The exact temperature to set your heating to keep warm without bills spiking – and stop pipes freezing over
WITH ice and snow warnings across the UK this week many of us will be concerned about keeping the house warm.
Not only for our own comfort but also to make sure our pipes don’t freeze over.
Each winter, houses struggle with frozen or burst pipes, which occur when water inside them expands due to ice-cold temperatures.
And while it can be a huge concern for homeowners, leading people to turn the thermostat up, they also want to make sure they aren’t spending too much on their heating bills.
Pipes that are not insulated, aren’t maintained or are exposed to cold weather like outdoor pipes or in basements are also more likely to freeze.
Fortunately, Yell has partnered with plumbing and homeownership experts to give advice on how to avoid either internal or external damage – and what heating checks you need to make.
David Doran, a plumbing expert at Blackstone Plumbing & Heating Ltd, said that while it’s “tempting to crank up the heating on especially chilly days,” there’s one setting you should put the thermostat to.
The expert recommends the ideal temperature to be between 18C and 20C.
Setting the thermostat to a minimum of 18C helps keep the pipes warm and ensures it’s not too low to prevent your pipes from freezing, according to the expert.
For many modern central heating systems, they have a “frost protection” mode, which keeps your home above freezing while using minimal energy.
When sleeping or when the house is empty, it’s recommended to lower the temperature to around 15-17C (59-63F).
This further saves energy while still preventing the house from getting too cold. Alternatively, you can schedule regular heating intervals throughout the day to ensure pipes remain warm and reduce the risk of freezing.
The plumbing expert also shared a few extra tricks to make sure your pipes don’t burst.
Insulate pipes
To prevent burst pipes and expensive water damage, insulate your pipes—especially outdoor ones—before temperatures drop. Look for insulating materials (also called lagging) that are at least 5mm thick.
Insulate all exposed or vulnerable pipes, especially in areas like the roof space, loft, or anywhere prone to extreme cold. This added protection reduces the risk of freezing and bursting.
You can add insulation to pipes and faucets using DIY kits, or if you’re unsure, hire a professional plumber to handle it safely and effectively.
5 ways to keep your house warm in winter
Property expert Joshua Houston shared his tips.
1. Curtains
“Windows are a common place for the outside cold to get into your home, this is because of small gaps that can let in air so always close your curtains as soon as it gets dark,” he said.
This simple method gives you an extra layer of warmth as it can provide a kind of “insulation” between your window and curtain.
2. Rugs
“Your floor is another area of your home where heat can be lost and can make your home feel chilly,” he continued. “You might notice on cold days, that your floor is not nice to walk on due to it freezing your feet.
“Add rugs to areas that don’t already have a carpet, this provides a layer of insulation between your bare floor and the room above.”
3. Check your insulation
Check your pipes, loft space, crawlspaces and underneath floorboards.
“Loose-fill insulation is very good for this, and is a more affordable type of insulation, with a big bag being able to be picked up for around £30,” Joshua explained.
4. Keep your internal doors closed
“Household members often gather in one room in the evening, and this is usually either the kitchen or living room,” Joshua said.
“This means you only have to heat a small area of your home, and closing the doors keeps the heat in and the cold out.”
5. Block drafts
Don’t forget to check cat flaps, chimneys and letterboxes, as they can let in cold air if they aren’t secure.
Service your boiler
Ensure your boiler is serviced regularly to keep it in optimal working condition, which helps maintain consistent heating throughout your home. David recommends having your boiler serviced annually to ensure safe and efficient operation.
It also improves efficiency and saves on energy bills, while many warranties and insurance policies also require annual servicing.
Locate the stopcock
The stopcock is your water supply’s shut-off valve; it’s crucial if you’re dealing with a cracked pipe to prevent water damage.
An expert said: “If cold weather causes a burst pipe, you need to know how to turn off your water supply quickly. So you’ll need to know where your stopcock is. It’s usually found under the kitchen sink.”