Best Sunroom Heaters: Cozy Up Your Space During a Cold Spell

A sunroom is an ideal place to sit in winter, soaking up sunshine throughout the daytime while enjoying a good outdoor view. 

Whether it’s a rainy or windy day, your leisure time in the sunroom is not interrupted. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for extreme hot and cold weather conditions. Things can turn uncomfortable if your sunroom is not adequately heated. Similarly, harsh sun during the summer months can force you to vacate the sunroom altogether. 

Heating a sunroom in the cold winter may seem like a challenge, but that is where sunroom heaters come in. You can use different sunroom heating and cooling units to utilize the space all year round. 

How to Heat a Sunroom in the Cold Winter?

From a mini-split heat pump to a space heater, here are some of the top sunroom heating solutions to keep you warm when it’s ice-cold outside. 

1. Mini-Split Heat Pump

A mini-split heat pump can be used as your sunroom heating and cooling unit, helping to maintain a stable climate all year round. No matter what the weather is like outside, you will be able to count on your sunroom being a cozy space.

Using a ductless heat pump is a perfect sunroom heating solution as it’s highly efficient. In addition, mini-splits are much simpler to install than a traditional central HVAC.

You can go smart by pairing it with a mini-split thermostat such as Cielo Breez Max. With smart climate controls, you can control all the settings from your phone, set daily/weekly schedules, save up to 25% energy, and so much more.

2. Portable Heat Pump

Portable heat pumps are compact, lightweight units that can heat and also cool your sunroom with the additional benefit of portability. The whole heating and cooling mechanism are fitted inside a vertical body with wheels for easy movement. 

Like any other type of heat pump, it takes in heat from the outside environment and ejects it indoors. Portable units do not require installation; you just need to put their exhaust pipe out through a window or by boring a hole in the wall. 

You can also connect it with a thermostat for ductless units to make use of smart features. 

3. Space Heater

Space heaters, also known as portable or plug-in heaters, are a highly affordable option for your sunroom. They start heating your space within minutes of being plugged in. Space heaters are available in various designs and sizes and are suitable for heating a specific section or your entire sunroom.

These heaters use electricity, propane, kerosene, or natural gas to operate. Electric space heaters either work by convection, hot air circulation, or radiant heating that emits infrared radiation. Radiant heating is best if you are looking for instant warmth in a particular section, while convection heating is more suitable for the entire sunroom.

Safety is a big concern with space heaters, so opt for heaters with features such as a tip-over switch that shuts down in case of accidental tipping and overheating protection. Also, all heating safety guidelines should be followed, and the heating should be kept away from kids and pets.  

4. Central HVAC System

Extending your central heating system to the sunroom is an effective option. If you have a sunroom with a glass ceiling, the ducts can be routed under the floor or in the walls. You can also install them in the adjacent room if tearing up the floor and walls isn’t an option.

As the sunroom gets a good amount of natural sunlight, its temperature may differ from the rest of your house. In this case, you can opt for HVAC zoning. In this way, your home will have different temperature zones, with the sunroom getting a dedicated zone. You can then easily change temperature and humidity levels without disturbing the rest of your house. A dual-zone thermostat would be particularly helpful in controlling each zone’s temperature settings.

5. Baseboard Heater

Baseboard heaters have a sleek design and are installed against the wall, saving floor space. They are a great option for small sunrooms.

There are various types of baseboard heaters. Hydronic heaters are filled with water or oil and use a heating element to warm up the liquid and then disperse warm air in the room. They are a more efficient option than convection baseboard heaters. Electric baseboard heaters use electrical resistance to generate heat, but they are inefficient and costly to run. Gas baseboard heaters burn natural or LP gas, offering high efficiency but with higher installation costs.

6. Thermal Heating

Sunrooms have multiple windows and get abundant sunlight all day long. You can use this natural heat to warm up your space. It’s an eco-friendly sunroom heating solution, plus there are no energy bills!

The amount of light transmitted through a window depends on the type of glass. Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) measures the fraction of solar radiation emitted through a glass pane. It is rated on a scale from 0 to 1. To maximize the amount of light entering your room, opt for a glass with a high SHGC rating.

