Sunroom/Growing Room Temperature Help!?

9 years ago

Hello there!

I have a sunroom that we've just walled off and now the temperatures during the day are skyrocketing. We don't currently have the capability to install a portable A/C unit that can access a window so I was wondering if anyone has suggestions to keep the temperatures manageable. The sunroom is being used to grow plants, some normally, some hydro and aqua-"ponically" and I've noticed a good chunk of my plants are "cooking" and I don't want to lose anything so all suggestions are welcome. The temperatures are also raising the fish tank quite a few degrees but I think putting the grow tray on top to shade it has helped a good bit. I have shade cloth screens up but they came with the house so I could try to look at replacements but will these affect the growing capabilities of my plants? The windows also have a tint which could be outdated as well. It's too humid, I think, for a swamp cooler so I'm at my wits end on what to do.

Thanks for all suggestions!

Pictures showcase the sunroom prior to being walled off.

Featured Answer

kay kin

8 years ago

Fans for the inexpensive short term, blowing around and blowing out. we have a passive solar home, shades work wonders in the summer (upstate NY.)

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Comments (7)

pamghatten
9 years ago
I have a sunroom that faces south, but thankfully also have central ac. The windows do have vertical blinds, which I close in the morning during the summer and open at night. I see a window is open, can you put a fan in the window that will pull the air out of the room to the outside? Love the silly cat enjoying the heat!

Window tinting with a new product could also be an option. Can you put up shade cloth during the hottest part of the day and then take it down so the plants get sun when it's not scorching?
User
Original Author
9 years ago
It isn't something out of the question but the problem is that our work schedules wouldn't allow us to make that adjustment during the hottest part of the day. Makes me wish I worked from home! I also have looked at a form of exhaust but those windows allow water in when it rains. We are looking to switch them all to standard up and down windows instead of the kind that shutter out.
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PRO
Fenstermann LLC
8 years ago
Hey There:

Do I see it right that you don't have any window coverings for
your sunroom yet? Please give it as much attention as you give to the rest of
your design.

Window coverings are very important for your sunroom to keep it
cooler during summer, improve insulation during winter and of course give you
the needed privacy...

Take a look at these ideas...

Window Treatments for Sunrooms and 4 Season Rooms · More Info

Window Treatments for Sunrooms and 4 Season Rooms · More Info
PRO
SOLARIS
8 years ago
Looking at your photo there may be a bit of "tint" in the glass but it does not look like there is an aftermarket window film installed. Window film will stop the heat before it enters the space while still allowing enough of the proper light to allow your plants to grow.

Using shades or drapes will keep the direct sun off the plants and aquarium but the temperature will still rise in the space since. The heat is slowed a bit but still radiates in the space through and around the window treatments. In many cases a combination of the two options is needed for ultimate control.

Check www.llumar.com for a Select Pro Certified dealer near you. Good luck!
Milly Rey
8 years ago
Attach a small window fan to a cheap thermostat and place in window
Nirav Desai
8 years ago
Solar shades helped drop the temp in my MIL's kitchen.