A woman adjusting a thermostat(Image: Getty)

The exact temperature to heat your home to avoid frozen pipes as snow forecast for UK

by · NottinghamshireLive

With snow forecasted for parts of the UK this week, homeowners could face a rude awakening if their properties aren't winter-ready. To prevent damage during the cold months, it's crucial to prepare in advance.

The risk of pipes freezing and bursting increases with plummeting temperatures, potentially causing extensive harm to plumbing and heating systems. While a quick internet search might seem helpful, experts at Yell advise against DIY thawing of frozen pipes due to the risk of causing bursts. They recommend seeking professional help instead, reports the Express.

However, there are preventative measures you can take. David Doran from Blackstone Plumbing and Heating Ltd suggests ensuring your thermostat is set correctly.

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Rather than turning up the heat on very cold days, he advises maintaining a temperature between 18 and 20°C to keep pipes warm without risking them freezing. Many modern heating systems come equipped with a "frost protection" mode that maintains above-freezing temperatures using minimal energy.

If you're away during winter or trying to save on heating, it's best not to switch off the heating completely.

It's advised to lower the temperature to around 15-17°C (59-63°F) when sleeping or when the house is unoccupied, to save energy and prevent the house from getting too cold. Regular heating intervals can be scheduled throughout the day to keep pipes warm and reduce the risk of freezing.

It's also important to have your boiler serviced regularly to ensure it's working optimally and providing consistent heating. David suggests an annual boiler service for safe and efficient operation.

Regular checks can detect leaks, blockages, and ensure device safety, preventing problems like gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning. This not only improves efficiency and reduces energy bills, but many warranties and insurance policies also require annual servicing.