Why install air conditioning in your home?

We know what you’re thinking – “Do I really need air con in the UK?”

Our homes are designed to keep us warm in the winter but we all know how uncomfortable it can be when temperatures soar. With our summers getting warmer and more unpredictable, air conditioning is fast becoming a must-have, not a luxury.

And here’s why:

Year-round comfort – modern air con systems don’t just cool your home; they can also provide heating when needed, making them an efficient option all year round.

Better air quality – air con units filter out pollutants, allergens and humidity, making it easier to breathe – especially for hay fever sufferers or anyone with respiratory conditions.

Improved sleep – we all know how tough it is to sleep in a heatwave. Air conditioning helps maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature, so you wake up feeling refreshed.

Energy-efficient – the latest systems are cost-effective to run and can complement your existing heating setup.

Return on investment – Adding an air con system could increase the desirability of your property and may even increase the value of your home.

Why choose Smart Plus Heating for your air con installation?

With years of experience in heating and energy-efficient systems, we bring that same high standard of care and expertise to air conditioning installations. We offer wall-mounted air conditioning, which is the most cost-effective and versatile solution. These units consist of a rectangular internal fan unit and a condenser which is traditionally mounted to an external wall. Whether you’re after a discreet wall unit in one room or a full home solution, we’ll design and install a system that works for your space and your lifestyle. A small domestic split air conditioning system can usually be installed in a day depending on the complexity of the property and the pipe route.

Pay no VAT!

As of April 2022, our domestic customers pay 0% VAT on air con with heat pumps, thanks to 100% tax relief on certain energy-saving materials. Homeowners can benefit from lower prices and lower their carbon footprint, helping the environment at the same time!

Get your FREE quote

If you’re considering having air conditioning installed, our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right solution for your home. With prices starting from £1,699 contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote

With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) transforming the way we think about transport, the demand for home EV charge points has skyrocketed. If you’ve recently made the switch to an EV or are considering it, one of the smartest moves you can make is installing an at-home EV charge point. 

Why install an EV charge point at home?

1. Convenience at your doorstep

Public charging stations serve a purpose, but they can’t beat the convenience of charging your car at home. Imagine waking up every morning to a fully charged vehicle without the hassle of hunting for a free public charger or waiting in line. With a home EV charge point, you can charge overnight when electricity rates are often cheaper, saving time and money.

2. Cost efficiency

Charging at home is significantly more affordable than using public charging points. Combined with off-peak electricity rates, you can keep your running costs low and make the most out of owning an electric vehicle.

3. Increased Property Value

As EVs continue to grow in popularity, having an at-home EV charge point can boost the appeal and value of your property. It’s an attractive feature for potential buyers or tenants who own electric cars.

4. Tailored to your needs

With a home EV charge point, you can choose a system that meets your specific charging needs. Whether you need fast charging, smart functionality, or energy monitoring, the options are extensive and customisable.

Why choose Smart Plus Heating to install your EV charge point?  

When it comes to installing an EV charge point, choosing the right installer is crucial. At Smart Plus Heating we don’t just specialise in heating solutions; we’re also passionate about helping homes transition to sustainable energy. 

When it comes to installing EV charge points, we take the time to understand a customer’s specific needs, from the best charger location to compatible models for their vehicle and home electrical system. Our electrical engineers will work with customers every step of the way to ensure a seamless installation process, tailored to their needs. We’re also just a phone call away for any queries or maintenance needs.

Ready to get started? Contact Smart Plus Heating today for a free consultation and let us help you power your electric vehicle the smart way.

“Smart Plus installed an EV charger outside my house. They did a great job, it was installed quickly and efficiently. I’ve been using the charger daily for the last few months and never had a problem. I would recommend Smart Plus to anyone!”

Dave Waters, customer 

At Smart Plus Heating, we understand how important it is to keep warm without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve put together some practical tips to help you save money on your heating bills this winter.