Related: What Is Passive Solar Heating & How It Can Help Cut Down Carbon Emissions and Energy Bills

7. Radiant Floor Heating

If you are looking for uniform heating in your sunroom, radiant floor heating is an excellent option.

Radiant heating uses resistive wires or hot water tubes running under the floor to provide warmth. Unlike the forced air system, they do not blow air around, which helps reduce indoor air pollutants circulating around.

Related: Radiant Heat Vs. Forced Air – Which Is the Better Option?

While radiant heaters take time to heat your room, they are highly energy-efficient and provide even heating to every inch of the sunroom. As far as the installation process is concerned, they are difficult to install and require tearing up the floor. Also, if maintenance problems emerge, it isn’t easy to access the hidden piping system.

Top Heaters for Your Sunroom

1. Mini-Split Heat Pump – MRCOOL DIY Ductless Heat Pump

This mini-split by MRCOOL can be used to both heat and cool your sunroom, making it an ideal option for all-year use. In addition, it is a smart unit which means you can control all its features using your phone. You can also connect it with Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-off control.

It’s highly energy-efficient, making it one of the best heaters for your sunroom. It claims easy installation with no special tools or training required. In addition, this heat pump has a unique feature called a leakage detection alarm that notifies you in case of a refrigerant leak.

Pros	Cons
DIY installation	May clash with your decor
High efficiency
Refrigerant leakage detection
Smart capabilities

2. Infrared Space Heater – Heat Storm HS-1000-PHX-WIFI Infrared Heater

This infrared heater is easy to install, and you can set it up within 5 minutes. It comes with smart capabilities, making it possible to adjust the temperature, set schedules, and so much more using your phone.

Its wall mount design means you don’t have to compromise on the floor space. As infrared warms up objects instead of air, it is an efficient option that wastes little energy. This infrared model also provides overheating protection.

Pros	Cons
Simple installation process	Not suitable for large areas
Saves up floor space	No cooling option
Overheat protection
Smart functions

3. Portable Heat Pump – Serene Life SLACHT108 Portable Air Conditioner & Heater Compact

This portable heat pump has a sleek, lightweight design that would look great in your sunroom.  In addition to heating, it also has a cooling feature, so you don’t have to switch to another unit in the summer months.

The installation process is simple; you just have to plug it in, and it will start heating your sunroom in minutes. It comes with a remote control that you can use to turn it on/off, change the temperature fan speed, and use the timer mode.

While portable heat pumps operate noisily, this one has a low-noise motor installed that won’t affect your comfort at all.

Pros	Cons
Portability	Takes up floor space
Lightweight design
Provides both heating and cooling

4. Gas Heater – Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent Free Blue Flame Natural Gas Heater

It is a powerful 30,000 BTU unit that can efficiently warm up your sunroom. The gas heater uses convection to circulate warm air in your sunroom. It’s an environmentally friendly option for your sunroom as it uses blue flame gas and does not produce any harmful emissions.

This blue flame gas heater offers flexible installation – you can mount it on a wall or just place it on the floor. In addition, it’s equipped with a thermostat to give you complete temperature control.

If the oxygen levels fall below the safe limit, its oxygen depletion sensor will automatically shut off the unit. It also prevents overheating with the safety shut-off.

Pros	Cons
Eco-friendly	Not an attractive option
Suitable for large spaces	No cooling option
Oxygen depletion sensor

5. Comfort Zone Electric Baseboard Space Heater

This baseboard heater is the perfect solution for keeping your sunroom warm and comfortable. Designed for medium-sized spaces, it offers efficient and customizable heating with two heat settings and an adjustable thermostat, allowing you to create the ideal temperature. Safety is a top priority, featuring a tip-over switch, overheat protection, and a stay-cool body for worry-free operation. Plus, its whisper-quiet performance ensures a peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxation. 

