A conservatory typically has four exterior walls (including the roof) with significantly lower thermal resistance, resulting in a multiple of the heat demand compared to a living space with solid walls. For this reason, a conservatory is usually left unheated for energy efficiency.
Can anyone provide an approximate estimate of the heat demand for a wood-aluminum conservatory with about 90 m³ (3,180 ft³) of enclosed volume that is used as a living space?
It has a 30 m² (323 ft²) floor area, approximately 41 m² (441 ft²) of post-and-beam structure, 35 m² (377 ft²) roof area, all fitted with 1.0 thermal transmittance (U-value) glazing. The posts measure 5 x 12/16 cm (2 x 5/6 inches) (corners 16 x 12 cm / 6 x 5 inches), beams 5 x 10/16 cm (2 x 4/6 inches), rafters 8 x 20 cm (3 x 8 inches), ridge beam 14 x 34 cm (6 x 13 inches), all made from spruce laminated timber.
Many thanks for a brief indication of how much higher the heating energy demand is compared to a similarly sized living room built to old or new construction standards.
Can anyone provide an approximate estimate of the heat demand for a wood-aluminum conservatory with about 90 m³ (3,180 ft³) of enclosed volume that is used as a living space?
It has a 30 m² (323 ft²) floor area, approximately 41 m² (441 ft²) of post-and-beam structure, 35 m² (377 ft²) roof area, all fitted with 1.0 thermal transmittance (U-value) glazing. The posts measure 5 x 12/16 cm (2 x 5/6 inches) (corners 16 x 12 cm / 6 x 5 inches), beams 5 x 10/16 cm (2 x 4/6 inches), rafters 8 x 20 cm (3 x 8 inches), ridge beam 14 x 34 cm (6 x 13 inches), all made from spruce laminated timber.
Many thanks for a brief indication of how much higher the heating energy demand is compared to a similarly sized living room built to old or new construction standards.
In my experience, the heating costs for a well-insulated conservatory (triple-glazed windows, thick, well-insulated frames) are roughly comparable to those of a similar extension with an insulated brick wall. This already includes solar gains.
However, the cost of such a system is not insignificant. I currently have a 5x3m (16x10 feet) model in mind, which would cost around $30,000 and is not yet maximally insulated (there are better glazing options available). Foundation, shading, and automatic ventilation are not included in this estimate (an additional $5,000–8,000). It is also possible to equip the entire conservatory with a well-insulated roller shutter system, which provides extra thermal insulation at night and serves as shading during the day.
Additionally, there are ventilation systems that use the heat from the conservatory to warm the rest of the house when exposed to sunlight, but these systems are quite expensive. There is practically no upper limit to the costs.
With cheaper conservatories used year-round, heating expenses can become quite high.
If the conservatory is not intended for year-round living space, a lean-to conservatory is sufficient. This is a conservatory attached in front of an existing patio door. The advantage is that even when not in use, it provides a space for potted plants and an additional thermal barrier. But in any case, a lean-to conservatory should also be heated; otherwise, a New Year’s Eve party is out of the question.
Underfloor heating is very nice, but not essential. However, if you only have underfloor heating, on very cold days, you might experience an unpleasant feeling of draught or cold radiation near the windows. Therefore, it is advisable for larger conservatories to install either recessed or built-in seating radiators in front of the windows. Simple low radiators are also fine and represent the cheapest solution.
However, the cost of such a system is not insignificant. I currently have a 5x3m (16x10 feet) model in mind, which would cost around $30,000 and is not yet maximally insulated (there are better glazing options available). Foundation, shading, and automatic ventilation are not included in this estimate (an additional $5,000–8,000). It is also possible to equip the entire conservatory with a well-insulated roller shutter system, which provides extra thermal insulation at night and serves as shading during the day.
Additionally, there are ventilation systems that use the heat from the conservatory to warm the rest of the house when exposed to sunlight, but these systems are quite expensive. There is practically no upper limit to the costs.
With cheaper conservatories used year-round, heating expenses can become quite high.
If the conservatory is not intended for year-round living space, a lean-to conservatory is sufficient. This is a conservatory attached in front of an existing patio door. The advantage is that even when not in use, it provides a space for potted plants and an additional thermal barrier. But in any case, a lean-to conservatory should also be heated; otherwise, a New Year’s Eve party is out of the question.
Underfloor heating is very nice, but not essential. However, if you only have underfloor heating, on very cold days, you might experience an unpleasant feeling of draught or cold radiation near the windows. Therefore, it is advisable for larger conservatories to install either recessed or built-in seating radiators in front of the windows. Simple low radiators are also fine and represent the cheapest solution.
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