Is it worth getting air conditioning in the UK?
With global warming increasing temperatures across the UK in a way that we aren’t really used to, many Brits are turning to ways to cool down their homes and work environments to make it more comfortable to live our daily lives in the summer. But with the warmer temperatures being inconsistent, is it worth investing in air conditioning for your home in the UK? In this article, we are going to explore what air conditioning is, argue its pros and cons and allow you to ultimately come to a decision about whether it is worth installing air conditioning in your UK home. What is air conditioning? Air conditioning is a system with a primary function of cooling indoor air during hot weather. This is achieved by removing heat from the air and transferring it outside, through a cycle of refrigeration. In this cycle, a refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, is compressed to increase its temperature and pressure, and then releases the heat outdoors through a condenser coil. Cool air is then circulated back into the indoor space, lowering the temperature. In addition to cooling, air conditioning systems can also control humidity levels by removing excess moisture from the air through condensation. This helps to create a more comfortable indoor environment, as high humidity can promote the growth of mould and mildew and contribute to discomfort or illness. Modern air conditioning systems can also come with additional features such as air filtration, which helps to remove airborne particles, allergens, and pollutants from the indoor air, improving overall air quality. Some systems also offer heating capabilities, allowing them to provide both cooling and heating functions throughout the year. What are the advantages of air conditioning? In the summer, when it’s 30° outside and you still have to go about your daily life, there’s often nothing better than stepping into an air conditioned building, even if it’s just for a moment. But what are the pros of installing air conditioning in your home? Enhanced comfort Probably the biggest advantage of air conditioning in your home is the improved comfort levels. No longer will you have to struggle through the day with a tiny desk fan and every window open. Better quality sleep One thing even better than being more comfortable during the day is being more comfortable at night, allowing for better quality sleep. According to Dr. Mayan Shukla, ‘the best temperature to sleep is cooler rather than warmer.’ Though fans can cool down the warm air at night, the noise can be disruptive, so investing in air conditioning may be a quieter and more effective way of cooling the room down to get a better night’s sleep. Improved air quality Air quality is important to our health, especially for people who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies. As well as cooling the air and making it more comfortable, the filtration system in an air conditioning unit removes water vapour and pollutants from the air, controlling the humidity and limiting the negative effects of these particles. Reduced noise and less insects Ever shut your window because you’re fed up with the number of flies and bugs that come in? You’re not alone. Especially if you work from home, or are a stay at home parent, having an AC unit rather than opening all the windows is one less issue to have to deal with. Increased security Another – and probably more important – reason that AC beats keeping the window open all day and night is the increased security. By keeping your windows closed, you are less likely to entice criminals into your home. What are the disadvantages of air conditioning? So, we’ve run through the advantages of air conditioning, but what about the disadvantages? UK homes aren’t built for air conditioning Most homes in the UK, especially older properties, have not been constructed with air conditioning in mind. Because of this, retrospectively fitting AC units into buildings can be challenging and expensive, requiring work such as installing ductwork or creating space for outside units. As well as this, adding in units can negatively impact the aesthetics of the building – especially in older or more characterful homes. They may not even be permitted in certain conservation areas or listed buildings. High energy consumption With the cost of living crisis in the UK at the moment, many people are trying to reduce their bills, not add to them. Air conditioning units can consume a significant amount of energy, especially if they are used frequently or ineffectively, contributing to higher energy bills. Initial and ongoing costs The initial installation of an air conditioning unit can be expensive, but the costs don’t stop there. The cost of running the unit can be a significant expense, as well as maintenance, servicing and repairs. Environmental impact Air conditioning units use refrigerants, which can be potent greenhouse gases if released into the atmosphere. Incorrect handling and disposal can contribute to climate change and cause risks to the environment. Discomfort from temperature fluctuations If your unit is installed incorrectly, or you have purchased the wrong size unit for your home, it could result in uneven cooling or significant fluctuations in temperature. This can lead to discomfort for you and others who live with you – with some areas being too cold while others are too warm. How much does air conditioning cost? According to the Eco Experts, an air conditioning unit that has both an outdoor fan and an indoor unit will cost roughly £1,200 a room, including installation. A ducted air conditioning unit costs more, closer to £3,000 per room, because these work by moving cool air through a passage in your walls. Portable air conditioning units are a cheaper option – usually costing a couple of hundred pounds, and not needing installation. However, the downside to this is that you need to open a window to expel the heat out of. They are also very noisy, so you may as well
