The Difference Between a 3 Season vs. 4 Season Sunroom

A sunroom addition is one of the best home remodeling projects to invest in if you are seeking more living space. However, you must decide upfront if you want to add on a 3-season vs a 4-season sunroom. Ultimately it may come down to your budget, but here we have outlined what you can expect with each option.

The differentiator between a 3-season vs 4-season sunroom is based on their ability to be temperature controlled. As the name implies, a three-season room is comfortable for most of the year, while a four-season sunroom is comfortable all year long. Each has unique benefits that appeal to different people. 

3-Season Sunrooms

A three-season sunroom is excellent for areas that don’t oscillate too much between extreme temperatures. Here in Illinois, we have harsh winters. However, our summers are fairly mild compared to other places. For here, people will often choose a three-season room as the room remains comfortable from Spring through Fall months.

Three-season sunrooms feature single-pane glass, and minimal or no insulation. Large windows let as much light in as possible and have a separate entryways outside. Furthermore, these additions have no heating or cooling system, or they have their own systems. In this case, a room heater or something like a mini-split air conditioner might be installed. The main points of a three-season sunroom are:

• Lower Cost Option
• Comfortable throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall
• Single Pane Glass
• Minimal Insulation/Or No Insulation
• Separate heating or cooling system, or none at all

Four-Season Sunrooms

Four-Season or all-season sunrooms generally come at a higher price point than three-season rooms due to temperature controls. They are considered sunroom additions and add square-footage of livable space to your home. Not only does this increase the value of your home, but also a better return on your investment.

The walls of an all-season room are well insulated with double or triple-paned glass. For one, the room is connected to the heated and cooling system used by the main house. In addition, the room has a dedicated entryway in order to ensure the temperature is maintained effectively. The main features of a four-season sunroom are:

• Higher Price Point
• Dual Insulated Glass Panes
• Well Insulated Walls
• Connected to main house heating & cooling system
• Greater return on investment

Which is Right For You?

Both sunrooms are a great option, and there is no wrong answer. It comes down to your budget and personal needs. We recommend a 4-season room if you are not entirely sure which one you want. 4-season sunrooms offer the most flexibility and can be used year-round. During the pandemic, many homeowners chose to build a sunroom to act as their work-from-home office. 

However, if you are someone who already has facilities that you use during the winter, a 3-season room might be better. If you own a home in another state that you visit during the summer months, why would you need a 4-season room? That said, it is personal preference, and you and your family should make this decision together.

Conclusion

The main thing you have to consider when it comes to choosing a 3 Season vs 4 Season Sunroom is how much you expect to use this room. A three-season room is a lower-cost option, but will be more expensive to heat or maybe even unusable during very cold winter months. A four-season room is pricer but is a better return on investment as it adds living space to your home. 

Envy Home Services is a premier veteran-owned and operated custom sunroom contractor. Our services are available throughout Illinois. We offer quality Craft-Bilt sunrooms to Illinois residents. Take a look at the posts below to see our past work!

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