Sunrooms can be great in-between spaces, where you get the best of both worlds. However, in the summer, even these spaces can get quite warm without preparation. One benefit is that the space acts as a buffer to your home, so the cooling needs for inside your home may actually be less. 

How Hot Does a Sunroom Get?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether a sunroom gets too hot during the summer. Understanding how sunrooms are affected by heat and exploring possible solutions can help you enjoy your sunroom year-round. Research on the specifics of sunroom temperatures is limited, but data we’ve gotten from surveys and customer feedback suggest quite a jump.

Why do sunrooms get so hot?

There are several factors that, when they meet, create a scorching hot environment inside of a sunroom:

Solar Heat Gain

Glass allows sunlight to enter freely, and as the light energy is absorbed by surfaces inside the sunroom, it gets converted into heat. This is also how greenhouses work; they trap heat and make the space much warmer than the surrounding outdoor temperature.

Lack of Insulation

Unlike rooms with traditionally insulated walls and roofs, sunrooms often have large glass panels. This means that while sunlight heats the room, there is minimal resistance to heat buildup, making the room feel hotter as the day progresses.

Limited Ventilation Options

A sunroom that isn’t well-ventilated traps hot air, causing the temperature to rise. Without proper airflow, the sunroom can feel stuffy and uncomfortable—particularly on sunny days. Luckily, Lumon’s sunrooms are built with retractable windows that open up whenever you need a breeze.

How to stay cool in your sunroom  

Here are a few ways you can add some cool to your summer sunroom routine.

Keep the cold drinks coming 

Nothing pairs better with summer heat than cold drinks. Consider investing in an ice-maker to always have a steady supply to freezing-cold cubes for your drinks. Having a portable, accessible outdoor cooler is also a great way to keep your drinks ice-cold when it’s blazing-hot outside. It’s not just about comfort, but also safety. Hotter weather contributes to dehydration, so drinking enough water and staying cool is crucial during a heat wave!

Open up the panels 

A summer breeze is what we all need. In a retractable sunroom, you can slide the panels open in a way that allows for a nice breeze to come through the space. With retractable screens, you can also make sure that the bugs stay at bay, but the breeze is welcome inside.

Move air around the space

Hot, sticky air feels worse when it sits still within the room; moving it around will make a huge difference. There are a few options to consider for this. Start with an oscillating fan, and if it’s within your means, a ceiling fan or an air conditioning system can help even more without taking up too much more room.

You can read more here about why it is so important to have good ventilation in your home, and how a retractable sunroom can actually contribute to the overall health of your home. 

Embrace natural heat-blocking materials

Staying cool can even be as simple as the materials and colours you use. Did you know that linen is a great material for helping you to keep cool in the summer? Wear linen, and you’ll probably feel an immediate difference. As for dressing up the sunroom, linen curtains are a sustainable, classy, and timeless choice. 

White reflects heat, so wearing white clothing and adding white curtains can help to repel the sun’s overwhelming heat.

Get set for your best summer yet

The heat and sunshine of summer is a big part of the reason why so many love the season. Just make sure to take the necessary measures to enjoy your retractable sunroom in the summer heat.

Despite the challenges that the heat presents, a sunroom can be a beautiful, functional, and well-designed space. The benefits of natural light, panoramic views, and an outdoor feel make it an attractive home feature. All it takes to make a summer-ready sunroom is a few small adjustments.  Have questions about how to best keep your sunroom cool? Just reach out—we’re happy to answer any questions you have.