You’ve got a conservatory. Maybe it’s your morning coffee spot, a little reading nook, or just somewhere to soak up sunlight on a cold day. But come winter, that lovely glass space can feel more like a fridge than a relaxing retreat. Sorting the heating is key if you actually want to use it year-round.
Now, there’s a bunch of heating options that could work for your conservatory. Each one has its quirks, benefits, and drawbacks. Some are better for occasional use, others for daily comfort. Choosing the right one isn’t about ticking a box it’s about figuring out what suits you, your space, and how often you’re in there.
1. Electric Radiators
These are probably the most common option. Easy to install, no need to mess around with plumbing, and they heat up quickly. Wall-mounted or freestanding, you’ve got a fair bit of flexibility with placement.
They use electricity to warm up an internal element, which then radiates heat into the room. Many smart electric radiators come with thermostats and timers, giving you more control over when and how they heat.
Why they might work for you:
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Quick to install.
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Easy to control.
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No need for a gas connection.
Downsides? Running costs can creep up, especially if you’re using them often. And while they do warm the space, the heat can sometimes feel a bit ‘dry’. If you’ve got high ceilings or loads of glass, you might find the warmth doesn’t hang around as long as you’d like.
2. Infrared Panels
These are a bit different. Instead of heating the air, infrared panels warm up the surfaces and objects in the room like your floor, walls, furniture, and even you. Think of it a bit like sunshine: you feel the heat directly.
They’re slim, often wall or ceiling-mounted, and some even double as mirrors or picture frames. Stylish, if that’s your thing.
Pros:
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Fast, direct heat.
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Low maintenance.
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Silent and sleek.
But: Infrared heating takes a little while to wrap your head around. It’s less common, and because it doesn’t heat the air, you might notice the room feels cooler even though you feel warm. Also, the placement matters. If you stick the panel behind a bookcase or in a weird corner, it won’t do much good.
3. Underfloor Heating
Now we’re talking about something more long-term. Underfloor heating is just what it sounds like wires or water pipes installed beneath your flooring that radiate heat upwards. It feels brilliant underfoot, especially in winter.
There are two types: electric (a.k.a. dry systems) and water-based (wet systems). Electric’s easier to retrofit, especially if you’re not keen on ripping up your entire floor. Water-based is usually more efficient over time but more work to install.
What’s nice about it:
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No bulky radiators.
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Even, consistent heat.
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Great if you’re already renovating.
Still, it’s not cheap upfront. And it’s not very quick to respond. If you suddenly feel chilly and want to bump the heat, underfloor systems don’t give that instant result. Also, they work best in well-insulated conservatories. If yours leaks heat like a sieve, you might be disappointed.
4. Extending Your Central Heating
You can connect your conservatory to your main central heating, usually with a radiator or two. But you’ll need to check a few things first. Planning permission, building regs, all that admin.
Plus, it can be a bit of a project. You’ll need pipework run into the conservatory, which isn’t always simple depending on the layout of your house. And most heating engineers will remind you that if your conservatory’s not insulated well, you’re just throwing heat (and money) out the window. Literally.
The good bits:
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Runs off your existing system.
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Can be cost-effective long term.
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Heats evenly and predictably.
Not so good:
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Installation can be invasive and pricey.
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Not allowed in all conservatories without certain insulation levels.
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Takes away a bit of independence you can’t heat it separately from the rest of the house unless you add valves and zoning.
5. Portable Heaters
Honestly, these are more of a temporary fix. Oil-filled radiators, ceramic heaters, fan heaters they’re cheap to buy, easy to move around, and fine for short bursts of heat.
But you probably already know the downside: they’re usually inefficient and expensive to run for long periods. Some fan heaters also make enough noise to compete with your radio.
Use them if:
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You’re only in the conservatory now and then.
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You don’t want to commit to any major installation.
A Quick Note on Insulation
No matter what heating method you choose, if your conservatory isn’t insulated properly, you’re always going to struggle. Single-glazed glass and old polycarbonate roofs? You’ll be losing heat left, right and centre.
It’s worth checking if your conservatory could benefit from:
Roof insulation panels.
Upgraded glazing.
Thermal blinds or curtains.
Sometimes, improving insulation even just a little can make cheaper heating options work a lot better.