Pros	Cons
Adjustable temperature settings	May not effectively heat larger sunrooms
Quiet operation
Safety first design

6. Sunnote Space Heater

The Sunnote space heater is equipped with a powerful 1,500W PTC heating element and a 3,000 rpm wind wheel, it rapidly increases the temperature in any room. The heater offers five modes, including four heating levels and a continuous work mode, allowing you to customize the warmth to your preference. Its 80° oscillation ensures even heat distribution throughout the space. Safety features such as overheat protection and a tip-over switch provide peace of mind during use. Additionally, the included remote control and 24-hour timer enhance convenience, making it easy to operate the heater from a distance and set it according to your schedule. 

Pros	Cons
Rapid heating	The heater body gets hot when running for a while
Quiet operation
Multiple heating levels
Remote control option

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sunroom Heater

Here are some of the factors that can help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing sunroom heaters:

1. Type of Unit

From ductless heat pumps to baseboard heaters, you have a wide range of options to choose from. If you have a large space, you should choose a powerful unit with a high BTU to ensure optimal heating. This air conditioning sizing guide can come in handy and help you determine the right fit.

Also, evaluate how much time you can take out for HVAC maintenance. Go for electric space heaters or portable heat pumps if you dread maintenance and don’t have the time for that. If you are extending your HVAC ducts, keep in mind that you would have to regularly inspect your ductwork and keep them clean.

2. Smart Controls

If you want climate automation for your sunroom, go for units with smart features or those that can be paired with smart climate control gadgets, such as smart mini-split thermostats and smart thermostats for central HVAC systems. 

With smart devices, you won’t have to micromanage the temperature settings in your sunroom. Instead, you can pair your smartphone with your unit and make changes even when away.

Plus, with energy-saving features, there is little to no energy wastage, which helps to save on energy bills.

3. Safety Features

Some heating systems, such as space heaters, can be a safety hazard if not used properly. Therefore, you should always look for safety features to avoid any damage.

The automatic shut-off feature, for instance, is a helpful feature to prevent overheating. Also, look for cool-touch exteriors that avoid burning. Another essential feature is tip-over mechanisms that shut down the unit if it is accidentally knocked over.

Tips to Improve Warmth in Your Sunroom

Apart from incorporating sunroom heaters, there are other things that you can do to retain warmth in your sunroom, such as using a floor rug or a ceiling fan. 

1. Add Insulation

Most sunrooms are built without any insulation, which means that even if you use a heating system, it would be quite hard to retain heat. To make your heater work effectively, insulating your sunroom is necessary.

The fiberglass or foam insulation type is great for the walls. Fill any cracks and gaps with caulking. You can try underfloor insulation for the floor to prevent heat loss and improve the heat-up time. 

2. Cover Your Windows

Prevent your warm air from leaking out around the window frames by installing weather stripping between the window sash and window frame.

To further improve the energy efficiency, insulate the windows with a film. The film will allow the sunlight in but will prevent heat loss through windows.

3. Keep the Floor Warm

In addition to floor insulation, you can also use rugs to conserve floor heat. It is a cost-effective option to minimize heat loss. Floor rugs and cushions provide a warm and comfortable place to sit or walk on.

Choose a thicker rug with a high stitch count to get the highest protection against heat loss. A loose-stitch rug won’t be of much use in the winter months.

4. Add a Ceiling Fan

You can use heaters to warm up your sunroom, but how can you distribute that heat evenly? Use a ceiling fan!

Yes, you can absolutely use a ceiling fan in winter; you just need to rotate in a clockwise direction. Most fans come with a switch that you can use to change airflow direction. Since hot air rises, incorporating a ceiling fan can be a perfect option to disperse the accumulated warmth downward and heat the room more evenly.

Moreover, you can also use the ceiling fan in the summer season to increase air circulation and create a breezy effect.

In Conclusion

Installing sunroom heaters is surely the best way to retain warmth and comfort in your space. You can install a space heater or baseboard heater if you have a small room or opt for mini-split or radiant heating for a more efficient solution. You can also extend your existing central heating vents if you don’t want to invest in a separate unit. To fully automate your sunroom climate, smart gadgets such as smart thermostats can be a perfect addition.