What Are the Best Heating and Cooling Options for a Sunroom?
Do you like picnicking in the sun but don’t want to share your feast with mosquitoes and horseflies? We don’t blame you. Luckily, we have our sunrooms.
As warmer weather rolls into the midwest, maybe you’re thinking about upgrading your sunroom with a cooling system. Whether you’re relaxing with a cup of coffee in the morning or enjoying a nightcap while stargazing, a fully air-conditioned sunroom is the way to go.
Before investing in a heating and cooling system, you should take steps to make sure your sunroom is set up for prime energy efficiency and comfort. Since, by definition, sunrooms get more sun, they are prone to becoming hot and stuffy.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) recommends providing some shade and installing energy-efficient windows to balance heat and humidity. A Midwest Air Pros professional can also perform an energy audit and provide expert tips to maximize your space. Whether you’re in Springfield, Wichita, or Omaha, one of our vetted HVAC specialists is ready to assist.
Ready to make your sunroom a full-time space to unwind? Here are some heating and cooling options we recommend:
Extend Your Ductwork
If you already have a central heating and cooling, this option makes a lot of sense. But first, be sure to have an expert determine whether your AC and heating system can handle the extra square footage. If the room tends to be a few degrees hotter than the rest of your home, consider adding a zone-control-system. Zoning gives your sunroom a separate thermostat for you to fine-tune. Additionally, you can turn it off when you’re not using it.
Get a Ductless Mini Split
If a ductwork extension isn’t an option, ductless units are an excellent alternative for comfort and efficiency. A small and silent rectangular air handler mounts to your wall and connects to an outdoor unit. ENERGY STAR®-certified models use 60 percent less electricity than traditional models. While they require an upfront investment, they cost 30 percent less to operate, on average.
Just Cooling
Window box units can supply adequate cooling for small to mid-size rooms. You mount the box unit to a window, plug it in, and enjoy. We advise against purchasing a portable floor unit since they are major energy guzzlers and often don’t deliver the cooling you need.
Just Heating
Whether you have wood or tile floors, radiant-floor-heating will keep your sunroom perfectly toasty on the coldest of days. If your home uses a boiler in the winter, it can connect to a series of pipes underneath your floorboards to evenly warm up the room. Alternately, you can have electric panels installed to perform the same function.
Space Heaters
Tried and true, portable space heaters are an easy way to fight off cold patches in your home. Be sure to find the correctly sized unit for your space. You can calculate using the wattage:10 watts equals about one square foot of heating.
Need Heating and Cooling Help?
Let Midwest Air Pros put you in contact with the dream contractor for your summer sunroom project. We have a reputable network of HVAC professionals, electricians, and plumbers who can meet all your home needs. Spanning Omaha, NE, Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Wichita, KS, and Springfield, MO, the team for your next big job is closer than you think. Find a pro near you today.