Experts warn maintaining the right temperature is crucial to prevent costly frozen pipes. Here’s the minimum temperature range and tips for winter heating without hiking energy bills
Winter has arrived, bringing with it chilly conditions, icy mornings and the possibility of snow. Brits have already witnessed temperatures plummeting below freezing, with harsh weather on the horizon.
Numerous homeowners may have already encountered frozen pipes, a frequent and expensive problem triggered by the drop in temperatures. This shift can prevent heating and hot water from functioning correctly, and in extreme cases can lead to burst pipes.
Subsequent leaks and potential flooding can cause significant damage to your property. Knowing how to properly heat your home during winter is essential to reduce these problems.
A boiler specialist from New Boiler Installation Glasgow has outlined how maintaining your heating at the correct temperature can help keep homes warm and prevent frozen pipes without racking up hefty energy costs.
The specialist cautioned against simply turning the heat up when temperatures fall. Instead, they advise setting the thermostat to a steady temperature, reports the Express.
Keeping an ‘ideal temperature’ between 18°C and 20°C during the winter period is recommended, though the minimum temperature should be at least 10°C to avoid frozen pipes. This enables the boiler to run efficiently.
The expert said: “To avoid frozen pipes, you should set a minimum temperature on your boiler during winter.
“Even when you’re not at home, it’s advisable to keep your thermostat at a minimum of 10°C to prevent costly pipe-freezing issues. Modern technology offers an excellent solution in the form of smart thermostats.”
Smart thermostats offer meticulous control over your heating system, enabling homeowners to set schedules that align with their daily routines.
Water in pipes can freeze when external temperatures plunge below zero. This can cause the water to expand, resulting in cracked or even burst pipes.
If a pipe bursts, all the contained water could flood your home.
To prevent this, it’s beneficial to insulate pipes in unheated rooms or areas where pipes are exposed. Insulation sleeves or foam pipes, often referred to as pipe lagging, can be utilised for this purpose.
If you’re planning to be away from home during the winter months, it’s advised to turn off the mains stop tap and open the lowest sink or bath tap to alleviate the initial pressure on the pipework.