The significance of proper ventilation in your bathroom
Have you ever got out of the shower to find a coating of water dripping down literally everything? While this may not seem like a big issue, consistent poor ventilation can cause damage to your bathroom and the rest of your home, which can be difficult and expensive to repair. In this article, we are going to discuss what poor ventilation is, the issues that it can cause, and how to avoid them. Let’s get into it! What does poor ventilation mean? Poor ventilation means that there isn’t enough airflow or circulation within an enclosed space, such as a bathroom or utility room. Having poor ventilation in your bathroom means you have inadequate airflow, which can lead to a build up of moisture, odours and other airborne contaminants. What can poor ventilation in your bathroom cause? Unfortunately, poor air circulation within your bathroom can cause a lot of different issues, beyond just the buildup of moisture, odours, and contaminants. One of the worst issues that can be caused by poor ventilation in the bathroom is the growth of mould and mildew. The humidity within a bathroom after a bath or shower creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and mildew. Not only is this buildup unsightly, it can also pose significant health risks, especially for those with respiratory problems, such as asthma or allergies. A buildup of moisture in your bathroom can also wreak havoc on your bathroom furniture, particularly if you have wooden cabinets or worktops and metal components. Excess moisture due to poor ventilation can cause wooden cabinets and doors to blow, meaning that they cannot close properly and can look unaesthetic, and can even lead wood to rot overtime. Too much humidity can also cause your metal components, such as taps and door handles to rust and corrode, leading to an unsightly appearance for your bathroom – not what you want, especially if you spent money redoing it. As well as this, bad air flow can impact the structure of the entire building. These issues can compromise the safety and durability of the building, which could potentially lead to expensive repairs or renovations. Finally, poor ventilation can affect the overall comfort level of people who use the space. Stagnant air can feel stuffy and uncomfortable, especially in spaces where people spend extended periods, which could further exacerbate existing health conditions, and even cause new ones. Why is proper ventilation important in your bathroom? As we’ve discussed, having poor air circulation in your bathroom can cause a host of issues throughout your home, so it is vital to ensure that the ventilation systems that you use in your bathroom are working accurately and efficiently. Bathroom ventilation is especially important because: How to improve the ventilation in your bathroom Now that you know the issues that can be caused by insufficient bathroom ventilation, and why proper ventilation in your bathroom is so important, you’re probably wondering what can be done to improve it? We’re going to give you some tips on how you can improve the ventilation in your bathroom. Open the window Probably the easiest way to improve the ventilation in your bathroom is to open the bathroom window (if you have one). Natural ventilation through opening a window during and after showering will improve the air circulation and help to reduce the humidity levels in the room. Install an extractor fan Sometimes, just opening a window isn’t enough to prevent moisture buildup. Possibly the most effective way of ensuring adequate bathroom ventilation is through the installation of an extractor fan. An extractor fan is a fan that removes the moisture from the air before the water vapour can condense back into liquid. It expels the moisture-laden air outside through vents or ducts, allowing for fresh air to circulate through the room. You should run your extractor fan both during showers or baths, and continue running it for at least 20-30 minutes afterwards to remove excess moisture. If you are concerned about noise, make sure to choose a quiet fan with a low sone rating – this will help to minimise noise. Make sure you choose an appropriate fan for the size of your bathroom, and install it near the bath or shower, as this is where moisture levels will be the highest . Extractor fan capacity is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). If your bathroom has a large square footage or very high ceilings, it may be worth installing multiple extractor fans, or choosing one with a higher CFM rating. Ensure correct ducting for your extractor fan According to Screwfix, ducting is ‘a series of flexible or straight pipework and fittings that channels cooled or heated air to specific locations.’ Ensure that the ductwork is the appropriate size, and has been sealed and insulated correctly, so that air leakage and condensation is minimised. In an ideal scenario, the ducting should be as short and as straight as possible, with an end point outside of the building. Make sure to maintain your ventilation system Like most things inside your home, regular maintenance is paramount to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the system you choose. Make sure to clean the extractor fan and ducting regularly to remove any dust and debris build up, and check that the fan is working correctly. How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, we have decades of experience in plumbing services, across boiler and heating repairs, bathroom installations and facilities management. We work with our clients to ensure that the work we do meets our customers requirements. Contact us today to discover how we can help you!
