New Conservatory - Cost & Heating

smartn

The orientation is pretty much due West facing but there doesnt appear to be any significant problem with the North facing bit. I'm going to chat to another neighbour or tow who have conservatories in the same orientation as we will be facing and get there perspective. Thanks for all the feedback, I like to go in to these things knowing and researching as much as I can so I know what I am letting myself in for, there has been some REALLY good feedback on this thread.

BertieUK

smartn wrote: »

The orientation is pretty much due West facing but there doesnt appear to be any significant problem with the North facing bit. I'm going to chat to another neighbour or tow who have conservatories in the same orientation as we will be facing and get there perspective. Thanks for all the feedback, I like to go in to these things knowing and researching as much as I can so I know what I am letting myself in for, there has been some REALLY good feedback on this thread.

I would like to say that the reasoning into why our Conservatory Roof PVC turn green so quickly is the close proximity of an oak tree, I should have pointed that out in one of the many posts that I took part in, sorry about that.:(

cyclonebri1

smartn wrote: »

The orientation is pretty much due West facing but there doesnt appear to be any significant problem with the North facing bit. I'm going to chat to another neighbour or tow who have conservatories in the same orientation as we will be facing and get there perspective. Thanks for all the feedback, I like to go in to these things knowing and researching as much as I can so I know what I am letting myself in for, there has been some REALLY good feedback on this thread.

I was going to suggest that very thing earlier, more to see if they do actually have any over/under heating issues.

You should also get some feedback more relevant to suppliers in your area.

To add to that, if you are going the supply and erct package route, I'd certainly try to go local for 2 reasons;

A trader is less likely to mess in his own back yard, and you will be doing your bit to support the local economy:T:T

Good luck, interesting to here which way you go eventually.

smartn

Pretty much ruled out any of the national companies, past experience and the recent Anglian quote is enough to put me off the big guys for life. Got another local firm coming around tonight and already had one quote from a local firm who have been around for 35 years and have seen the quality of there work which was very good.

julianashcroft

When I had my conservatory built a couple of years ago, I went for a solid lightweight roof. The conservatory is south facing and never gets over hot in the summer and the roof helps keep the heat in during the winter.

There's a blog of the construction here (I got bored doing it so never completed the blog).

smartn

Saw another local company last night. Again seem much more professional than the big guys without the smooth talking sales patter. He did seem suprised when I mentioned the possibility of an air to air heat pump as in his experience very few people have gone down that route. I have had a quote from a local company that will install a suitable one though and that is in the region of 2K fully fitted so not radically different from underfloor heating cost.

I can't really see any reason not to go for a heat pump but I really would like to hear from anyone who has got one.

Heat Pump - Pro's - Can be used for heat and cool. Running costs should be less than underfloor heating. Cons - Requires planning permission and does not deliver as even a heat as you would get from underfloor heating.

Anyone with anything to add to this?

sunshinetours

How well do they work in extreme cold temps?
If mounted up high how well does heat actually heat the lower part of the room where you will be.
Initial high cost?

Furts

sunshinetours wrote: »

How well do they work in extreme cold temps?
If mounted up high how well does heat actually heat the lower part of the room where you will be.
Initial high cost?

Durability and life expectancy for a heat pump. On the contrary what can go wrong with underfloor heating?

cyclonebri1

Furts wrote: »

Durability and life expectancy for a heat pump. On the contrary what can go wrong with underfloor heating?

I know that was a genuine post but I do know of several that have failed, and many more that can only supply background heat.

They really are too slow, like the old style electric storage heaters full of bricks and insulation. When you analyse that further, they are exactly the same.;)

smartn

Many thanks for all the replies again. In terms of cost I don't think there is a massive difference in initial outlay. Life expectancy is 10 years plus which I don't think is too bad. It's claimed they will work down to -15C however I'm taking that with a pinch of salt and if there are a few days in the year when we cant use the room so be it.

In terms of speed of applying the heat produced I don't think it would be much different to underfloor heating however I would really like to know from anyone who has used a heat pump in a modern conservatory with efficient glazing etc. The manufacturers make it sound like the perfect option (but then they would wouldn't they!).