Whether it’s raining, snowing or just a bit chilly, your garden room should serve as a warm space for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying nature. It should be functional all year round, with good insulation to keep it warm in the colder months.
But if your insulation is poor, there are ways to improve this and keep your space toasty as we’ll explore in this guide.
What we'll cover:
How to heat a garden room
If you notice a chill in your garden room, there could be many causes. It’s likely that it’s not well insulated, there’s gaps and cracks in the structure or single-glazed windows. Fortunately, there are many ways to heat your garden room – from cost-effective heating equipment to longer lasting methods like window replacements.
Portable heater
If you’re on a budget, consider using a portable heater to warm up your garden room. Position it close to your seating area so you get the most from the heat and opt for one that lets you adjust the temperature to your preference.
There’s plenty of options including an oil-filled radiator which costs around £50, to a fan heater which you can pick up for around £15. While these do take up floor space, they are portable so you can move them around or put them in storage during the summer. The downside is that you can end up with a hefty energy bill if you’re not cautious about the use.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come with a full electric kit, so just let your installer know the best places to position the plug sockets if you choose to buy one with us.
Electric radiator
To distribute heat equally around the room, consider an electric radiator. These are more pricey and range from around £90 to £300, but they look aesthetically pleasing and are commonly used in outbuildings like garden rooms.
They offer greater control with adjustable temperatures and a timer, so you can monitor your electricity usage better. They are also more energy efficient compared to central heating because they only heat up the space you’re using.
Hot air fan
Another solution is a hot air fan. These are available for as little as £15 or up to £200 for more advanced ones, which tend to have cool air settings, so serve as a versatile tool that you could use in the summer months too.
Hot air fans work by blowing out heat. They warm the space up quite quickly which is handy if you’re using your garden room for shorter periods of time. Do some research to find a quality model that’s not too noisy.
Underfloor heating
Underfloor heating is a good way to evenly distribute heat around your garden room and can be more cost-effective in the long run. It doesn’t distract from the room's aesthetic either, or floor space.
Furniture and accessories
A simple way to keep your garden room warm is by opting for cosy furniture and accessories. Avoid leather because it can be freezing in the cold, and instead go for a warm fabric to keep you toasty.
Use thick blankets and put down a rug to better insulate the floor. Plush curtains also stop heat from leaving through the windows.
Fill gaps or cracks
If you notice cold draughts and condensation, there could be gaps or cracks in your window and door frames. These can easily be filled with a waterproof silicone sealant if you're handy with DIY, which can be picked up for under £10.
Start by removing your old sealant and cleaning the area. Once dry, put your sealant tube inside a caulking gun and run it neatly across the area. Use your finger to smooth it out and remove excess, then allow it to dry.
Double-glazed doors and windows
If your garden room has single-glazed windows, it will feel colder and you might notice condensation too. They are manufactured from one pane of glass, so heat can easily escape and they have poor insulation properties.
Replace your garden room windows and doors with double-glazing, which is manufactured from two panes of glass helping to insulate and make it more energy efficient.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come ready with double-glazed windows and doors as standard. Choose from French, double-glazed patio or bi-fold doors, and add full-height or corner windows too.
Solar panels
Another way to keep a garden room heated is by installing solar panels. You would need to ensure the roof is stable enough to hold them, but if it is, the renewable energy generated can keep both your house and your garden room heated – reducing your energy bills.
Speak to a specialist solar panel supplier before installing your garden room.
Insulation
A quality garden room will come fully insulated to ensure it’s suitable for use all year round. Insulation will keep it warm, prevent condensation and make it more energy efficient.
Insulation in a garden room can be found in the walls, windows, doors, floor and roof to stop heat from leaving. Over time, it could wear down so it might need replacing. Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come fully insulated, so you don’t have to worry about installing it yourself.
How much does it cost to heat a garden room?
The cost to heat your garden room depends on its size and method. Below are some estimations, but the actual figure will differ depending on your use.
Per year, it could cost you between £180-£550* in running costs for underfloor heating based on a room that measures 10-30 square-metre. This is in addition to the £500–£8,000* it could cost you to install it in the first place.
A 2kW electric heater averages out to 55p per hour*, which works out to around £68.20 a month if you were to leave it on for four hours per day.
To replace a glazed window, it can cost you anywhere between £300-£5,000 per window* depending on the material, size and style of the window.
*Prices are correct as of 2024.
How to insulate a garden room
To avoid high heating costs, insulating your garden room should lead to long term cost savings.
Check the existing insulation is still fit for purpose, and add thick curtains and seal any gaps. You can also fix insulation boards to your walls. While this will help to retain heat in your garden room, it can be quite messy and disruptive, and reduce your floor space.
A modern garden room shouldn’t need any additional insulation for many years but it’s worth keeping an eye on temperature in older ones, as it’s easy to fit insulation boards if needed.
How do you run electricity to a garden room?
Whether you’re using your garden room as an office, craft room or music studio, it will need a supply of electricity.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms come with an internal electric kit which includes four spotlights, double switch, three double sockets, panel heater, consumer unit and two external downlights
To connect this to your home, you will need to dig a trench for an underground cable and use an armoured cable. A qualified electrician can then connect it.
Are garden rooms warm in winter?
Modern garden rooms are warm all year round. Fully insulated, they serve as a space to relax in the coldest of months.
If you notice a chill in your garden room, there are plenty of ways to heat it. But if your garden room is not insulated or older, the hot air you’re adding can easily escape. In that case, it might be time to replace your garden room.
Eurocell’s Garden Rooms are fully insulated and come with double-glazed windows and doors to keep it energy efficient and cosy all year round. Choose from a range of sizes and styles if you’re looking for a warm garden room.