Finding a kitchen style for you and your home
As it is the heart of the home, choosing a kitchen that reflects your personal style is crucial. There are so many different kitchen design styles to choose from, that it can be difficult to decide on one that is both beautiful and practical, and that works seamlessly with the design and layout of the rest of your home. In this article, we are going to run you through how to style a kitchen so that it is warm and inviting for your guests, practical for the chef of the house, and aesthetically pleasing for everyone in the family. What are the different styles of kitchen? When deciding how to style your kitchen, the sky really is your limit. You can do almost anything you want really. You can choose to replicate a kitchen style that you’ve seen in a magazine or on Pinterest, adding little extras that make the room personal, or you can pull inspiration from different areas of your life together to make an eclectic kitchen style that really is unique to you and your style. We have included some of the most popular kitchen styles to help you narrow down your choice. Traditional kitchen style When imagining your dream kitchen, does a farmhouse style room with shaker doors and warm tiled flooring come to mind? In this case, you’re probably leaning towards a traditional kitchen style. A traditional kitchen is timeless. It’s unlikely that you’ll want to do a kitchen redesign anytime soon. Embracing a traditional style kitchen doesn’t mean ignoring modernity though. In fact, it means incorporating timeless style choices with the efficiency of modern appliances. And of course, there’s nothing stopping you adding in extra modern touches, such as cupboard door handles or fancy lighting – it’s your kitchen! Contemporary kitchen style If you hate clutter and a sleek, modern look is more your go-to, we’d suggest a contemporary style kitchen. Contemporary kitchen designs combine minimalist aesthetics with functional design. Modern designs can typically be characterised by the inclusion of certain aspects, including: Your contemporary kitchen doesn’t have to be simple though. If a bold look is more your vibe, dramatic marble countertops pair beautifully with clean lines and sleek cupboards. Contemporary kitchens also aim to incorporate smart technology seamlessly into the designs. From extractor fans built into hobs, to boiling water taps that keep surfaces neat and tidy, every element has a purpose and works together to bring you convenience and ease. Scandi kitchen style If nothing makes you more excited than a trip to Ikea, and your home is full of natural elements and cosy materials, then we would suggest opting for a Scandi style kitchen. Characterised by the use of calming neutral colours that allow light to flood the space, wood flooring or furnishings and the incorporation of a pattern with a pop of colour, Scandi style kitchens are the more ‘homely’ version of the contemporary style. Think hanging pendants, contemporary wall art and the incorporation of plants, and viola, your Scandi style kitchen is well on its way. How to choose the right kitchen style for you and your home If our rundown of popular kitchen styles has you feeling more confused than inspired, don’t worry. Picking an overall style for your kitchen can be an incredibly daunting task. It’s somewhere that everyone living in the house will frequent every day, and a nice kitchen is also an important resale factor. In fact, renovated kitchens can increase the selling price of your property by up to 10%! Here are some things to consider when choosing a kitchen style that might help you to narrow down your dream kitchen design. The layout of your home One important aspect to consider when designing your kitchen is the layout of your house. For example, if you have a small kitchen, choosing pale colours will reflect light and help the space feel bigger than it is. The size of your space will also dictate your cupboard choice. Space is at a premium, a frameless cabinet style with overlaying doors is a more space-efficient choice. The age and architecture of your home If you have an Edwardian or Georgian property, you may want to opt for a more traditional kitchen with a shaker style, or even a rustic farmhouse vibe. However, a newbuild property may suit a more modern, contemporary feel. Your personal taste A certain style may suit your home, but not your taste. You don’t need to have a modern kitchen if you live in a modern property, and equally don’t feel like you have to shy away from contemporary styles if you live in a Victorian terrace. If you don’t like clutter, picking open cabinets is probably a bad choice, as you’ll be able to see everything. It might also be a good idea to choose modern appliances, such as a hot tap and an oven that doubles up as a microwave, so that your worktop space is maximised. Your lifestyle If you’re too busy for regular cleans, don’t pick high maintenance materials or glossy finishes, as these need cleaning quite often. Similarly, if you’re very busy and rarely cook, a lot of prep space or multiple ovens is an unnecessary extra that you don’t need. Make sure it suits your lifestyle, not just your house. How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, we understand that your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and we are here to help you design and build a space that combines functionality, aesthetics and your personality. We can work alongside you throughout your entire kitchen design journey, from conception to completion. Our team of expert craftsmen can work closely with you to bring your dream kitchen to life, regardless of your chosen kitchen style. We are able to handle every aspect of the kitchen installation process, including plumbing, cabinetry, countertops, flooring and appliances. We believe that a well-designed kitchen doesn’t only add value to your home, but enhances your day-to-day life.
Ways to flush a toilet when it’s broken
Encountering a malfunctioning toilet can be an incredibly inconvenient way to start your day. The frustration of pressing the flush only to find it non-responsive can strike the fear of embarrassment into even the most unashamed individual. There are several common reasons for a non-flushing toilet, including a clog, a broken lift chain, low water level in the tank, or a loose rubber flapper. Not to worry though, as in the absence of an immediate repair solution, you can still learn how to manually flush your toilet, and throughout this article we will guide you through the manual process of flushing your toilet. Why won’t my toilet flush? Need to know how to make your toilet flush? First off, let’s see what could be causing your toilet to malfunction. Here are two of the most common reasons that we see concerning issues with toilets. Tank water levels To check the water level in the cistern, lift the lid and inspect the water inside the tank. Ideally, the water level should reach approximately one inch below the overflow tube. If you notice that the water level is lower than this, it may indicate a potential issue with the mechanism within the cistern inlet valve. If you suspect that a malfunctioning inlet valve is the reason behind your broken toilet, you will need to contact a professional to examine the issue closer and fix the issue. Regularly monitoring and maintaining the water level in the cistern ensures that your toilet remains functioning properly, and helps to quickly identify any issues. Drainage problems If the water level in the toilet bowl is higher than normal and waste isn’t going down as usual, the problem is likely in your drainage rather than in the flushing cistern. Drainage issues can be caused by a blockage in the toilet – such as too much toilet paper, or flushing unsuitable items such as baby wipes or sanitary products. Make sure you are only flushing toilet roll and toilet-safe products to avoid this problem. How to manually flush a toilet Regardless of the reason behind your malfunctioning toilet, you want to get the problem fixed (and the evidence hidden) as soon as possible. Luckily, the process of manually flushing your toilet is straightforward and can be done even if your water supply is temporarily turned off. If your toilet is not working properly, there are a couple of different manual flushing methods that you can try, before contacting your local plumber to properly fix the issue if necessary. You can flush your toilet manually by pouring a bucket of water into the toilet bowl. You will likely need at least 4 litres of water for this to start the flushing cycle. To manually flush your toilet using this method: If your toilet is not flushing properly and there is no chance of a blockage, there might be something wrong inside the water tank. To flush your toilet manually: The water tank should now be full enough to flush properly. How GreenSmart can help Even if you’ve managed to manually flush your toilet, it’s still best to get in touch with a professional plumbing company if you’re dealing with a toilet that won’t flush properly, as we will be able to fix the issue properly. We have the expertise to handle any emergency plumbing situation quickly and effectively. Our technicians will arrive equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment to accurately diagnose the problem and provide immediate repairs. We’re on hand 24 hours a day and are always happy to help you. Contact us today to discuss your plumbing requirements, or if you need us immediately, feel free to give us a call.
