Last week the BBC announced that gas prices have risen by 250% (that means gas prices are 3.5 times higher) since the start of this year, forcing 2 more energy companies out of business.
But what does this mean for conservatory owners and the 85% of UK householders that use gas central heating?
The BBC article states that a rise in the energy cap in October will bring a 12% increase in gas bills for 15 million households on variable gas tariffs. Those on fixed price tariffs will not be affected until the end of their tariffs when they too are likely to face steep rises.
Those on standard tariffs with typical energy usage could see an increase of £139 to £1,277 per year. Larger houses will have larger bills and face larger increases.
In a report by BRE for the Department of Energy and Climate Change it was estimated in 2013 that 18% of UK homes contained conservatories.
The report stated that, if heated, conservatories can result in a significant additional space heating requirement, particularly if they have poor thermal performance (e.g. if they are single glazed).
In addition, leaving a door open between the house and conservatory in winter will result in additional heat loss from the house.
The results of the analysis indicate that:
- Around 77% of conservatories have heating.
- Just over half of those with heating (55%) are connected to the central heating system.
- 42% have storage or direct electric heaters, including portable heaters.
- In winter, 56% of conservatories with heating are heated every day. Only 20% are never heated.
- 45% of occupants report that they heat the conservatory to the same temperature, and 39% to a lower temperature, than the house.
- In approximately 91% of dwellings with conservatories there is a separating door.
- Most households with a conservatory with a separating door (83%) keep the door shut in winter: This is mainly to keep heat in the room, and also for security.
- Of the smaller proportion (17%) of households who reported the door was kept open, it is mainly for convenience.
- The average (median) annualised gas consumption for homes containing a conservatory heated by gas is 18,200 kWh which is significantly higher than the median gas consumption of 13,400 kWh for homes without a conservatory.
The number of new conservatories being built and also the use of existing conservatories has increased due to the covid-19 pandemic, as more people worked from home, moved to the country or built new conservatories to create more space at home.
With winter approaching, it is an ideal time to review energy costs and explore ways to reduce them or, perhaps, minimise the inevitable increases.
One option is to improve the thermal efficiency of your conservatory roof. Warm air rises and the roof is often the weakest link through which most of the heat escapes.
Most polycarbonate roofs can be replaced with glass roofs and some glass roofs can be replaced with more modern, more thermally efficient glass. Both these options can help keep your conservatory cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Here are some important factors to consider when contemplating which choice to make.
- Thermal efficiency - check the U-number.
- Cost - initial cost and maintenance.
- Aesthetics - glass is more attractive.
- Life expectancy - glass is less susceptible to warping & visible degradation.
- Weight - your roof structure must be adequate to support glass.
- Planning & lead times - not forgetting the HGV driver shortage.
- Installation time - when do you need it complete?
- Noise - glass has better sound insulation properties.
- Water-proofing - polycarbonate is more susceptible to leaking.
- Repairability.
- Safety.
- Brightness and light transmissibility.
- Building regulations.
All in all there are a lot of factors to consider which make it a job best left to the experts.
We are booking orders for some months ahead at the moment so, bearing in mind the possible supply chain complications caused by the HGV driver crisis, it’s best to think ahead.
If you would like a no-obligation free consultation to discuss your options, please contact us.
