We are about to install an East facing conservatory 3m x 3m, and are worried about keeping it warm, as I hope to use it as a dining area all year round. Can anyone suggest an economical way of keeping it warm? Or some kind of lining for blinds to assist insulation?

Also - one wall (north) will be facing a brick wall and I wanted to hang heavy curtain against that side - how can I hang curtains on PCV?

Sorry to sound so ill-informed, but this is all new to me!!! Thank you.

never used them myself but several people have suggested these portable heaters to me.

http://www.lpg-portable-heaters.co.uk/

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Click Here for lots more information on conservatories, double glazing and kitchens

Good advice is often annoying--bad advice never is.--French proverb

have you tried thermilate insulating paint additive, it helps keep heat in the room(works by reflecting the heat back in the room).

from FAQ on thermilate website

"Q. Can Thermilate be used on conservatories?

A. Yes it can. Thermilate can be applied to a varnish or lacquer, that can be applied to the inside or outside of the conservatory roof. It will make the glass go opaque, not totally clear. The colour will be an off white as Thermilate is not clear. "

you can find out more at Insulating Paint Additive, Insulating Paint, Eco Paint Insulation, Energy Saving Paint

However you look at it, the key fact is insulation and heat input.
As far as heating is concerned the cheapest heat is still gas and probably the best form of heating is the standard radiator, quick to warm up and quick to cool down - probably cheapest to fit as an extension to your existing heating.
The quick to cool down is important when the sun comes out, thermostatic valves are a great help.
The insulation side is harder, double glazing as far as possible, insulated floor and walls.
By its very nature a conservatory will always loose heat.

on a budget i would use air con they throw out heat now and are easy to fit.
if you want more details and the spec of them contact me thanks.

Insulation insulation insulation.

Get the best roof you can budget for.
Ensure they insulate the floor and insulate the cavity.

It's not a huge area, so either extend the central heating or use a slim-line oil filled heater.
Pay a little more to get one with a thermostat

Insulation is important. Perhaps look into some suitable blinds.

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Everybody loves a conservatory.

Hi,

I have the same problem with my conservatory and i have a portable heater which does the job.

Thanks
Janine

Are portable heaters and air cons very noisy?

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A man who loves his conservatories... a little bit too much.

i'm trying on an experiment based on how they insulate greenhouses. using bubble wrap so it will still let light in

just bought a 50m roll of big bubble bubble wrap 750mm wide a couple of days ago and gonna stick this to the underside of my polycarbonate conservatory roof and monitor the temperature difference and see if it improves or not. at the moment its about 3 to 4 drgrees difference from outside. if i can get it without a heater to achieve a difference of an additional few degrees i think it would be worthwhile.

i have also got one of those portable LPG heaters as well but me careful u got to open abit of the window for ventilation as a safety precaution.

i sorta guess the culprit of the conservatory losign alot of heat is mainly the roof. and if that can be sorted with doubling up the bubble wrap to 2 layers to achieve a better U value then the heating would be more effecient.

i'm having a north facing conservatory hence its worst in the winter as there's totally no sun at all. i've sort of made it a sound/av room by moving all my kit in there so i hope i can withstand this comign winter to make it more hospitable.

i'd post reports and let u guys know if i'm successful. gonna be a few days sticking the bubble wrap up!