Exact temperature your home should be when away to prevent frozen pipes
To avoid the disaster of freezing pipes and a hefty bill, it's crucial to keep your home within the 'ideal' temperature range.
As parts of the UK brace for a cold snap in the upcoming days, many are torn between enduring a chilly, damp living space or facing sky-high energy bills.
However, being overly sparing with your heating could lead to costly issues, such as black mould, not to mention the surge in Google searches for 'frozen pipes' each winter.
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Specialists have now shed light on the precise temperature to maintain in your abode as we approach the chillier season, including advice for those jetting off on holiday or leaving their homes unoccupied for a few days, the Mirror reports.
In a bid to educate Brits on efficient heating practices, Yell has teamed up with plumbing experts who advise against simply ramping up the heat at the first sign of cold.
David Doran from Blackstone Plumbing and Heating Ltd recommends keeping the house ideally between 18 and 20°C during daylight hours.
"Setting the thermostat to a minimum of 18 degrees helps keep the pipes warm and ensures it's not too low to prevent your pipes from freezing," he elaborated. "Many modern central heating systems have a 'frost protection' mode, which keeps your home above freezing while using minimal energy."
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If you're planning to be away during the colder months or looking to reduce your heating usage, it's not advisable to switch off your heating completely as this could lead to higher costs when you need to warm up your home again.
However, it's perfectly fine to lower the thermostat to 15-17°C (59-63°F) while you're asleep or out of the house. "This further saves energy while still preventing the house from getting too cold," the expert advises.
"Alternatively, you can schedule regular heating intervals throughout the day to ensure pipes remain warm and reduce the risk of freezing."
For those who find themselves feeling a bit nippy despite keeping within this temperature range, there's a common approach in 'heat the person, not the room' by investing in gadgets like electric blankets, hot water bottles, and thick pyjamas.
These can be an effective and economical way to stay cosy. Should you find yourself struggling to cover your gas and electricity bills, support is at hand.
Citizens Advice offers information on grants and benefits, along with guidance for situations where you're facing the possibility of having your energy supply cut off.
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