Are Sunrooms Energy Efficient?
It's all in the windows
We live in a world that is becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. And so we all should learn to be a bit kinder to the environment. One of the ways home owners are dealing with energy efficiency is via their sunrooms. A sunroom is a clever extension to a home that lets the sun shine in, in all of its golden glory, because it has abundant windows and is on the exterior of the rest of the house. Some are extremely energy efficient because they have high grade tinted windows and although they allow light in, they deflect the harmful UV rays that cause sunburn and the fading of furniture. Warmth penetrates the glass and stays indoors. In summer, the tinting helps to protect those indoors from the harsh rays and it means still getting to dine al fresco, without the need for sunscreen!
Still, some people argue that due to the expanse of glass that makes sunrooms what they are, energy efficiency is reduced. In actual fact, it depends on the kind of glass used and whether or not it has an Energy Star efficiency rating. Double glazed or insulated windows feature an extremely thin layer of metallic film between two panes of glass and this helps to significantly reduce UV rays and the heat - the energy - transfer.
When the weather is hot and you need to cool the interior of the house, exterior shading can go a long way to prevent penetration of heat energy. Whether by the use of portable potted plants, large umbrellas or retractable blinds or awnings, shade is instrumental to keeping cool on the inside.
Another factor that assists with energy efficiency is ensuring that the seals on the windows are adequate. Gaps that allow air to move between indoors and outdoors enable air conditioned air to escape and hot - or cold - air to flow inside. It's vital to any room, not just sunrooms, that the seals are efficient.
If your windows are Energy Star rated, you'll be able to check the information on the National Fenestration Rating Council's label which should be supplied to you. The NFRC is an organization that provides independent and impartial certification under industry accepted standards for the energy performance of doors and windows.
Energy Star qualified windows that have low or moderate solar gain Low-E coatings not only increase the energy efficiency of your sunroom but also reduce fading of your possessions by as much as 75%. The coatings on the windows act much like a sunscreen lotion for your home by diminishing the harsh UV light while still allowing plenty of visible light in.
Even in winter when the temperature drops and makes it virtually impossible to sit by the windows in your sunroom, Energy Star qualified windows can make life far more comfortable. Thanks to the layer of insulation, the inside glass remains warmer, allowing you to sit wherever you like. It also means that the heating you're spending money on indoors, works efficiently.
By reading up on energy efficiency and learning about the basic principles, you can afford yourself much greater comfort at a lower cost, and all while being a good friend of the environment.