Have you recently built a sunroom on your property? Are you wondering whether the space will be usable during the chilling winter months? A sunroom can allow you to enjoy outdoor views throughout the year. However, to use the room during the winter, you may need to install a heating system. Below are three practical heating options you should consider for the new space.

Extend Your Ducted Heating System

If you have a ducted heating system, you can use it to heat your sunroom. With ducted systems, such as heat pumps and furnaces, you only need to extend the ductwork to the new structural addition. The greatest benefit of this option is that you don't need to invest in a new heating system. You only need new ducts, vents, and other installation supplies to complete the project.

On the downside, your current heating system will need to be able to handle the extra load from the sunroom. If your system's capacity cannot withstand the extra load, the furnace or heat pump will become less efficient, which will lead to heating problems throughout the home. Over-exerting the system can also cause frequent breakdowns. Therefore, examine your system's heating capacity to determine whether extending it is a viable option.

Install a Ductless Mini-Split System

If your current heating system can't handle the extra load, you can install a new heating system in the sunroom. One of the most efficient options for heating a small space is a ductless mini-split system. Mini-splits come with an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler, and they don't require any ductwork. Their small size and flexibility make them an excellent choice for sunroom heating. 

Mini-splits have a reverse-cycle function that allows them to provide both heating and cooling. Therefore, you can use them all year round for cooling and heating. The only downside of using a mini-split is that it can short-cycle when sized incorrectly. Therefore, measure your sunroom's cooling load and buy the right unit size for efficient heating.

Go for Electric Baseboard Heaters

Electric baseboards use a heating element to generate heat and distribute it in a room. The baseboards are installed along the bottom of the wall, which allows efficient distribution of heat around the livable spaces. These heating systems do not require ductwork, vents, outdoor units, or heat blowers, which simplifies the installation. On the downside, baseboard heating tends to dry out the air; thus, you may require a humidifier to keep your sunroom comfortable.

Consider the above heating options to increase the usability of your sunroom during the winter. For professional heating system retrofits or installations, contact an HVAC company like Dr HVAC, Inc.

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