It’s warming up out there, but your sunroom can provide a pleasant environment indoors. As summer takes hold, however, your large, beautiful windows could allow excessive heat to enter, making conditions unpleasant or downright unbearable.
What might you invest in to give you lasting comfort and energy efficiency? We’ve gathered seven tips for keeping your sunroom cool in the summer and controlling its climate so you can enjoy it all year-round.
1. Air Conditioning
If your unit is powerful enough, you can have your HVAC vents extended into the sunroom so you can control the temperature directly with the thermostat. Or, to give the sunroom its own distinct climate, you might opt for a window unit or ductless system. We recommend pairing this approach with other ways to cool down your sunroom to avoid raising your energy bill, as the A/C has to work harder to cool the additional space.
2. Sufficient Airflow
Airflow lets lingering heat circulate out of your sunroom, effectively maintaining a cooler space. Consider installing a ceiling fan or placing a tower fan on the floor to direct air towards your ventilation. In some locations, you can take advantage of crosswinds that sweep the warm air from your sunroom.
3. Insulation
Insulation acts as a climate-control barrier between the interior and exterior of your sunroom. Some homeowners request the installation of foam or fiberglass materials with an excellent R-value inside of their walls. Insulation between the floor joists is also a strategic method of trapping cooled air. Additionally, this can contain the heat in the wintertime.
4. Humidity Control
When the humidity is high, the air feels dense and sticky. If you’ve ever walked in and immediately decided your sunroom is too hot, excess moisture in the air could be a major contributing factor. Add a dehumidifier to the room to lower the humidity and maintain a refreshing environment.
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5. Window Treatments
Based on the position and direction of the sun, its rays may get particularly intense at certain hours of the day. Putting up control treatments such as shutters, shades and blinds will cool down your sunroom by filtering out some of the harsh heat and glare, plus provide an aesthetic touch.
6. Window Tinting
While window tinting blocks some of the sun’s brilliant light from shining through the glass, it also significantly reduces the heat from solar gain. You can consider installing windows with a tinted film during construction or have it applied after the fact if you need it.
7. Switch to CONSERVAGLASS
As your windows create the most heat transfer into your space, choosing the right glass is crucial for keeping your sunroom cool. ConservaGlass NXT™ is uniquely designed for sunrooms, offering reduced glare, an 86% reduction in solar gain, and up to 91% reflection of UV rays.
CONSERVAGLASS features a patented 12-layer formula with scratch-resistant surfaces and tempered safety glass construction that’s four to six times stronger than normal glass. Choose CONSERVAGLASS for your windows and skylights and enjoy lower energy costs, as well as a controlled temperature throughout summer and winter.
Contact Your Local Sunroom Professionals at Maryland Sunrooms
From consulting on personalized designs to completing high-quality additions, Maryland Sunrooms is the region’s leader in sunroom construction. With our expert installations and unparalleled warranty coverage, you’re guaranteed a room you’ll love for years. Schedule your free consultation with an installation specialist today by submitting an online form!
Julie Shetter is the Marketing Director at Maryland Sunrooms. She has over a decade of experience in the home improvement and sunroom industry.