Anyone heard of polycool for conservatories? Instead of blinds?

waddy80

I've asked this on another thread, but got no answer so though I would try one last time.

We have just installed a conservatory and are looking at blinds etc. I have come across this company Polycool.

They supply solar inserts which are inserted into the poly carbonate roof. They claim they make a real difference in the temperature in both summer and winter. They have quoted me approx £400 for a 15sq m conservatory. Blinds would be £1000+.

And I've bought into the science bit. With blinds, the solar energy will already have entered the conservatory, where as with the insert it will refelct the energy.

Has anyone used these? I've googled them, and can only find good reports, but because it is so much cheaper than the blinds I'm still a bit sceptical.

sallyrsm

YES!! my Mum and I both have these I've got an Edwardian conservatory with a pitched roof and little tiny channels so mine took a fair while to fit she's got a lean to with 100mm channels and hers were a doddle to fit as she only has about 80 channels total.

THEY WORK. Her conservatory used to get so hot you could hardly breathe, now it's a pleasant ambient temperature...it really does knock the temp down an awful lot. You still know it's a hot day outside don't get me wrong, it's not perfect the conservatory gets a bit warmer than the lounge, but nowhere near as bad as it used to be. Within ten minutes of fitting you could tell the difference.
I can't wait to find out if they keep the heat in in winter as well as they keep it out in summer.
We are both thrilled to bits with ours, and my Mum is the worlds pickiest/fussiest shopper. They sent us too much stuff though that is all I'd say... Mum got four rolls and had a whole roll left over, and that was with them measuring... we are SUPPOSED to be getting a refund on the unused roll but it's... how can I say... taking its time. Must chase them up.

That aside, I'd recommend Polycool to anyone who wants to use their conservatory in summer. (And I don't work for them either!!)

waddy80

Thanks for that, I'm glad it works for you. I know there are other companies out there that do it but polycool seems to be the one that gets the rave reviews. Got my parents coming round tonight and I'm going to see what my dad thinks. (I'm 28 and still can't make a decision!)

sallyrsm

I am 37 and I ummed and ahhed soooooo much the poor saleswoman had the patience of a saint!

waddy80

I've ordered, but apparentley the size and colour I want is out of stock for 10 days. Cost £421 for a 5m x 3m conservatory, which if it does what it says should save me a lot of money for blinds.

So I'm going to do a little experiment whilst I'm waiting. I will record the temperature in the conservatory every day until I fit the polycool and then record it after also. I will report my findings!

mollamb

We used these on our last conservatory which was in our south facing garden and we could use it all summer. Well worth investing in, cheaper than blinds and best of all maitanance FREE.

kentona77

Were you able to finish your experiment? Did you notice any considerable difference?

Has anyone noticed any difference with these inserts compared to previous years now the weather is getting colder?

Our main problem with the conservatory is that it gets so cold from now until March / April and are looking at ways of keeping it warm.

One other thing is that you say you got quotes of around £400 for a 15sq m conservatory, but when you look on there website for a 9sq m conservatory it gives a ‘guide’ price of over £400. Did a salesperson come round? Was this arranged through the website, as I couldn’t see any links to arrange this? It just has a section where you can get quotes on-line or by ringing up.

Sorry for all the questions, but thanks in advance for any replies.

SatanicHare

I fit these inserts for the D/G repair company that i work with and they do seem to work extremely well, i would imagine that the amount of glass (either full height or half brick) would also determine how much heat that the conservatory would retain in the winter though, but every little helps.

Roslin

sallyrsm
Did you notice a difference in the Winter? We are thinking about these inserts really to combat the cold in winter.
Thanks in advance.

janfit1305

Many of the companies who sell these inserts and fit them say they are really effective in the Winter but the answer is they will only make a small difference in the winter. Their real benefit is in the Summer when they do really work. They will help reflect radiant heat back into the conservatory in the winter but that will only make a difference if you have a radiant heat source.If you want to warm your conservatory up in winter the best solution is to upgrade ( better than glass) or just put on an extra jumper!
Polycool is well known as they used to advertise a lot (before they went bust) but there are other companies who are just as good. I would advise shopping around.

kaska_2

I've just read here that polycool have gone bust. I have spoken to them just today & they have given me a quote for conservatory, and am ready to place my order with them. I am now worried. I cant find anything on the internet to say they've gone bust & their website is still running & theyre taking calls & orders. Please help with more info. Thanks