In the UK, households need to think about temperature control – especially in the winter.
When it gets bitterly cold, you want to make sure every room in the house is well-insulated for enough warmth.
It is hard to enjoy a space if you cannot help but shiver in there, after all! Plus, a cold temperature inside can quickly lead to condensation and potential mould growth.
Temperature plays a role in deciding whether to install a conservatory or an orangery. The question is, in an orangery warmer than a conservatory? Most would answer ‘yes’, but it is better to break it down before going ahead with either option.
What is the Difference Between an Orangery and a Conservatory?
Orangeries and conservatories are both house extensions that feature large windows.
The orangery, however, has more brick in its structure. The conservatory design can differ, but it is always made up of predominantly glass.
The Structural Materials of a Conservatory
The walls and the roof of a conservatory are made of glass. The frame is usually made of wood, aluminium, or uPVC.
The Structural Materials of an Orangery
An orangery is a strongly built structure made up of solid brick walls, a roof, pillars, and large glass panes.
An Orangery is Naturally Warmer than a Conservatory
Both orangeries and conservatories let heat escape during the winter due to the amount of glass in their structure. As an orangery’s structure consists of solid brick, it is naturally a warmer option.
If your main goal with your extension is temperature control – keeping the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter – then you may want to opt for an orangery.
That does not mean you should completely write off a conservatory, though.
How to Keep a Conservatory Warm
There are ways to keep a conservatory warm when it is cold. It might take a little more effort because of the absence of brick, but it can be done. To keep a conservatory warm, you should try:
– Thick blinds or curtains
– An electric heater
– A radiator
– A big rug
– Double glaze
– Underfloor heating
Consider where the conservatory is placed in, too – a south-facing conservatory will be naturally warmer as it allows more sunlight into the room.
How to Keep a Conservatory Cool
It is just as important to keep the conservatory cool during the hotter months. With the sun streaming through the glass, it can quickly build to a temperature that is too uncomfortable to sit in.
To keep it on the cool side, you should allow more airflow, block the sunlight (especially when at its highest), use air conditioning, and position it in a more shaded area (such as north-facing).
There are ways to ensure temperature control in both an orangery and a conservatory. You do not have to worry too much about the temperature difference. If you want the warmest one, though, the best option is the orangery.
