How Can I Keep My Sunroom Comfortable in Autumn?

A sunroom can be a wonderful addition to a home—a bright and attractive space that combines the best of both indoor and outdoor living. However, during our complex Tennessee Valley autumns, a sunroom can become downright unlivable. It can also have a negative effect on your energy bills. So, to get ready for Autumn, here are a few suggestions for keeping your sunroom comfortable and your wallet happy.

See Also: From Leaving Your Windows Open to Turning on Your Furnace, Autumn is Just Around the Corner

Consider going Ductless

There are several designs that we offer and are more than happy to come talk to you about your options. Daikin even offers a Split System.  Not in your budget now? A space heater is great for those evening spent relaxing on your porch in the autumn. Just remember to never leave one unattended.

See Also: Daikin Ductless Split Systems

Keep It Moving

A ceiling fan or two, depending on the size of your sunroom, can make the room feel more comfortable on those warm days and help out your air conditioner by keeping the air circulating. On the cool nights, you can reverse the direction of the fan to help keep warm air circulating.

See Also: How to Get the Most Benefit from your Fan

Tint the Glass

Reflective window film can be installed onto existing windows. These films come in many different colors and types, and they generally decrease the amount of UV radiation entering the room, which can help to protect furniture. According to the US Department of Energy, the silver, mirror-like films block out heat more effectively than the more transparent kinds. However, these films can make the room darker as well. Special “spectrally selective” films, on the other hand, give you the best of both worlds, allowing in all the light while keeping out 40-70% of the heat.

See Also: Autumn Energy Saving Tips

Pull Down the Shades

Reflective blinds or shades can give you more flexibility in letting in or keeping out heat and light. According to the DOE, highly reflective blinds can decrease the amount of heat coming in by up to 45%. For the best results, the DOE recommends reversible shades, where one side is a light, reflective color and the other side is dark. On warmer days, the light, reflective side stops the sun’s heat from coming in. On cooler days, you can reverse the shades so that the dark side absorbs heat from the sun while keeping your home’s heat from escaping. Not in your budget? Consider adding basic, adjustable shades or window treatments. It would work similar to the more high-tech reversible shades. This time of the year when you want to keep the heat in at night and block the sun during the warmer days.

See Also: Do Windows Impact House Temperature

Keep the Air Inside

Clear caulk around window frames and weather stripping around doors can prevent your air from leaking out and sneaking in. If possible, depending on your sunroom’s design, insulation above the ceiling and under the floor can also make it more energy efficient.

See Also: Keeping Your Energy Bill Down in the Winter

Modernize Windows

If you have an older sunroom, you may want to consider investing in a major upgrade to more energy efficient windows. The Residential Energy Services Network recommends that sunroom windows have a “U-factor” less than 0.3, while standard single pane windows generally have a U-factor of 1.1. Energy Star-rated windows are available and sometimes qualify for energy efficiency tax rebates.  New windows not in your budget this time of the year? Consider adding storm windows.  They are not as efficient as the newer windows, but do help in insulating.  They are also good at protecting the interior comfort of the home from the outside elements.

See Also: Contact Us