How To Keep A Conservatory Cool In Summer
- 26 May 2022
- News
Quick Answer: Your Conservatory Cooling Solutions at a Glance
If your conservatory is unbearably hot during summer, the most effective long-term solution is installing a solid tiled roof, which significantly reduces heat ingress and provides year-round insulation. For immediate relief without major renovation, cooling window film blocks up to 86% of solar heat and is straightforward to apply yourself. Other proven methods include motorized roof blinds for light control, opening skylights for ventilation, and air conditioning units for complete temperature control. For budget-conscious homeowners, simple fixes like standing fans and improved ventilation offer rapid relief at minimal cost. The best solution depends on your budget, how frequently you use your conservatory, and whether you’re seeking temporary or permanent improvements.
Glass conservatories are incredibly aesthetically pleasing and keep your home bright and airy. They are a fantastic addition not only to increase property value but also to build a space that each family member can enjoy. Whether you opt to create a ‘chill zone’, a playroom or even an office, building a conservatory will definitely prove to be a worthwhile investment.
However, since they are constructed almost entirely from glass, conservatories are prone to becoming unbearably hot during the summer. Instead of being the relaxing haven you had envisioned, the outside heat takes over, and it can become overwhelming to endure. Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can keep your space at a steady, comfortable temperature. Cooled conservatories can be used all year round, making them the ideal spaces for enjoying glorious weather from the comfort of your home.
Read on for our top tips on how to keep your conservatory cool in summer!
Why Do Conservatories Get So Hot in Summer?
Like a greenhouse, your conservatory traps UV and infrared heat radiation. Once inside, the hot air makes your conservatory feel extremely hot and uncomfortable. This happens because the large glass or polycarbonate panels allow sunlight to enter the space, but once that solar energy converts to heat inside the conservatory, the glass prevents it from escaping due to its insulating properties.
The problem is particularly severe in south-facing conservatories, which can reach temperatures exceeding 40°C on sunny days because they receive unobstructed sunlight for 8+ hours daily. Without adequate ventilation—the ability for hot air to exit the space—this heat becomes trapped with nowhere to go. Warm air naturally rises, which is why installing ventilation openings as high as possible is so important. Modern double glazing, while excellent for retaining warmth during winter, can actually worsen summer overheating because it traps more infrared radiation inside rather than allowing heat to escape.
To ensure that you are getting the most out of this space, you should aim to utilise the ideas mentioned below to keep temperatures cool. In doing this, you can create the perfect place to entertain and keep guests comfortable, rain or shine, surrounded by a panoramic view of your garden.
Quick Fixes for Immediate Relief (Today to This Week)
If you need relief immediately, these solutions offer rapid results:
- Open windows and doors strategically – Create cross-ventilation by opening opposite windows, especially during cooler morning and evening hours. Keep the conservatory door open to allow air circulation between rooms.
- Use a standing fan – Oscillating fans (typically £30-100) can be moved around your conservatory and will circulate warm air, helping it exit through open windows. The “ice bowl hack” provides temporary relief: place a bowl of ice in front of a running fan to create a refreshing cool breeze that lasts 2-3 hours.
- Close blinds during peak sun hours – If you have existing blinds, keeping them closed from 10 AM to 4 PM—especially for south-facing windows—prevents 30-50% of heat buildup without requiring installation.
- Switch to energy-saving lightbulbs – If you use artificial lighting in your conservatory at night, energy-saving bulbs produce significantly less heat than incandescent bulbs while saving money on electricity costs.
- Use light-coloured furnishings – Swap dark fabrics or leather for white or light-coloured furniture and rugs. Light colours reflect heat; dark colours absorb it, worsening temperature problems.
Crown Windows Project – Conservatory with Guardian Tiled Roof
How To Cool Your Conservatory Through Renovations
Over the years, we have picked up plenty of great ways in which you can perfectly control the temperature of your space. From simple solutions such as blinds and fans to innovative products such as window film, here are our most popular choices:
Apply A Window Film
If you’re desperately searching for a solution to an unbearably hot conservatory, you may be wondering, ‘does conservatory window film work?’ Short answer, yes! It reduces the amount of excess heat and glare that enters your conservatory, making it an excellent way to control the temperature of the space. It works by simply reflecting some of the sun’s rays off the outermost side of the panes rather than allowing them through into the conservatory. Based on information featured on ARC Window Films, it is thought that applying films enables the conservatory to reject up to 86% of solar energy, achieving insulation against warmer temperatures.
Applying the adhesive film to the inside of your conservatory panes couldn’t be more straightforward. To maximise results, the glass must be cleaned and allowed to thoroughly dry; this stops any dust or debris from sticking between the glass and film. Then, the film, usually purchased as a roll, can be placed in the interior of the conservatory. A window cleaning squeegee can be used to smooth out any bubbles or imperfections that may have formed during the application process. Once applied, window films require absolutely no maintenance – it’s as easy as that!