Upgrade or service your boiler

An annual boiler service can spot issues before they become costly and upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient boiler could reduce your energy consumption significantly. By swapping an older D-rated boiler for a modern A-rated one (at least 90% efficient) you could save up to 23% on your annual gas ball (depending on what type of home you have and how well insulated it is). 

Insulate your home and pipes

Heat loss is a major culprit when it comes to wasted energy. Make sure your loft and walls are properly insulated and don’t forget about your pipes! Insulating pipework prevents heat loss and reduces the risk of freezing during particularly cold spells. Covering your hot water cylinder with an insulated jacket could also save up to £50 a year. 

Invest in a smart thermostat

A smart thermostat lets you control your heating remotely, ensuring you only use energy when you need it. Many models learn your routine and optimise heating schedules to save you money. Keep in mind that the weather changes daily and so should the temperature on your thermostat setting. By turning your thermostat down by 1 degree, you could save up to 10% on your energy bill! 

Bleed your radiators

If your radiators aren’t heating up properly, trapped air could be the issue. Bleeding them ensures they work efficiently, distributing heat evenly throughout your home and cutting down on unnecessary energy use.

Maximise heat retention

Small changes can make a big difference! Use draught excluders for doors and windows, close curtains at dusk to keep the heat in and ensure furniture isn’t blocking your radiators. 

Consider energy-efficient upgrades

Looking for a long-term solution? Installing heat pumps and modern radiator valves can future-proof your home and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources. These upgrades often come with government incentives to help with the cost.

Use heating zones

Install thermostatic radiator valves so you can control the temperature in each room. Keep them low around 2-3, when you aren’t in the rooms or out of the house. For larger homes, this can lead to significant savings.

Take advantage of off-peak rates

If you’re on an energy tariff with cheaper rates during off-peak hours, consider running your heating during these times to save even more.

Ready to heat your home the smart way this winter? 

At Smart Plus Heating, we’re here to help you make the most of your heating system. Whether you need a boiler service, a smart thermostat installation, or advice on energy-efficient upgrades, our friendly, expert team is ready to assist.

Contact us today for advice or to book a heating engineer to visit your home.

Waking up to a crisp, frosty morning can look magical, but freezing temperatures can spell trouble for properties with a condensing boiler.

Condensing boilers are a modern, energy-efficient option found in most homes today. These systems use a condensate pipe to carry away wastewater, which often connects to an outdoor drain or waste system. A steady trickle of water through this pipe means your boiler is functioning as it should.

But when temperatures plummet, the condensate pipe can freeze, causing the boiler to shut down. If this happens, you may hear gurgling noises or see an error code on the display. 

The good news? Defrosting a frozen condensate pipe is usually a quick fix you can do yourself!

How to safely defrost your condensate pipe

Follow these simple Smart Plus Heating steps to get your boiler back in action:

Step 1: Locate the pipe
Find the outdoor condensate pipe connected to your boiler. It’s usually a plastic pipe leading to an external drain.

Step 2: Warm it up
If it’s safe to do so, pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe to thaw the ice.

Step 3: Reset the boiler
Once the pipe is defrosted, reset your boiler and it should be working again as normal.

If these steps don’t solve the problem, give Smart Plus Heating a call. One of our experienced heating engineers will diagnose the fault and provide a quote for any necessary repairs.

Preventing a frozen condensate pipe

The best way to avoid the hassle of a frozen pipe is to take some preventative steps:

Step 1: Cover the drain
Install a drain cover to protect the pipe opening from snow, ice and debris.

Step 2: Insulate the pipe
Wrap the external part of your condensate pipe with weather-resistant insulation to keep it warm.

Step 3: Re-route condensate pipe

Contact Smart Plus Heating today to see if the condensate pipe can be re-routed internally. 

Serving London, Kent, Essex, Sussex and the South East, Smart Plus Heating is here to help you stay warm and worry-free all winter. Whether you’re looking for boiler advice, repairs or an upgrade, give us a call today!