Tips for Keeping Your Conservatory Cool This Summer
Your conservatory is designed to be a bright and relaxing extension of your home, especially during the warmer months. However, without the right measures in place, it can quickly become unbearably hot. At Active Windows & Doors, we understand the challenges that come with keeping a conservatory cool in the summer. As trusted conservatory installation specialists across the North East, we’ve helped many customers find practical and effective ways to enjoy their conservatories all year round.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to reduce heat and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your conservatory. Whether you’ve recently had a conservatory installed or you’re looking to refurbish an older one, these expert tips will help you create a cool, welcoming space you can use all summer long.
Have You Considered Using Conservatory Blinds?
One of the most effective and affordable ways to keep your conservatory cool is to install high-quality blinds. Conservatory blinds are not only visually appealing but also extremely practical. By controlling the amount of sunlight that enters your space, blinds help regulate the temperature throughout the day.
With well-fitted roof and window blinds, you can easily block out excessive sunlight, reduce glare, and prevent your conservatory from overheating. In addition to helping with temperature control during the summer, blinds also act as an extra layer of insulation in the colder months, helping to retain warmth and improve overall thermal efficiency.
There are several types of conservatory blinds to choose from, including pleated, roller, and vertical styles. Each option provides varying levels of shade, style, and privacy. If you’re looking to create a more energy-efficient conservatory in Washington or the wider North East area, investing in purpose-made blinds is a smart solution.
Install a Solar Control Cooling Film on Your Conservatory Glass
Solar control window film, often called cooling film, is another excellent way to manage the heat in your conservatory during summer. This self-adhesive film is applied directly to your conservatory windows and works by reflecting up to 80 percent of the sun’s heat and UV rays. This not only helps to lower the temperature inside but also protects your furnishings and decor from fading due to UV exposure.
Cooling film can be applied during the installation of a new conservatory or retrofitted to existing glass panels. It is a relatively low-cost solution compared to other options and provides year-round benefits. During summer, it reduces heat build-up, and in winter, it can help retain warmth.
If you choose to install cooling film, we strongly recommend hiring a professional conservatory installer to apply it, especially if your conservatory has large or high windows. The correct application ensures full coverage, improved performance, and a clean, bubble-free finish. For homeowners in Washington and the North East, this is a great option to consider as part of a conservatory refurbishment project.
Invest in an Air Conditioning System for Year-Round Comfort
While this may be the most expensive solution, installing a dedicated air conditioning unit is one of the most effective ways to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature in your conservatory throughout the year. Modern air conditioning systems offer dual functionality, allowing you to cool your conservatory during summer and heat it during winter, making it a worthwhile long-term investment.
The cost of installing an air conditioning unit typically ranges from around £400 to £1500, depending on the size of your conservatory and the model you choose. When selecting a unit, we recommend choosing a system with a good energy rating and variable settings to allow you full control over the internal climate.
Air conditioning is particularly beneficial for larger conservatories or glass-heavy designs that receive full sun exposure. If you use your conservatory as a living room, home office, or dining space, air conditioning can dramatically improve its usability and comfort. At Active Windows & Doors, we can advise on the best cooling solutions to suit your conservatory size and usage needs.
Choose the Right Conservatory Interior Design
When people think of ways to cool down a conservatory, they often overlook the impact that interior design can have on temperature control. However, the colours, materials, and layout you choose for your conservatory can influence how warm or cool it feels.
Dark-coloured furniture and heavy fabrics tend to absorb more heat, which can increase the overall temperature inside the room. To help keep your conservatory cooler, opt for light-coloured furnishings, natural fibres, and airy materials. Shades like white, cream, light grey, and soft pastel tones reflect more sunlight and help to maintain a cooler atmosphere.
In addition to choosing lighter furniture, avoid placing mirrors or glass accessories directly in the path of sunlight, as these can reflect and intensify heat. Consider using light-coloured rugs, sheer curtains, and wicker or rattan furniture for a fresh and breezy summer-ready space.
Improve Airflow with Effective Ventilation
Ventilation is key when it comes to keeping your conservatory cool during hot weather. Simply opening windows and doors can significantly improve air circulation, helping to move hot air out and bring cooler air in.
Most modern conservatories come with opening roof vents or side windows that can be used to create cross-ventilation. You can also open the interior door connecting the conservatory to your home to improve airflow throughout the house. If your conservatory is sealed or lacks proper ventilation features, consider adding roof vents or louvre windows to increase circulation.
Installing a roof skylight is another excellent way to enhance ventilation in your conservatory. Not only does it introduce more natural light into the space, but it also allows rising hot air to escape efficiently. Skylights with opening mechanisms are particularly useful, as they can be adjusted throughout the day to maintain an ideal temperature.
Plan for Long-Term Comfort with Conservatory Refurbishment
If your current conservatory, sunroom or orangery is outdated or difficult to keep cool in the summer, a conservatory refurbishment might be the best option. Many older conservatories, especially those built with thin polycarbonate roofs or single glazing, struggle with poor thermal performance. Upgrading your conservatory with a modern, energy-efficient roof and improved glazing can drastically improve comfort levels.
At Active Windows & Doors, we offer full conservatory refurbishments throughout Washington and the North East. Our replacement conservatory roofs are fitted with Staycool solar control glazing that reflects heat and blocks harmful UV rays, while still allowing plenty of natural light to enter the space. This upgrade is ideal for homeowners looking to create a functional, stylish, and climate-controlled living area that can be used all year round.
Choose Active Windows & Doors for Conservatories in Washington and the North East
If you’re ready to enjoy your conservatory this summer without the heat, get in touch with Active Windows & Doors today. Whether you’re looking to install a new conservatory, refurbish an existing one, or simply find practical ways to keep your space cool, we’re here to help.
We specialise in all types of conservatories, including Guardian Roof Conservatories, Orangeries, Sun Rooms, Lean-To designs, and more. Our team covers the entire North East region and will work with you to design and build a space that meets your needs for both style and comfort.
Contact us now for expert advice, a free property assessment, or a no-obligation quote on your conservatory installation or upgrade. Let Active Windows & Doors help you make the most of your conservatory this summer and beyond.