Install New Blinds
In a conservatory, light and heat can enter from almost any angle, including the roof. The best way to tackle this issue without breaking the bank is by having roof blinds fitted. Blinds are a very subtle feature which will not affect the aesthetics of your conservatory and do not have to be on display every day of the year. They can be colour matched to blend in seamlessly with frame shades so that they do not detract from the views of your garden. Blinds can also be used during the winter to minimise the amount of heat escaping from the room. As roof blinds are a little tedious to get to, many are cleverly equipped with remote-control operations meaning that you can adjust them with ease without having to reach up.
Like roof blinds, side blinds are an excellent investment to not only regulate the temperature in your conservatory but also give it a unique interior. There are many styles to choose from, including roller, vertical, pleated and roman and a variety of colours and designs, meaning that there is a blind to suit every home. Roman blinds feature a single fabric section that folds neatly around the upper rod, while other variations consist of multiple slats of a material of your choice.
When considering blind types for your conservatory, it is vital to bear in mind the available window space, along with the thickness that you aim to use. For more information on how to choose the best blinds for your conservatory, take a look at Real Homes.
Create More Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is a gamechanger when it comes to keeping your conservatory cool in the summer. By opening up all the windows in your conservatory, you will help circulate the airflow, keeping the room fresh and cool. Keeping the door open during the day is also a great way to let air into your conservatory. If you do not already have many openable windows, it is a good idea to have more installed or incorporate them into the design of your conservatory.
Consider having an openable skylight installed to create a way to efficiently ventilate the space. Unlike fixed skylights, opening skylights will allow you to release the hot air that gets trapped inside your conservatory. Warm air rises, which means that by creating an opening as high as possible, you can efficiently remove the heat. This improved air circulation will keep your conservatory feeling fresh and avoid any stale or musty smells accumulating, therefore improving the overall air quality.
Consider Air Conditioning
Although opting to install air conditioning units may be a somewhat pricey solution, it is absolutely guaranteed to work, being one of the most modern and effective cooling methods available. Some air conditioning units also have added heating systems, which means you can utilise them all year round, making them a fantastic investment in the long run.
While the ability to achieve successful temperature control in all seasons is the most significant benefit of air conditioning, there are several other ways in which units can improve your conservatory. Thanks to the constant introduction of new technology, air conditioning units are now super easy to use. Almost all modern units can be controlled from your smartphone or tablet via an app. Here you can change the temperature, fan speed and mode (hot or cold air) whenever you want without even needing to stand up! If you’re struggling to identify the best smart air conditioning unit for your home, take a look at Tom’s Guide. Along with ease of use, another great advantage of air conditioning is that it acts as a humidifier, avoiding a build-up of condensation and mould in your conservatory.
If you are keen on the idea of air conditioning but find the high expense a little offputting, an alternative is solar-assisted air conditioning units. Being solar-assisted, they are ideal for summer months when the sun is out in full force, meaning you will have to pay little in terms of energy bills. Not only are solar-assisted air conditioning units cheaper to run, but they are also so much kinder to the environment, ultimately working towards lowering your home’s carbon footprint. For more ways to make your home more eco-friendly, head over to Architectural Digest.
Invest In Double Glazing
By ensuring that your conservatory is equipped with double glazing, you can increase its ability to insulate itself. Double glazed glass panes are composed of two sheets of glass with a layer of air between them. This makes it more difficult for heat to travel through, meaning that your conservatory will be better at maintaining its internal temperature, whether it be hot in the winter or cool in the summer. Our experienced team offer double glazing in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas, which can be incorporated into your conservatory design.
Fit A Ceiling Fan
A ceiling fan will not only cool your conservatory but will also reduce energy costs and enhance your room’s style. Keeping windows open while the fan is in operation is vital to ensuring the hot air has an exit route and fresh air can be drawn in from the outside. Ceiling fans are available in a variety of styles and colours, so you are guaranteed to find one that will complement your conservatory perfectly. We love the unique ceiling fans featured on Home Designing’s blog post, as they can really add definition and style to the room.
Installing a ceiling fan is a pretty straightforward task to tackle, and it can either be completed independently or, if you are less confident in DIY, by enlisting the help of an electrician. In some cases, for instance, if you are installing a fan in a place that currently has a light fixture, it is strongly recommended to call a professional. This is because it is more than likely that there will be some new wiring and switches that will need to be fitted to allow the ceiling fan to work safely and effectively. Dummies have put together a helpful guide on everything you need to know about installing a ceiling fan.
Perfectly Cooled Conservatories
There is nothing worse than feeling hot and bothered in your own home, so keeping cool is essential. Your conservatory’s prime time is during the summer, so it is vital you are able to manage its temperature so that you can use it as much as possible. Whether you opt for one or several of the above suggestions, we can assure you that your conservatory will remain at an ideal temperature throughout the warmer months.
If you are considering renovating your home by building a conservatory or need expert advice on cooling solutions tailored to your specific setup, please feel free to contact Crown Windows. Our specialist team are highly experienced in building bespoke conservatories and installing cooling solutions in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.
Crown Windows Project – Conservatory with Guardian Tiled Roof