How we balance your radiators
Do you find that it takes forever for your house to warm up after you’ve finally caved in and turned the heating on? Are all your radiators heating up at different speeds? If this is the case, your radiators may need balancing. This process can be difficult and time consuming, so we’d recommend calling a professional to get the job done properly. That being said though, it might come in handy to know the process of balancing your radiators so that when the engineer is talking to you, you understand what they are saying and it doesn’t all sound like gobbledegook. So, without further ado, let’s get into it! What does balancing radiators mean? Balancing your radiators is the process of adjusting the valves to control the heating speed of radiators across your house. Your central heating system heats your home by pumping hot water around your home and through each radiator. The flow of water that reaches a certain radiator in your home determines how hot it can get – however, not all radiators receive an equal flow of water. This can be because of the location and positioning of the radiator, the connecting pipes and a number of other factors. Balancing your radiators means that each radiator receives the amount of water necessary to heat your home evenly – rather than some radiators heating quickly while others remain colder for longer. When would balancing your radiators be necessary? Generally, your central heating system will be balanced upon installation or after maintenance work. However, there may be other times that your radiators need balancing again. If your radiators throughout your house are all heating up at different speeds, they need balancing. This could be very frustrating in winter and could cause your bills to be more expensive because it can take a lot longer to heat your house. Do my radiators need balancing or bleeding? We’ve spoken in the past about how to bleed your radiators, and while these actions seem similar, they are actually different processes that are designed to fix different issues. If you’ve noticed that your heating system rattles or gargles, and your radiators get warm at the bottom but not at the top, you need to bleed your radiators. A single radiator can be bled if the issue only applies to one. If your house takes a long time to heat up after you’ve turned your heating on, or you have noticed that some radiators don’t heat up at all, you will need your central heating system to be balanced. This means that every radiator in your home will need to be checked and balanced. How we balance your radiators Balancing your radiators requires more knowledge and equipment than bleeding them, which is why we recommend hiring a professional to do the job for you. A plumber will require the following equipment to balance your radiators: Like when bleeding your radiators, the first step of balancing your radiators is to turn the central heating off and allow all the radiators in your property to cool down completely. If your radiators require both bleeding and balancing, you can bleed them before your plumber arrives, and power flush them if necessary. Bleeding your radiators before balancing them will give a better gauge as to the actual temperature of your radiators and help to rule out any other causes. Once your radiators are completely cooled down, your plumber will open up all the thermostatic radiator valves by turning them anti-clockwise to the highest number on the dial. If your radiators don’t have thermostatic radiator valves, they will open the lock shields by removing the cover and using your adjustable spanner or lockshield valve key to turn the valve anti-clockwise. Once all your radiator valves are open, the heating engineer will turn your central heating back on and monitor which radiators heat up quickest and in which order. Typically, the radiators closest to the heat source will heat up quicker than the ones further away. Once they have found out which of your radiators heated up first and fastest, they will turn your central heating back off to allow the flow of hot water through the heating system to be balanced from a cold start. When your radiators are cool, the radiator that heats up the fastest will be adjusted by turning the valve clockwise ¾ of a turn. This will leave it slightly open. Your plumber will then, once again, turn your heating back on and allow this radiator to start getting warm. When it begins to get warm,the temperature of the radiator will be recorded at the valve and then at the opposite end of the radiator with a thermometer. Giving enough time for the radiators to adjust as the changes are made, the lockshield valve will need to be gradually altered until the difference between the readings of the two pipes is exactly 12°c. The process will then be repeated for all of your radiators in the order that they heated up. Why does the temperature difference need to be 12°c? Your plumber will be looking out for the temperature difference between either end of your radiator to be exactly 12°c – meaning that your water should enter your radiator 12°c hotter than it leaves it. This is because 12°c is believed to be the most efficient drop to achieve optimal heat distribution and comfort in the room. How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, we have years of experience in fixing your plumbing and central heating issues. We will happily balance your radiators for you. However, if this hasn’t worked or you are experiencing more problems with your heating system, we are able to service, repair or replace your boiler to ensure that your house is heating efficiently. If you need any advice, contact us today and one of our expert team will be willing to help as much as possible.
