Sunrooms can be a stunning addition to any home and can be enjoyed all year long. Whether your house came with a sunroom, or whether you’ve opted to build one, there’s a good chance it’s not hooked up to your home’s central HVAC. If this is the case, you’ll be happy to know there are many cost-effective and efficient solutions for heating and cooling a sunroom.
Here, we discuss several of the best options for sunroom heaters and cooling appliances.
What is a Sunroom?
Also known as a solarium, sunrooms are typically surrounded by glass windows on all but one side. Usually, a sunroom is separated from the rest of the home by a glass sliding patio door, which can often make it feel like you’re stepping outside.
Sunroom Heating and Cooling Units
Due to their unique structure, sunrooms can actually feel much warmer than the outside temperature when the sun is out. This is due to something known as the greenhouse effect, in which the sun’s rays heat the interior of the sunroom but warm air can’t escape through the glass walls. In this case, you’ll need a means of cooling the sunroom to enjoy it on sunny summer days.
On cooler days, however, you will feel the frigid outside temps. Sunrooms typically lack insulation, making it feel like you’re outside when you enter one. To enjoy it in the cooler seasons, you’ll want to install some type of heating appliance.
Looking for the best heating and cooling options for your sunroom? Reach out to our team today and we would be happy to help!
Sunroom Cooling Options
Cooling a sunroom can be as simple as cracking a window, but this may not offer much relief on the hottest days. In addition, you likely won’t want bugs coming in if you don’t have screens. That’s why it’s best to invest in an air conditioner for the sunroom.
Sunroom AC options include:
- Hooking the sunroom up to centralized AC
- Installing a mini-split system
- Window AC units
If you have a centralized HVAC system, then it may be possible to blow cold air into your sunroom through a vent. If there is no vent near your sunroom, you might be looking at a lengthy installation process to connect a wall vent via ducts to the rest of your AC.
Alternatively, you can use a ductless mini-split system or a window-AC unit which is more cost-effective and requires minimal installation. If your windows can’t support the unit, or if you want a more secure option, a mini-split unit is the better way to go.
Sunroom Heating Options
Options for heating your sunroom include:
- Space heaters
- Electric fireplace
- Wood-burning fireplace
Heating your sunroom is easy if you have a nearby outlet. You can simply use an electric space heater for the sunroom or install an electric fireplace that provides a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Another option is to install a wood-burning fireplace or stove and hook up a chimney to the outdoors.
Talk to A Professional
Learn more about the heating and cooling options for your sunroom from the experts at Dows ClimateCare. We’ll be happy to help you choose the best appliances for your needs and install them with care.
