Many homeowners love the idea of a sunroom—a bright, airy space to enjoy outdoor views year-round. But when winter arrives in Ontario, that dream can quickly turn chilly. Drafty windows, inadequate insulation, and inefficient heating can make these spaces uncomfortably cold, forcing you out of your sunroom in winter, just when you need sunshine the most.
But don't give up on your sunroom! In this guide, we have easy-to-follow answers to fix those winter problems. Learn how to keep a sunroom warm in winter, no matter how cold it gets.
Let The Sun In
On sunny days, even when it's cold outside, open those curtains and blinds wide and let the sunshine naturally warm your sunroom in winter. The warm solar gain is free heat, and it's a great way to brighten your mood on those gray winter days.
Aside from insulating a sunroom, stone or brick materials can soak up the sun's warmth during the day and let the solar energy escape slowly, even after the sun goes down. If you're designing your sunroom or making updates, consider adding a stone accent wall or some brick pavers to help keep the space cozy.
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Sunroom Insulation: Where to Insulate
Insulating a sunroom is crucial for maintaining a comfortable temperature in your sunroom during a cold winter. Focus on these key areas:
Walls and Ceiling
To know how to keep a sunroom warm in winter, inspect the current insulation first. If it seems thin or you spot any gaps, it's time to add more. Options like spray foam insulation, which expands to fill every nook and cranny, can effectively seal and insulate these areas.
Alternatively, those familiar fluffy rolls of fibreglass batts can also significantly improve your sunroom's ability to hold heat. Proper insulation in these areas will create a comfortable and energy-efficient space.
Flooring
Believe it or not, cold floors can impact how warm a room feels. An easy and affordable way to add warmth to your sunroom in winter is by layering thick, plush rugs or carpets. For a more permanent solution, consider installing insulated subflooring or a baseboard heater beneath your existing floor. These extra layers act as a barrier against the cold seeping up from below.
And for the coziest comfort, explore radiant floor heating systems. These systems gently warm the floor itself, creating a soothing and consistent warmth throughout the sunroom.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are often the main culprit for heat loss in a sunroom. When you need to know how to keep sunroom warm in winter, start by carefully inspecting the seams around your windows and doors. Seal up any cracks or gaps you find with weather stripping (foam strips that stick around the edges) or caulk (flexible sealant that comes in a tube).
If your windows and doors are old and letting cold air in, showing signs of wear and tear, or no longer insulating a sunroom in the winter, consider upgrading to new, energy-efficient models. These are designed to keep the warmth in and the cold out, saving you energy and money in the long run. Look for windows with the ENERGY STAR® label, which certifies they meet strict energy efficiency standards.
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How to Optimize Heating
While solid insulation for your sunroom in winter is a great foundation, you might need a little extra warmth during those particularly frigid Ontario days. Here's how to make the most of your sunroom's heating system and add some warmth:
- Use Ceiling Fans: Did you know your ceiling fan can help keep your sunroom warm in the winter? Most ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the direction of the blades to circulate warm air. As heat rises, the ceiling fan gently pushes warm air from the ceiling down into the living space, creating a more comfortable and evenly heated environment.
- Optimize Furniture Arrangement: Is any of your furniture blocking vents or radiators, preventing hot air from circulating effectively? Rearrange your furniture to ensure that heat can flow freely throughout the space. Position seating areas away from drafty doors and windows to avoid those chilly spots in your sunroom in winter.
- Use Window Coverings: Window treatments, such as insulated drapes or thermal curtains, also regulate the temperature in your sunroom. Close them at night and on cloudy days to keep the warmth in, and open them during sunny periods to let the natural light in.
- Window Tinting: Applying a thin film of window tint to your sunroom windows can help reduce heat loss and block UV rays. This can be especially helpful in sunrooms that receive a lot of direct sunlight during the day.
- Portable Space Heaters: Consider a portable space heater if your sunroom doesn't have a dedicated radiant heating source or for extra warmth on particularly cold days. Choose an energy-efficient model with good radiant heat and safety features like automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.
- Cozy Seating: Enhance the comfort and warmth of your sunroom in winter by adding cozy throws and blankets to your chairs and sofas. These provide extra warmth when needed, while adding a touch of inviting texture and style to your sunroom décor.
Enjoy Your Sunroom in Winter with Clera Windows + Doors
Tired of freezing and heat loss in your sunroom during Ontario winters? Discover how to keep a sunroom warm in winter with our expert tips and high-quality windows and doors from Clera Windows + Doors.
Our expert team can assess your sunroom's insulation, recommend the best heating solutions, and provide high-quality, ENERGY STAR®-certified windows and doors that keep the cold out and the warmth in.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help transform your sunroom into a cozy winter retreat!