Meet Lucas Joyce, GreenSmart Apprentice
Tell us a bit about you My name is Lucas, and I am currently an apprentice with GreenSmart Services. My hobbies include football and running, and I am a big music fan. What were you doing before you joined GreenSmart Services? Before I joined GreenSmart Services, I was at secondary school, studying various different subjects. Your career with GreenSmart to date Currently, I am in the middle of an apprenticeship with GreenSmart Services. This phase of my career is an exciting learning experience, and has given me the opportunity to work alongside professionals, improving my skills in a practical setting. Let’s get to know more about you with some quickfire questions: If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be? Australia What are three things you can’t live without? Football, food and music Is there a hobby/activity you’d like to get better at? Running
Will energy bills go down in 2024?
With the cost of living unfortunately continually dominating the thoughts of most people across the UK, it’s not surprising that many of us are questioning (and hoping) if energy bills will go down in 2024. In this article, we are going to explore the current state of the energy crisis and use these, and the opinions of experts, to estimate whether or not energy bills are likely to go down in 2024. Here’s hoping! Why are energy bills so high? The UK has been experiencing a ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ since 2021. The cost of living crisis refers to a period in which the cost of everyday essentials such as food, fuel and bills increase quicker than the average household income. This results in people having less expendable income than they previously have had. This cost of living crisis has hit the UK particularly hard for a number of reasons. For example, ongoing impacts from the pandemic caused demand to increase, and the war between Ukraine and Russia threatened supplies, which drove up the price of gas and electricity even more. More recently, the conflict in Gaza also increased prices. Will bills go down in 2024? Getting to the question we’re all dying to know the answer to: will energy prices fall this year? The Ofgem price cap (the maximum amount that companies are allowed to charge for each unit of energy) changes every three months and is mainly impacted by the wholesale cost of energy. Unfortunately, on 1st January 2024, the energy price cap increased by 5% – Happy New Year! This means that, for the average household, the energy price cap will be set at £1,928 between January and March 2024, compared to £1,834 from October to December 2023. However, it’s not all doom and gloom (hooray!). In fact, analysts are predicting that the price cap will fall twice this year, starting with a whopping 14% drop in April. This predicted drop is significantly more than originally expected. Time period Price cap on new typical use figures Old cap: 1 October 2023 to 31 December 2023 £1,834 a year Current cap: 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024 Increase of 5% – £1,928 a year 1 April 2024 to 30 June 2024 Predicted fall of 14% – £1,660 a year 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2024 Predicted fall of 4% – £1,590 a year 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024 Predicted increase of 3% – £1,640 a year Why are energy prices predicted to fall so much more than first expected? The reason that our energy prices are expected to fall 14% from April is because of the decline in wholesale energy prices. These were initially predicted to be higher due to the Israel-Hamas war, however the material impact on energy supplies has been significantly lower than expected. Additionally, due to the rise in global temperatures, much of Europe has experienced a relatively mild winter so far, and so the remaining levels of gas are above initial expectations for this time of year. However, it is important to note that these are only predictions, and events such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the disruption to shipping in the Red Sea could still cause prices to rise throughout the year. Should I change energy tariffs? With the worry of prices continuing to rise and the return of fixed tariffs, many people are rushing to switch to fix their energy bills. However, because the energy price cap only applies to standard variable tariffs, if it were to fall as predicted, you could risk paying more in the long run through fixing your tariff, rather than sticking with a variable one. The main benefit of a fixed tariff over a variable one is the increased certainty over the amount your bill will be each month, meaning you can budget accordingly. However, you are often charged a premium for this privilege, and your bills won’t be impacted by any price drops (or increases) throughout your contract term. You also need to bear in mind your standing charge and exit fee (if you’re midway through your term). Can I get help with energy bills? Regardless of the predicted decrease in April this year, energy bills are still high, and so a lot of households in the UK will still be struggling to pay them. Depending on individual circumstances, you might be able to request help from your energy supplier. They may be able to provide some help, including: Hardship funds are aimed at households that are struggling to pay their gas and electricity bills. They can include help such as monetary grants that don’t have to be repaid, or certain amounts of debt being written off. It is important to check with your energy supplier to see whether these funds are available, and what the eligibility criteria includes. You might also be eligible for government help, such as the Warm Home Discount, Winter Fuel Payments or Cold Weather Payments. It’s worth checking with your local council to see if you are able to access these schemes. If you aren’t eligible for help from your supplier or the government, the biggest way of reducing your energy bills is by reducing your energy usage. Read our article on things you can do to reduce your energy usage and lessen your bills here. How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, we offer a range of different services that can reduce your energy consumption, such as boiler services, boiler replacements and underfloor heating installation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you keep the cost of your bills lower.
