At first glance, these two rooms are remarkably similar. The main difference between the two is that four-season rooms are insulated and engineered to be heated and cooled year-round. Three-season rooms are rarely insulated and are not hooked up to an HVAC unit, and are not meant to be used year-round.
The main deciding factor between a three-season and a four-season room depends on if you are planning to use the space year-round or not.
Three-Season Rooms
A three-season room is a sunroom home addition that is enclosed with wall-to-ceiling glass windows. The windows are typically single pane glass but can also be double pane. The addition is separated from the rest of the house by an exterior door.
As the name implies, three-season rooms are meant to be enjoyed during three of the four seasons—spring, summer, and fall. Most three season rooms are not well insulted—if they are insulated at all. Three-season rooms are also not connected to the home’s HVAC unit and will not have heating or air conditioning. These rooms are not meant to be heated or cooled on a long-term basis.
A three-season room is sturdier than a screen room or an enclosed patio. Three-season rooms can be built over top of an existing deck or patio. Three-season rooms are typically less expensive than four-season rooms because they are not insulated or wired into an HVAC unit.
Four-Season Rooms
A four-season room is an extension of the existing home. It is not exactly a room addition, but it is a fully enclosed, temperature-controlled space. This room features double pane windows and is fully insulated. It is hooked up to the home’s HVAC unit. Because this room can be heated and cooled, it can be enjoyed year-round.
Four-season rooms costs more than a three-season because if fully insulated and hooked to an existing HVAC unit.
Pros
- Both three and four-seasons rooms have large windows and let in a lot of natural light.
- Both three and four-season rooms can be very versatile.
Cons
- While a nice addition, neither three nor four-season rooms will necessarily improve your home’s resale value.
If you are considering adding a three or four-season room to your home, contact us today for a free estimate. We offer Great Lakes Window, Weathermaster, and other quality products to create a high quality, beautiful addition to your home. For more information, click here.