IMO, when we enclosed our lanai, we used double pane fixed windows on the 35’ wall with the 18” windows underneath. Sure it cost more but you get what you pay for. On both ends, we have windows that open because the trade winds are usually in this direction and we get all the beeeze that is necessary and we keep the heat out.
We also raised our floor, put electrical outlets in the floor and in a couple of pillars, then it’s tiled using the same tile that was used inside. We have the sliders that open all the way up that separate the house from the lanai and tried using this room without any mini split heating system. Too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, so we installed the mini split system in the ceiling (it costs more but you don’t see it) and use it with the smart thermostat system and not the remote that comes with it so I can program it just like the ecobee thermostat. My heating and cooling bill has decreased because I’m not stressing the 1 heat pump trying to heat and cool another 350 sq ft. We use the room as a living space and when we sell the house, we will get our money out of it many times over, all while being more comfortable using it every day
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