Winter is a beautiful, albeit chilly, time, here’s some tips to get your sunroom ready for Winter in Southern Wisconsin. With average low temperatures dipping into the teens and cold snaps reaching well below zero, homeowners need to take proactive steps to prepare their property for the season—especially their sunroom.

At Kool View, we know how much you love your sun-filled space. Don’t let the cold weather push you out! Winterizing your sunroom now ensures you can enjoy a bright, cozy retreat even when the snow is flying. Here are our essential tips for getting your sunroom ready for a Southern Wisconsin winter.

1. Seal Out The Drafts: Weatherproofing Your Sunroom Is Key

The first, and most crucial, step in preparing your sunroom for the Wisconsin winter is to eliminate air leaks. Cold air sneaking in and warm air escaping is the fastest way to lose efficiency and comfort.

•  Inspect Doors and Windows: Run your hand along the edges of all windows and doors. Can you feel a draft? If so, the weatherstripping might be old, cracked, or worn out. Replace any faulty weatherstripping or door sweeps to create a tight seal.
• Caulk Cracks and Gaps: Use clear or paintable silicone caulk to seal any small gaps where the window or door frames meet the walls. Even tiny cracks can let in a surprising amount of cold air.
•  Consider Window Film: As a simple, budget-friendly solution, you can purchase clear, shrink-wrap plastic film kits for your sunroom windows. These create an insulating air barrier that significantly reduces heat loss.

2. Boost Insulation: Maximize Heat Retention In Winter

Your sunroom’s glass is its greatest asset, but it can also be a significant source of heat loss. Maximizing insulation is vital for keeping the space warm and your energy bills low.

•  Add Thermal Curtains or Blinds: Heavy, insulated curtains or blinds are a game-changer. Keep them open during sunny days to allow solar heat to warm the room, and close them tightly as soon as the sun sets to trap the collected heat inside.
• Layer the Floor with Rugs: If your sunroom has hard flooring (like tile or concrete), a thick area rug will add an extra layer of insulation. Not only does this block cold air rising from the floor, but it also adds a soft, cozy texture perfect for winter.
• Professional Insulation Check: If your sunroom is a three-season model, its walls and ceiling may not be as insulated as the rest of your home. If you are continually struggling to keep the room warm, talk to the experts at Kool View about permanent insulation upgrades for year-round comfort.
  

3. Review Your Heating Strategy

While the sun is a great natural heater during the day, you’ll likely need a secondary source for those long, frigid nights.

•  Utilize Ceiling Fans (in Reverse): Most ceiling fans have a reverse switch (clockwise rotation). In the winter, running the fan on the lowest setting in reverse gently pushes warm air that has risen to the ceiling back down toward the floor.
•  Choose a Safe, Effective Heater: For many sunrooms, a dedicated heating unit is the best solution. Options include:    * Electric Baseboard Heaters: Easy to install and can provide steady, gentle heat.
•  Portable Space Heaters (Use with Caution): A quick way to spot-heat a small area, but ensure any unit you use is approved for indoor use and kept away from curtains or furniture.
•  Ductless Mini-Splits: This is an investment but provides the most efficient and versatile solution, offering both heating and cooling for a truly four-season room.

4. Prep Your Furnishings and Plants

Don’t forget the contents of your sunroom! A quick prep will protect your items and set the stage for a winter haven.

•  Safeguard Your Plants: Bring any delicate summer plants indoors to your main home. For hardier plants that stay in the sunroom, group them together to create a microclimate and ensure they are not directly touching cold glass.
•  Protect Outdoor Furniture: If you have rattan or wicker, consider bringing it into the main house or basement for the winter, especially if your sunroom is unheated. For all-weather furniture, a simple cover can keep dust and moisture at bay.
•  Add Cozy Touches: Now is the time to embrace warmth! Stock up on thick throw blankets, pillows, and cozy lighting to make the space inviting for your winter reading nook or morning coffee spot.

Ready for Year-Round Enjoyment? Trust Kool View!

Preparing your sunroom for winter in Southern Wisconsin is a necessary step to ensure comfort and efficiency. If your current sunroom struggles to stay warm despite your best efforts, it might be time to consider an upgrade.
As your local sunroom experts, Kool View specializes in designing and building high-performance sunrooms. They’re engineered to handle the extreme temperature swings of our region. From insulated windows to efficient heating solutions, we can transform your space into a true four-season room!

If you have questions or want to schedule your free consultation. Contact Kool View today at 608-222-7777 or contact us to set up a free consultation.