How to Heat & Cool Patio Rooms
Patio rooms, sunrooms, solariums and conservatories are some of the names given to those rooms with lots of glass that meld the outdoors with the indoors. If you are considering adding on a patio room, you will want to heat and cool it in order to be able to use it in all four seasons. Make use of passive and active methods of heating and cooling. A mechanical system of heating and cooling is active. Passive techniques include extraneous things you can do to keep the room temperature moderate. Finding the proper balance will help provide year-round comfort at the lowest cost. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Heating and cooling system
- Window shades or blinds
- Ceiling fans or air vents
Instructions
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Active Heating and Cooling
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Consult with a professional about the best mechanical system for heating and air conditioning your room. Some choices include tapping into your central heating and cooling system and installing new ductwork, purchasing a small, lightweight heating and cooling appliance, establishing radiant heating in the floor and using a window air conditioning unit for cooling, or using electric baseboard heaters and a conventional air conditioning unit.
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Determine whether an additional electrical circuit will have to be run to accommodate the new system.
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Install the system you have chosen yourself or have it installed by a qualified heating and cooling professional.
Passive Heating and Cooling
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Hang double-pane windows. They are the industry standard for most regions of the country, according to Home Designers Software, and they provide moderate insulation. Other glazing options are available for more extreme climates.
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Use blinds or shades at the windows to control heat and light. Windows are also available that sandwich the blind or shade between the panes of glass.
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Install ceiling fans or air vents to circulate the air. Hot air rises and air vents placed low and high help move the air and refresh the room. This works particularly well in rooms with vaulted ceilings.
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Plant shade trees in strategic locations outside of the room. Deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves) will aid in cooling the room in the summer while they are in leaf, but not block the warmth of the sun in the winter when they are leafless.
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Tips & Warnings
Amana makes a PTAC appliance in several BTU sizes seen most often in hotel units.
If you are tapping into your home's central heating and air system, make sure the system is powerful enough to annex additional square footage.
Examine your locale's building codes before doing electrical work yourself. When in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.