10 Ways to Get Your Home Ready For Winter
The British summer time seems to be over, and the colder days are on their way, which is why the autumn months are the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for winter. By taking the time to complete some simple steps, you can help to make sure that your energy bills don’t skyrocket this winter, and that you stay warm and cosy too. #1 – Get your boiler serviced Now we aren’t just putting this at the number one spot because that is one of the services we offer. It’s there because if your boiler does break right when you need it, no other ‘winter home’ tricks will keep your house warm. We recommend getting your boiler serviced annually, and the transition period between summer and autumn is the perfect time to do so. By getting your boiler serviced, you can ensure that it is in full working order before winter hits, which reduces the likelihood of finding yourself in an emergency situation. As well as this, a neglected boiler will see a shortened life expectancy and is likely to end up costing you more money in the long run. An efficient boiler, on the other hand, will keep your costs to a minimum and keep the manufacturer’s warranty. #2 – Have a powerflush When you get your boiler serviced, your heating engineer will carry out a test on the water in the heating system. As a result of this test, they may advise you to have a central heating system power flush if they notice any problems. A power flush removes any debris and byproducts such as rust and sludge, to ensure that your central heating system is working properly. #3 – Bleed your radiators If you’re going to the effort of getting your boiler checked, you should probably bleed your radiators while you’re at it. Radiators need bleeding when there is air trapped in them. Trapped air means that the central heating system isn’t working efficiently, and it can take a longer time to warm the room, which can cost additional money – which is not ideal! Bleeding your radiators is easy, and will ensure that your heating is working quickly, efficiently and cost effectively. #4 – Look into draught-proofing Draught-proofing is when you seal up tiny gaps in your home to prevent cold air from entering, and hot air from escaping. Draught-proofing can be relatively easy to do yourself, using cheap draught excluders for letterboxes and around doors, and can save you energy and money as the months get colder. Here is a link to Amazon’s draught excluders if you are interested – draught excluders #5 – Insulate your pipes to prevent them from freezing Frozen pipes can cause issues. Big issues. Luckily, it is easy to insulate your pipes to prevent this issue by using cheap sponge covers. You can also stop your pipes freezing by leaving your heating on low at all times. #6 – Find out where your stop tap is If your pipes do freeze over, it is a good idea to find your stop tap so that you can turn off the water supply in an emergency. #7 – Clear out your gutters When the temperature gets cold, debris in your gutters can freeze and cause damage to your roof. Good drainage also helps to stop seeping damp and large leaks, so before the weather gets too chilly, it is a wise idea to grab a ladder and clear them out. #8 – Get your roof checked While you’re cleaning your gutters, it may also be a good idea to hire a professional to make sure your roof is in tip top condition. This will prevent any leaks as the weather gets worse, and will ensure you’re not wasting money on your energy bills by heating the outside of your home, rather than keeping it all inside. #9 – Install a smart meter Installing a smart meter will help you to keep an eye on your energy usage as the months get colder, which can help you to prevent your energy bills being higher than you expected. Smart meters are free to install and all energy suppliers are required to offer you one by 2025, so it’s a good idea to get one sooner rather than later. #10 – Prepare your outside spaces It’s essential to prepare your outdoor space for the winter season. Make sure your garden is clear and tidy. Secure greenhouses, plant pots, and wheelie bins to stop them from being carried away by strong winds, and stay on top of leaf removal throughout autumn to prevent a buildup of leaves in your garden. Wet, icy leaves can be a serious hazard, so clearing them away before it gets too cold is important to prevent slips and falls. How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, we offer a range of different services that can help you to prepare your home for winter, such as boiler services, repairs and replacements, power flushes and underfloor heating installation. Contact us today to speak to one of our engineers about your specific requirements, and find out how we can help you.
Smart Homes: How GreenSmart is embracing home automation
Learn about what smart homes are, how they enhance convenience, comfort, and efficiency and what trends are making smart homes the future.
