How to Keep Your Sunroom Warm and Cozy in the Winter

Sunrooms, also known as screen rooms, make an excellent addition to any home. They let you enjoy fresh air and sunshine in a comfortable, controlled environment, allowing you to experience the outdoors no matter the weather. We’re not just talking about rain or wind, either. With a few simple updates and additions, you can enjoy your sunroom year-round, even as a cozy winter retreat.

A “four-season sunroom” or “all-season sunroom” is often the best choice for homeowners wanting to use their room year-round. Unlike traditional three-season sunrooms, four-season sunrooms are built with enhanced insulation, double-pane windows, and solid walls and often have integrated heating and cooling systems. These features allow the space to stay comfortable throughout the year, regardless of outside temperatures. Still, depending on your climate, there are ways to make almost any type of sunroom usable during the chillier months.

Here are a few ways to ensure your sunroom is suited to 365-day use.

Insulate Windows and Doors

Insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable temperature in your sunroom. This is true whether you’re looking for a cool space to beat the summer heat or a cozy area during the winter months. When it is cold outside, a well-insulated sunroom will help prevent any heat in the space, whether from solar heating or a heating solution, from escaping.  

Applying weatherstripping to windows and doors can help prevent drafts. Hanging insulated or thermal curtains for use at night so as not to prevent solar heating or obscure your view can assist with heat retention and hold back the chill. For those planning upgrades, opting for double-glazed or insulated windows is a great way to obtain year-round comfort.

Add a Heating Solution

You may already have a ceiling fan in your space to create a nice breeze on those hot summer days. But did you know that the fan can push rising warm air back toward you when you reverse the spinning direction in the winter? This works especially well if you use a heating solution to warm the space further.

If you’re adding a new sunroom or renovating an existing one, consider adding a heat source such as baseboard heating, radiant floor heating, or a pellet stove. These investments can help homeowners in cooler climates maximize the use of their sunrooms. Portable heating is also an option, with electric or infrared space heaters or a portable electric fireplace.

Use Cozy Furnishings and Decor

When a chill sets in, changing the decor and furnishings in your sunroom can refresh its look and keep you warmer and more comfortable. Area rugs are a great way to prevent heat loss and keep your feet toasty warm. Soft blankets, throws, and pillows can also make the space feel more inviting and cozy.

A portable electric fireplace offers both heat and ambiance. But even warm-toned LED lights or lamps can create a comforting glow and make the room feel warmer.

Let Carolina Home Exteriors Create Your Year-round Oasis

With strategic planning and a few thoughtful updates, a sunroom can become a cozy winter haven. Contact Carolina Home Exteriors to help create your stylish and functional year-round sunroom oasis.