in the wind, that can be a sign that they would benefit from weatherstripping.
- Install weather-stripping around the windows or use a clear caulk to seal the areas between window frames and the wall.
- For old doors or windows that have large gaps, use rubber or vinyl weather stripping.
Add Plastic Insulation to the Windows
A layer of clear plastic will help prevent the warm air from escaping through the windows in your sunroom.
- Plastic film insulation kits are the easiest and most cost-effective way to seal up your windows. They use double-sided tape and a plastic film you can shrink with a hairdryer to create an airtight seal.
- An inexpensive way to improve the energy efficiency of single-pane glass windows.
- The downside of this method is that it is suitable only for the winter months and so should be taken off when the warm weather arrives.
Add Window Tinting
Apply a window tinting to block radiant heat from escaping. The tinting allows sunlight to warm the space, but it will not let that solar energy escape.
Choose Solar Film
This option is recommended if improving energy efficiency is your main reason for tinting home windows. Thicker than decorative film but thinner than security film.
- Solar film absorbs or reflects (most products do both) up to 99 percent of UV rays from the sun.
- This regulates indoor temperature (so rooms stay cool in summer and warm in winter), reduces glare, prevents the fading of interior furnishings, and increases comfort and energy savings.
- The film is usually sold in neutral tones.
- Windows without energy-efficient coatings benefit the most from tinting.
- Tinted window film is economical and can be found at any home improvement center. It can be installed by a professional or as a DIY project.
Shades and Insulated Drapes
Cellular Shades
Cellular shades (also known as honeycomb shades) are the most insulating interior shades available. They are used to block or filter light and insulate windows to help save energy & reduce energy costs. Cell shapes hold trapped air and create a barrier between the window surface and the room.
Solar Shades
Solar shades are made from an open weave material designed to filter and manage glare, solar heat gain, and harmful UV rays.
- Because of its open weave, you have light control, yet you are able to see through the shade and maintain your view to the outside.
Cover Windows with Insulated Drapes
Insulated fabric will help hold the warm air in your sunroom. During the winter days when the sun is shining, you can open the drapes to capture the radiant heat. When the sun goes down, close the drapes to maintain the warmth from the day.
- Keeps the heat outside from entering the room in summer.
- Stops warm air inside the house from escaping during winter.
- Provides a vapor barrier to keep moisture out.
- Can act as a sound barrier when closed and for privacy from the outside.
Sunshine Sunrooms has been helping homeowners design and build beautiful sunrooms since 1993. We offer individualized services based on each of our client’s specific budgets, vision and needs. Call us at (972) 243-5390 for all your sunroom design, construction, and repair needs or contact us online to request a quote.