How to prevent pipes from freezing over this winter
With the UK weather becoming more and more unpredictable, we need to be prepared for any eventuality. Without the proper care and maintenance, your pipes can easily freeze over in the plummeting winter temperatures. Preventing your pipes from freezing over is easy. Repairing damage from burst pipes isn’t! Luckily, GreenSmart are here to help with our guide on how to prevent your pipes from freezing over this winter. Why can frozen pipes burst? When water freezes, it expands. When water inside a pipe freezes, the expansion pressurises the pipe from the inside. Some pipes, depending on their age, corrosion level, type of pipe, and the volume of frozen water inside them, will burst at this pressure. In 2021, the average cost of weather-related home insurance claims for burst pipes was £9,300. And with the issue being an easy one to prevent, it’s definitely worth the time and effort. How to prevent your pipes from freezing? There are a number of different things that you can do in order to help stop your pipes from freezing. Have your boiler serviced Making sure that your boiler is in top working condition through an annual boiler service can prepare your pipes and system for the colder weather. If your boiler isn’t working properly, the cold spots will be most vulnerable to the low temperatures. Insulate your pipes and water tanks Insulating your pipes is one of the best ways to prevent them from freezing. Focus on outdoor pipes and pipes in colder areas of your home such as loft spaces and garages. You can buy pipe sponge covers reasonably cheaply, however you can also make your own. Leave your heating on In this cost of living crisis, most people are doing everything they can to keep their energy bills low, like turning your heating off when you’re not home. However, leaving your heating on between 12 and 15 C whilst away from the property keeps the air inside your house warm and helps to stop internal pipes from freezing. Keeping cabinet doors and any loft hatches open will also allow warm air to circulate around your internal pipework. Run your taps It’s harder for water to freeze if it is running, so it is important to turn your taps on and off regularly and allow them to trickle so that water is continuously moving. Know where your stop tap is In the eventuality that your pipes do freeze, it is essential that you know where your stop tap is and how to stop the water flow to your home. Turning off the water supply to your home can prevent more water from entering the affected pipes and causing further damage. How to thaw frozen pipes If you turn your tap on after a bout of cold weather and only get a small trickle of water, it is likely that your pipes have frozen. Luckily, if you catch it early enough (before the pipe bursts), it is relatively easy to thaw out frozen pipes. Apply heat Apply heat to a section of your frozen pipe. You can use a range of different heating methods, such as wrapping the pipe in towels soaked in hot water, or electronically heating the pipe with a heating pad, hairdryer or a portable space heater. Ensure that you apply the heat until your full water pressure is restored. If you can’t find the frozen area or it is inaccessible, contact a licensed plumber. Keep the tap on As you start to thaw out areas of the frozen pipe and the ice begins to melt, water will begin to flow. By keeping the faucet open, you allow water to flow more freely through the pipe, helping to melt the rest of the ice. How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, our friendly team of gas safe engineers can offer support to help prevent your pipes from freezing this winter, and even have the expertise to thaw them out if necessary. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help you.
Our tips to reduce your gas and electricity bills
The average UK home uses around 2,900 kWh of electricity and 12,000 kWh of gas in a year. With the cost of living crisis putting a strain on everyone’s disposable income, most people in the UK are trying to find ways that they can cut back in order to save money. As part of this, many people want to reduce their bills as much as possible. Because Ofgem’s price cap is on energy units, rather than your overall bill, reducing your energy consumption can reduce your energy bills. Luckily for you, we’re here to help with some useful tips on how to reduce your gas and electricity bills. Let’s jump straight in! Tip #1 – Turn off standby How often do you turn your TV off properly? We mean off at the wall, so that little red standby light isn’t on? We’ll take a guess at not often. Most electrical appliances in your home have the ability to be switched off at the plug without disturbing their programming. It seems insignificant, but turning these appliances off of standby mode can actually save you around £60 a year! Tip #2 – Think about draught-proofing your doors and windows Unless you have a new build, chances are that you’re losing a lot of your heating through your doors and windows, gaps around your floors, and up your chimney. This is, obviously, a big waste of money, as why would you pay to heat your chimney?! Professional draught-proofing can be expensive, costing you around £300 depending on what you get done, but you can DIY your draught-proofing for a fraction of the cost, and it can save you around £50 a year on your energy bills! Tip #3 – Install a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats are handy little electronic devices that are designed to control and manage the heating and ventilation systems in your home. Unlike traditional thermostats, which require manual adjustment, smart thermostats are equipped with sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity, and advanced algorithms to automate and optimise temperature control. Smart thermostats can make your heating more efficient by only warming the rooms you are using. They can be controlled from your phone rather than a static home device, and use their sensors and algorithms to learn how long it takes to heat the rooms in your home to a specific temperature, so that you are able to have your room at its ideal temperature at exactly the right time. If you installed smart thermostats, programmers and thermostatic radiator valves, you could save around £75 a year! Tip #4 – Install a Smart Meter A smart meter is an electronic device that allows you to easily read your gas/electric readings. It takes automatic readings of your gas and electricity usage which are then sent to your energy supplier and displayed to you on your screen. They are a cost effective way of reducing your energy consumption, because there is no upfront cost for getting a smart meter installed in your home, and your energy supplier only bills you for the amount of energy you actually use, rather than an estimation. Because you get an immediate view of your home’s energy consumption as and when energy is being used thanks to real-time data, you’ll be able to better manage what you use and how much, which can ultimately reduce the amount of money you spend. Tip #5 – Be careful with your washing and avoid your tumble dryer Washing and drying your laundry is a never-ending chore. Not only does this make it extremely tedious, it also costs you a fortune! However, by being more careful with your washing machine and tumble dryer usage, you could save around £90 a year! We understand that it might be difficult to reduce the use of your washing machine, however, if you use your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle instead of higher temperatures, or reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year, you may be able to save £30! Tip #6 – Upgrade your boiler Though not a cheap option, costing, on average, between £1,000 and £3,000, upgrading your old boiler to a newer one will save you a lot of money in the long run, and can reduce your annual heating bills by 20 – 35%! Tip #7 – Take shorter showers A lot of us love taking a soak in the bath or scrubbing our worries away with a nice long shower. However, reducing your shower time to 4 minutes or less could save a typical household £75 a year on their bills! As well as this, if you swap one bath a week to a 4-minute shower, you can save around £17 annually! How GreenSmart can help At GreenSmart, we offer a range of different services that can reduce your energy consumption, such as boiler replacements and various green plumbing solutions.Contact us today to speak to one of our engineers about your specific requirements and find out how we can help you keep the cost of your bills lower!
