Sunrooms are the best place in the home to enjoy the summer. However, they can also be the hottest place, which is why it is crucial to learn the best ways to cool the sunroom down in the summer months. Everyone wants to enjoy the peace and quiet of a bug-free summer in your sunroom. That is why we recommend the following to help keep it cool and comfortable.
Start with Ventilation
One of the first things you will want to do is increase airflow in the sunroom. Opening the ventilation openings placed high up in the sunroom keeps heat from building up. If you find that these openings are not sufficiently ventilating the room, then you can install ventilation fans that can help force the hot air out of your sunroom.
Minimize Solar Gain
Tinting the windows of your sunroom or installing blinds can keep solar radiation from cooking your sunroom. Additionally, you can connect your blinds to our home automation system. You can set the system to automatically close the blinds during the hottest parts of the day, and open them when things cool off.
In regard to blinds, there are numerous types of blinds you can select from. While you will want blinds that match your decor, it is equally important to look for more practical features. In particular, you will want blinds that can be opened or tilted up/down, as this can help you divert solar radiation away from the room.
Another highly effective method of reducing solar gain is to install insulated windows on your sunroom. Insulated windows are filled with inert gases that do not conduct heat efficiently. They provide an effective and efficient barrier to conduction which can help keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Insulate the Sunroom
Insulation is a critical element of sunroom design. However, if your sunroom is a converted open porch, then it is quite possible that you do not have adequate insulation. The most comfortable sunrooms in North Carolina have fiberglass or foam insulation of sufficient R-value for the regional climate. This insulation should be applied to the walls, roof, and floor of the sunroom.
Shade the Sunroom
Careful placement of trees, shrubs, and other landscaping elements can reduce direct sunlight on the exterior of the sunroom. This can further reduce the amount of solar heat gain. It also provides a pleasant ambiance and a hint of shade that will further enhance your enjoyment of the room.
Install a Ductless Mini-Split
A ductless mini-split unit can provide plenty of cool air to your sunroom. Installing these systems does not require extensive renovations or expensive remodeling of the sunroom. Once installed, the unit’s are so small that you will hardly notice it at all. Another benefit of a mini-split is that it can be used to generate warmth in the winter which extends your ability to comfortably enjoy the sunroom throughout the year.
Do you want to know more about the ductless mini-split systems we install? Contact Unique Air Heating & Air Conditioning at (704) 865-7474 and we will tell you about the heating and cooling systems we recommend to our clients in Gastonia, NC.