Boiler expert shares 'ideal' heating temperature to stop pipes from freezing

19 October 2023 , 05:00

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Many people will be starting to think about turning the heating on (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

As the weather gets colder, many of us might start to think about turning on the heating to warm our homes and keep away the chill. But is there a right temperature to set it to?

According to a boiler expert, there are a few things you should consider when switching on your heating this year, especially if you want to avoid the pipes in your home freezing in the winter months.

Speaking to the Express, Andy Kerr, the Founder of Boxt, a boiler and air conditioning company, explained exactly what you need to do with your heating and where your thermostat should be set to keep you and your family warm, while also saving money on your energy usage amid the cost of living crisis.

The expert recommends using a smart thermostat (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

For those who aren't keen to switch the heating on just yet, the expert advises not letting your thermostat drop below a minimum of 10C to "avoid" the risk of pipes "freezing up". Not using the heating at all can be equally as risky as your heating system itself could end up freezing, so Andy also warns against that.

While 10C is an absolute minimum, Andy claims the "ideal" temperature for your home during the winter is between 18C and 20C and you don't really need to go higher than this. He explained: "During the winter months, it can be tempting to crank up the thermostat. However, experimenting with different temperatures can both reduce energy bills and potentially lead to a better night's sleep.

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"Instead of setting one temperature across the whole day, try switching between daytime and nighttime temperatures, as this may make you more comfortable at home and also reduce your energy usage."

He continued to say that this will be easier to do for homes that have a smart thermostat and if you don't have one, it could be worth considering getting one. Andy then went on to bust one of the biggest myths about heating and cost, adding "It is a myth that leaving your heating switched on all the time will help you save money on your energy bills. This is not the case, as your boiler will be continually using energy.

"Instead, it is much more energy-efficient and cheaper to set your boiler so it only fires up when you require warm water or heating, and only set your thermostat to the temperature you want your home to be. Cranking the thermostat up more won't make the system heat up any faster, but will mean it continues burning energy for longer to reach that higher temperature."

Courtney Pochin