What is the ideal room temperature?
Choosing the optimal temperature for your home may be a point of contention. With the British weather not ever seeming to get better, but the cost of living crisis driving energy bills sky high, and your co-habitants fighting over the thermostat as often as they fight over the TV remote, you might be wondering if there is one ideal temperature for your home. Well, GreenSmart are here to help with this handy guide on the most comfortable temperatures for the different rooms throughout your home and the different people who inhabit them. What do we mean by ‘room temperature’? When discussing average or ideal ‘room temperatures’ throughout this article, we are referring to how hot or cold the air in a particular room is. This can be affected by a number of different factors, including the weather outside, the humidity and the purpose of the room in the house. How we experience temperature will also depend on some independent factors, such as our age, our level of activity and our choice of clothing. For example, the living room would feel warmer to someone who has just returned from a workout than from someone who has been sitting in front of the TV in shorts and a t-shirt. Additionally, an older couple may choose to heat their home at a higher temperature than a younger couple, as older people tend to feel the cold more. What is the average room temperature in the UK? Interestingly, the average room temperature in the UK is 3°C lower than what the population believe to be the ideal room temperature, at 18°C in comparison to 21°C. This could suggest that people have been turning their thermostats down a few degrees in order to save money or do their bit for the environment. So, what is the ideal room temperature? According to the Energy Saving Trust, the ideal temperature for your home is between 18°C and 21°C – so we’ve pretty much nailed it as a population! However, it’s important to keep in mind that the different rooms in your home will have different ideal temperatures, because the optimal temperatures for specific rooms usually depend on their use. Rooms you spend more time in, such as living rooms and dining rooms, should be on the warmer side, whereas hallways, landings and storage rooms can afford to be kept at a lower temperature, as they are not used for long periods of time. The ideal temperature for your living room The ideal temperature of your living room is between 19 and 22°C, because this is the room that you probably spend most of your time – often sitting still for extended periods. Because you won’t be moving around, it is more likely that you will get a bit cold. However, higher temperatures will use more energy, so 21°C is probably the highest temperature you’ll want to go. The ideal temperature for your bathroom We don’t necessarily think of our bathrooms as a room that we need to heat at high temperatures, however who wants to get out of the shower to a freezing cold room? Not us! For this exact reason, ideal temperatures for bathrooms sit at around 22°C. Running the bath or shower will increase the humidity of the room, keeping the air warmer, so your boiler won’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature, saving you money. The ideal temperature for your bedroom Despite spending a lot of time in your bedroom, it doesn’t actually need to be as warm as the rest of your house. This is because you spend most of your time there sleeping. Most people don’t like being too hot at night, so the optimal temperature for your bedroom can be anywhere between 15°C and 20°C, depending on your preference. The bedroom is the perfect place to keep costs down, as you can keep your thermostat lower but investing in high-tog duvets and blankets. The ideal temperature for your kitchen Many of us get hot whilst we’re cooking! When we have the oven on and food bubbling away on the hob, the temperature and humidity of the kitchen fluctuates. Because of this variation in heat and humidity, the optimal temperature for your kitchen is between 18°C and 20°C. The ideal room temperature for the elderly According to the NHS, cold weather can worsen some health problems and possibly lead to serious complications, especially if you’re 65 or older. Because of this, it is especially important that elderly people stay warm. In order to stay warm, if you’re 65 or over it is recommended that your home temperature is at least 18°C and a temperature that feels comfortable to you. To avoid draughts, close your curtains and keep internal doors shut to avoid the heat from your radiators being lost into the hallway. The ideal room temperature for a baby According to the NHS, a baby doesn’t need a hot room. In fact, it could be dangerous to keep a baby in a room that is too hot, especially overnight. Overheating can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), so it’s essential that they are kept at a comfortable temperature at all times. The NHS suggests the ideal bedroom temperature for a baby is between 16°C and 20°C. You should also try to keep your baby’s room cool by closing the curtains during the day to keep the sun out and ensuring the room is well-vented. The ideal room temperature when pregnant Particularly in warmer conditions, a lot of pregnant women experience warmth and unease. Therefore, it becomes crucial to adopt measures to maintain a comfortable and hydrated state, safeguarding both your own well-being and that of your baby. Although a specific optimal room temperature isn’t suggested, the key is to ensure the room ambiance is perfectly suited to your comfort. The ideal room temperature for pets Pets are as much part of the family as you are, so you want to ensure that they are comfortable