The 2016 Houzz Landscaping and Garden Trends Study reports that about 50% of homeowners who upgrade their outdoor spaces spend at least six hours there per week. But depending on where you live, lounging in your yard may not be an option year-round. To enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while staying sheltered from the elements, a three or four season sunroom is an excellent room addition. Which home addition design is best for your lifestyle is up to you. Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
Construction
A three season room is a true home addition. It’s often added to an existing patio or deck, which means it is separated from the rest of the house by an external wall. On the other hand, a four season room is constructed to be more integrated with the rest of the home, built in to use the existing HVAC system (which we’ll discuss in a moment).
Insulation
The insulation — or lack thereof — used in this room addition constitutes the main difference between a three season room and a four season room. A four season room is constructed with insulated walls, floor, and roof, which keeps the room comfortable all year long, regardless of the weather. A three season room may be built with little to no insulation, limiting the times of year it can remain in use. Of course, if you live in a mild climate, a three season room may still be the best option since the outside temperatures will rarely drop to uncomfortable levels.
Heating and Cooling
A three season room can still benefit from a heating and cooling system, though the unit will operate independently from the rest of the home’s HVAC system. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that the lack of insulation will make it difficult to heat the room during the colder months. Because a four season room is built into the home, the climate can be controlled in accordance with the rest of the house.
Ultimately, when considering a home remodeling job that involves a room addition like a sunroom, it’s important to take climate into consideration. Warmer year-found climates don’t require extensive heating in the winter; if you live in an area like this, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the comfort of a three season room. If you need some extra warmth in those colder months, you’ll benefit from the insulation and HVAC capabilities of a four season room.
To get started on your home addition today, contact us today. We’re ready to help you create your ideal living space!