If you live in a colder climate but crave the warmth of a sunroom, an all-season sunroom is just the thing. These sunrooms are placed on the sunniest side of the house so they capture maximum rays no matter the time of year. If you are considering one of these additions, the following guide can help answer your questions.

Are all-season sunrooms open to the outdoors?

One draw of a sunroom is being able to enjoy summer breezes indoors. While an all-season sunroom does have floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, these windows are designed to open fully so that you effectively have screen walls during the warm months. Some designs may even incorporate removable glass so that the room fully transitions into being a screen room in summer.

Does the home lose energy through the sunroom in winter?

You shouldn't experience any additional energy loss through the sunroom. All-season sunrooms use thermal sealed windows that are designed to trap solar heat in the winter while releasing very little internal heat to the outdoors. This is usually done by the use of well-sealed double or multi-paned windows. The ceiling and any wall space will also be fully insulated to further prevent heat loss.

Will you need to extend the HVAC system into the sunroom?

Yes, if you want the room to be heated in the winter. Generally, only furnace systems need to be extended into the sunroom system, since the rooms are generally open in summer and do not need additional cooling. An HVAC contractor can easily extend the ductwork into the new space. Your current furnace will likely be enough to handle the extra square footage, but you should verify this with your HVAC or sunroom contractor.

Can you use an all-season sunroom like a winter greenhouse?

All-season sunrooms are popular locations for moving tender plants to in winter. You can bring in cold-sensitive outdoor plants, like potted citrus or tropical flowers, and keep them in the warmth of the sunroom. Even houseplants may grow better in the sunroom in winter. In northern latitudes, many indoor plants droop due to lack of sunlight. Since a sunroom is designed to provide maximum light, placing the plants in there can help boost their health.

Are sunrooms secure from intruders?

A sunroom can have a locking door installed, if desired. The truth is, though, that a room made of glass, or just screens if it is summer, is not as secure as a solid wall. For this reason, it is a good idea to continue to use the main locks on the door that lead out to the sunroom. You should also consider adding the sunroom to your home's security system, if you have one. The room should be relatively secure when the glass walls are closed for winter. In summer, it will be just as secure as any other patio area around your home. Visit http://www.bluespringssidingandwindows.com for more information.